A Tough Decision to Leave SNL
Andy Samberg recently opened up about his decision to leave Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2012, revealing that the job had taken a severe toll on his physical and mental health. In a candid appearance on Kevin Hart’s Heart to Hart show on Peacock, Samberg, now 45, shared that the demanding schedule of the iconic comedy series had become unsustainable, pushing him to prioritize his well-being.
“For me, it was, like, I can’t actually endure it anymore,” Samberg explained. “Physically and emotionally, I was falling apart in my life.” He described how the relentless nature of the job, with its long hours and minimal sleep, eventually caught up with him. “Physically, it was taking a heavy toll on me, and I got to a place where I hadn’t slept in seven years,” Samberg revealed. “It’s basically like four days a week you’re not sleeping, for seven years. I just kind of fell apart physically.”
The Reality of the SNL Schedule
Samberg joined SNL in 2005, where he became famous for his musical sketches with The Lonely Island comedy trio, which included Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer. Their viral hits like “I’m on a Boat” and “I Just Had Sex” became cultural phenomena. However, the pressure of the show’s punishing schedule ultimately led Samberg to step away in 2012.
Samberg recalled that, while he didn’t initially want to leave, he ultimately realized it was necessary for his health. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh, same,’” he shared, reflecting on the support he received when he made his decision. “No one was like, ‘What?’ Everyone was like, ‘Oh, yes, yes. This is just what happens.’ Like, you hit a wall. We’re not built to operate that way.”
Gratitude for His Time on SNL
Despite the challenges he faced, Samberg expressed deep gratitude for his time on SNL, where he forged lifelong friendships and made a lasting impact on comedy. Reflecting on his bond with Taccone and Schaffer, who have been friends since childhood, Samberg said, “We are all into the same things now. Literally, we haven’t grown out of any of our interests.” The trio continues to collaborate professionally, having built a successful career in comedy and entertainment.
Samberg also reflected on some of his proudest moments, many of which were collaborative efforts with Taccone and Schaffer. “I think I speak for all three of us—the things that we’re the proudest of, and that seem to be the things that people bring up to us over the years, are always the things we’ve made together,” Samberg said.
Moving Forward
Although Samberg left SNL to focus on his health, his influence on the world of comedy and television continues to be felt. From his work with The Lonely Island to his roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and beyond, Samberg has maintained a strong presence in entertainment. As he moves forward in his career, Samberg remains a beloved figure, balancing his health with his professional commitments. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of mental and physical well-being, even for those at the top of their field.
