Andy Samberg opens up about leaving 'SNL' due to sleep deprivation
- Andy Samberg revealed on 'Hart to Heart' talk show that he left 'Saturday Night Live' because of a grueling schedule.
- The comedian admitted to suffering from sleep deprivation and physical breakdown before departing the show.
- Samberg's departure was also influenced by the exit of his writing partners.
In a recent interview with Kevin Hart, Andy Samberg candidly shared his struggles during his time on "Saturday Night Live," where he was a cast member for seven seasons starting in 2005. Samberg revealed that the demanding schedule of the show took a toll on him both physically and emotionally, leading to a breaking point where he felt like he hadn't slept in seven years. He described the intense process of creating sketches and digital shorts, highlighting the pressure of constantly producing new content under tight deadlines. Samberg credited his departure from "SNL" in 2012 to the overwhelming demands of the show, particularly after his collaborators Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone left in 2010. He expressed how challenging it was to continue creating digital shorts on his own and the toll it took on him. Despite the difficulties, Samberg reflected on his time on the show with fondness, emphasizing the camaraderie and creative fulfillment he experienced working with his colleagues. Following his exit from "SNL," Samberg went on to star in the successful comedy television show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," where he portrayed an unconventional NYPD detective. The show garnered a dedicated fan base and ran for a total of eight seasons before concluding in 2021. Samberg shared that saying goodbye to the show was a bittersweet experience, as he had grown close to his co-stars and cherished the creative process. Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to prioritize his mental and physical well-being by leaving "SNL" and embarking on new projects.