Andy Samberg reveals reason for his 'SNL' exit: 'I was falling apart in my life'

Andy Samberg is opening up about his "difficult" decision to exit "Saturday Night Live."

In an interview on Kevin Hart's Peacock show "Hart to Heart," the "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star, 45, shared that he left the sketch comedy show in 2012 to prioritize his physical and mental health.

"For me, it was like I can't actually endure it anymore," he said. "Physically and emotionally. I was falling apart in my life."

Samberg explained that the intense "SNL" schedule, which involved working long hours to write for the live show while making new digital shorts weekly, became difficult for him.

"Physically, it was taking a heavy toll on me, and I got to a place where I hadn't slept in seven years," he said. "...It's basically like four days a week you're not sleeping, for seven years. I just kind of fell apart physically."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Samberg joined "SNL" in 2005, where, as part of the comedy trio The Lonely Island, he starred in digital shorts like "Lazy Sunday" and "I'm on a Boat" that became viral hits in the early years of YouTube.

He left the show in 2012, telling Entertainment Weekly at the time, "It wasn't a decision I made lightly or quickly. I will miss everyone there."

Speaking with Hart, Samberg noted that he didn't "want" to leave "SNL," as the ability to come up with an idea and have it on television days later was "intoxicating." But he felt he had to walk away to "get back to a feeling of mental and physical health," which was a "very difficult choice."

Andy Sambergslams critics of Oscar diversity rules, talks 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and police brutality

The "Palm Springs" star recalled that when he confided in people about why he had to leave "SNL," everyone he spoke with instantly understood where he was coming from.

"Everyone was like, 'Oh, same,'" Samberg said. "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."

Another factor was The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone leaving the show, as Samberg felt he couldn't continue making digital shorts, particularly songs, without them.

Amy Poehler also gave Samberg confidence to walk away after he appeared in a guest role on her sitcom "Parks and Recreation," and she told him this lifestyle was "pretty comfortable."

Beginning in 2013, Samberg played Jake Peralta on the sitcom "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," which ran until 2021. It was co-created by Mike Schur, who also co-created "Parks and Recreation."

Two years after he left "SNL," Samberg returned as host in 2014.

Selena Gomeztook a 'wonderful' break from social media: 'I've learned to have a balance with it'

Samberg previously said on "The Opie & Anthony Show" in 2012 that he left "SNL," his "dream job," after his seven-year contract was up.

"I think I could have done another year and had a great time, but for whatever reason, just internally, inside, I felt like it was time," he said. "I can't really explain it."