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Andy Samberg explains why he left Saturday Night Live for his mental and physical health: 'I was falling apart'

Andy Samberg explains his difficult decision to leave 'SNL' after seven seasons when the show wanted him to stay: 'Physically and emotionally, like I was falling apart in my life.'

Andy Samberg made a big impact during his time on Saturday Night Live, helping put YouTube on the map with the viral success of The Lonely Island's digital shorts, but the show ended up taking such a toll on his mental and physical health that he knew it was time to leave. The trio had found great success — and breathed new life into the show — with their fan-favorite musical pre-tape sketches like "Lazy Sunday," "I'm on a Boat," and the Emmy-winning "Dick in a Box." But when Schaffer and Taccone departed to direct movies ( The Watch and MacGruber, respectively), Samberg felt the pressure of working without his childhood pals.

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