Entertainment

Andy Samberg confirms he’s leaving ‘SNL’

NEW YORK — Actor-comedian Andy Samberg has announced he is quitting NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

The 33-year-old said Friday that he will not be returning to the iconic live comedy program next season, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed.

The Berkeley, Calif., native joined “SNL” in 2005 and quickly became one of the show’s most popular stars thanks to his comedic songs.

“D— in a Box,” which Samberg performed with Justin Timberlake, went on to earn a Creative Arts Emmy for its original music and lyrics. The video has since been viewed tens of millions of times online.

Samberg, whose SNL contract was up at the end of the season, gave a hint that he was leaving during the show’s May 19 season finale in the sketch “Lazy Sunday 2,” which was the follow up to another song of his that went viral.

“On these New York streets/I hone my fake rap penmanship/that’s how it began/and that’s how I’m-a-finish it,” he rapped in the sketch with co-star Chris Parnell.

Samberg is part of comedic hip-hop group Lonely Island, who released the 2009 album “Incredibad” and then “Turtleneck & Chain” last year.

He has also acted in popular 2011 movies “Friends With Benefits” and “What’s Your Number?” and stars alongside Adam Sandler in “That’s My Boy,” which is set for release in the US later this month.

Samberg’s announcement comes after fellow “SNL” cast member Kristen Wiig also left the series. Wiig co-wrote and starred in last year’s box office success “Bridesmaids.”