Melissa Villaseñor Reveals Real Reason for Leaving 'SNL': 'Everyone's Speaking Over Everyone Else'

By Angel Goodman

2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Virtual Show — (Photo : Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Film Independent) UNSPECIFIED: In this image released on April 22, host Melissa Villaseñor speaks during the 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards broadcast on April 22, 2021.

Comedian Melissa Villaseñor opens up on her real reason for leaving "Saturday Night Live".

Melissa Villaseñor was casted in the NBC reality show with her role as Sarah Silverman from the "Family Feud: Political Edition" sketch. She is best known for her impressions of politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and singer Lady Gaga and has been a mainstay on the show until her departure ahead of its 48th season.

Rumors of Villaseñor's exit from the show first circulated earlier when the SNL alum posted some behind the scene photos and videos of her time during the reality show in an Instagram Story, ending with a title card saying, "The End". In September, the comedian finally confirmed her departure from the reality show.

Melissa Villaseñor Details Real Reason For Exit

In a recent episode of the Daily Beast's "The Last Laugh" podcast, the 35-year-old comedian detailed the reason for her exit from "Saturday Night Live", revealing that her mental health played a big factor in her decision.

"It was my decision. I gave myself a lot of time in the summer to think on it and kind of play out in my head if I go back," Villaseñor explained. "At the end of the day it was about my mental health." The comedian said she struggled with panic attacks during the last season. "I was struggling," she said. "I always felt like I was on the edge of a cliff every week. And I was like, I don't want to be doing that to myself anymore."

Melissa Overwhelmed While on 'SNL'?

Explaining further, Melissa details how she felt while on the show and clarifies that while she did not have any conflict with her co-stars, she often felt "small" amidst big groups of people.

"It's not like the show was mean towards me or anyone. It was just how I handle things. I think I'm an introvert. When I'm in a big group of a lot of amazing people, and everyone's speaking over everyone else, I think I tend to get small." Melissa explained".I get nervous, like, where do I fit? What am I supposed to do? That's how I was in high school, too. And so I think that's what caused it."

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