Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star Andy Samberg Was 'Hesitant' For His Role In Lee

Comedian and actor Andy Samberg, widely recognised for his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, is stepping away from his usual comedic roles to take on a more serious part in the upcoming World War II film Lee. In this Ellen Kuras-directed film, Andy will portray Life Magazine photographer David E. Scherman, starring alongside a stellar cast that includes Kate Winslet and Alexander Skarsgard, among others.

For years, Andy Samberg has captivated audiences with his comedic performances in films and sketches on Saturday Night Live. However, he admitted feeling “hesitant” about stepping into a dramatic role for Lee. In an interview with Digital Spy just days before the film’s release, the 46-year-old actor opened up about his experience in the film and how lead actress Kate Winslet, who portrays Lee Miller, encouraged and motivated him to take on the challenge.

“I heard Kate Winslet was interested in me playing a part in a movie she was making, so I immediately said yes. She had reached out, and I think honestly was like, ‘I think you look a lot like the actual guy, David Sherman’, and she had enjoyed some of my work with her kids, and so we read together,” said Andy. While he was a bit apprehensive at the start and joked, “I didn’t want to ruin the movie; that was my quote.”

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star further mentioned, “But we worked together, and (Winslet) was like, ‘You’re gonna be great. I want you to do it. They want you to do it.’ So I went for it. I figured when would I ever get a chance again to work with her on something like this? And I thought I was good for the part, and I had a lot of admiration for the man that I was playing, and it all kind of fell into place.”

Lee, directed by Ellen Kuras, who previously collaborated with Kate on her 2004 romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, will be released in theatres on September 13. The story of this war drama revolves around American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who becomes an acclaimed correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.

As for Andy, he is best known for his role as Jake Peralta in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which went on from 2013 to 2021. He was also seen in Palm Springs and has lent his voice to several characters in animated movies.