Eric André

Eric André: biography

Eric André is an American comedian, actor, writer, and television host.

Childhood and youth

He was born on April 4, 1983, in Boca Raton, Florida, and grew up in a Jewish family. He attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, where he studied jazz performance. André attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied double bass, before moving to New York City to pursue a career in comedy.

Stand-up career

Eric André's stand-up comedy career began in his early 20s when he started performing at open mic nights and comedy clubs in New York City. He moved to New York City to pursue a career in comedy and began performing at comedy clubs around the city. During this time, he also worked odd jobs to make ends meet, including as a telemarketer and a nanny. His early experiences in stand-up and the hustle of making a living in New York would later inform his unique comedic style.

He quickly gained a reputation for his irreverent and absurd brand of humor, and his performances often included elements of physical comedy and audience interaction.

In 2009, André released his first stand-up comedy album, "ANDRE," which featured a mix of traditional stand-up material, absurdist sketches, and musical performances. The album was critically acclaimed and helped to establish André as a rising star in the comedy world.

In 2012, André began hosting "The Eric André Show" on Adult Swim. The show was a subversive take on the traditional late-night talk show format, with André playing a chaotic and unpredictable host who would often play pranks on his guests and intentionally derail interviews. The show's unique blend of surreal humor, absurdity, and political satire quickly garnered a cult following and helped to solidify André's status as one of the most innovative and daring comedians of his generation.

Despite the success of "The Eric André Show," André has continued to perform stand-up comedy throughout his career. In 2014, he embarked on a nationwide tour called "The Eric André Show Live!" which featured a mix of stand-up comedy, musical performances, and live versions of some of the show's most popular sketches.

In 2020, André released a new stand-up comedy special on Netflix called "Legalize Everything." The special tackled a range of topics, from drug legalization to police brutality, and featured André's trademark blend of absurdity and social commentary.

Throughout his stand-up career, André has been praised for his willingness to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations. His performances often blur the line between comedy and performance art, and his unique brand of humor has inspired a new generation of comedians and performers.

Music career

In addition to his work as a comedian and actor, Eric André has also released music under the pseudonym "Blarf." Blarf is a project that André describes as "outsider music," and his music under this name is known for its surreal and experimental nature.

In 2019, Blarf released the album Cease & Desist. The album features a variety of different genres and styles, including psychedelic rock, jazz, and electronic music. André's vocals on the album are heavily manipulated and processed, adding to the otherworldly feel of the music.

Cease & Desist features contributions from a number of other musicians, including Flying Lotus and Thundercat. The album was released to critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its originality and creativity.

Overall, Eric André's work as Blarf is a departure from his more traditional comedic and acting roles, and is an example of his willingness to experiment and try new things.

Personal life

Eric André has not spoken publicly about his romantic relationships, so it is not known if he is currently dating anyone or if he has a partner. He has been very private about his personal life and has not shared much information about his relationships. It’s only known that Eric André was dating actress Rosario Dawson from 2016 to 2017.

In interviews, he has sometimes joked about his dating life or made offhand comments about his romantic experiences, but it is unclear whether these statements are true or simply part of his comedic persona. As far as the public is aware, Eric André is currently single and focused on his work as a comedian and television host.

Eric has also talked about his struggles with mental health, including depression and anxiety. He has said that his humor often comes from a place of pain, and that he has used comedy as a way to cope with his feelings. He has been open about the fact that he sees a therapist and takes medication to manage his mental health.

Filmography

• The Invention of Lying (2009)
• The Internship (2013)
• Flock of Dudes (2015)
• Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015)
• Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
• Rough Night (2017)
• Disenchantment (2018-2021) (TV series, voice)
• The Lion King (2019) (voice)
• Bad Trip (2021)
• Jackass Forever (2022)

Discography

• BLARF (EP) (2014) - with The First Seed
• Cease & Desist (LP) (2019) - as Blarf