Eric André, a renowned comedian, actor, television host, and writer, has a unique and diverse background that shaped his life. Born on April 4, 1983, in Boca Raton, Florida, André is the son of an Afro-Haitian immigrant father, Pierre Andre and an American Ashkenazi Jewish mother Natalie Andre. His father worked as a psychiatrist, while his mother is a distinguished activist who has made considerable contributions to the causes of LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights.
An integral aspect of André’s identity is his biracial background. He identifies as both Black and Jewish, embracing his Haitian and Ashkenazi Jewish roots. This distinct upbringing has played a role in shaping his comedic style within his comedy series, “The Eric Andre Show,” on Adult Swim, as well as his stand-up specials, like “Legalize Everything” on Netflix.
Eric has two siblings, Pierre and Natalie Andre. The Andre family not only boasts of their heritage but also engages in various pursuits that reflect their dedication to activism, psychiatry, and LGBTQ+ rights. Their story is a testament to the blending of cultures and the beauty that arises from embracing and acknowledging the diversity within one’s own heritage.
Early Life and Background
Childhood and Education
Eric Andre was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. He attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a prestigious high school in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he developed his passion for performing arts. Later, he pursued higher education at Berklee College of Music, obtaining a Bachelor of Music degree.
Parents and Ancestry
Eric’s mother, Natalie André, hails from the Upper West Side of New York City and is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. His father, the late Dr. Pierre Andre, was an Afro-Haitian immigrant who worked as a psychiatrist. Dr. Pierre André graduated from the Universidad CETEC Medical School in 1982 and did his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was a professional psychiatrist based in Delray Beach, Florida, affiliated with the Delray Medical Center.
Eric’s diverse cultural background, being both Black and Jewish, has played a substantial role in shaping his unique comedic style and perspective.
Career
Stand-up Comedy
Eric Andre began his career as a stand-up comedian, honing his craft at various comedy clubs. His unique style and sense of humor quickly gained attention, leading to opportunities in other areas of the entertainment industry.
Television
Andre’s big break came with the creation of The Eric Andre Show, a comedy series which premiered on Adult Swim in 2012. He serves as the host, producer, and co-writer of the show, which has gained a cult following for its comedic interviews and surreal skits. In addition to his own show, Eric has been a part of other television projects, including the comedy series “Man Seeking Woman” and guest appearances on popular shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “American Dad!”.
Films
Eric’s success in the TV world paved the way for opportunities in films. He has appeared in several movies, such as “The Internship”, “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”, “Rough Night”, and “Bad Trip”. He even lent his voice to the character of Azizi in the 2019 remake of “The Lion King”.
Music
Apart from comedy and acting, Eric also has a background in music. He studied double bass at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2019, Andre released an album under the moniker, Blarf, through Stones Throw Records. The album showcases his experimental and unique musical style, further highlighting his versatility as an artist.
Advocacy and Activism
Eric André’s parents have a strong background in advocacy and activism, particularly his mother. She is an award-winning activist who has made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. As an African-American Jew, she brings a unique perspective to various social issues, including racial and gender inequality.
Her dedication to advocacy has earned her the prestigious Susan B. Anthony Feminist of the Year title. This award is granted by the National Organization for Women (NOW) and recognizes significant contributions to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Her work in this area is vast, ranging from supporting LGBTQ+ rights to advancing sexuality studies.
In addition to her own activism, Eric André’s mother has supported her children’s understanding of their biracial heritage. As a Black and Jewish family, they navigate the intersection of different cultures and identities. This background likely has played a vital role in ensuring that Eric and his sister appreciate the importance of activism and advocacy in promoting equality.
Moreover, Eric André’s father, a former medical professional, is also engaged in activism. Although his specific contributions might not be as well-documented as his wife’s, his background as a Haitian immigrant certainly contributes to the family’s overall commitment to social justice and change.
Through their dedication to activism, Eric André’s parents have not only cultivated a family environment that values social justice but also inspired their children to embrace their unique cultural background and promote equality in their own ways.
Social Media
Eric Andre is active on multiple social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. These platforms allow him to connect with fans and share content from his comedic work and personal life.
On Instagram, Eric shares a mix of behind-the-scenes footage from his projects, personal moments with friends and family, and his unique sense of humor. His posts often showcase his witty and absurd comedy, engaging his followers with hilarious captions and visuals. You can find him on Instagram under the handle @ericfuckingandre.
He is equally present on Twitter, where Eric interacts with his audience by tweeting his thoughts and reactions to current events and trending topics. With a similar style to his Instagram presence, Eric’s tweets often incorporate his distinct comedic voice. You can follow him on Twitter at @ericandre.
Through both platforms, Eric occasionally shares glimpses into his relationship with his parents, Pierre and Natalie Andre. Fans can gain some insight into their personalities and their influence on his life and comedy. By following these social media accounts, followers can stay up-to-date with Eric Andre’s latest work, thoughts, and personal experiences.
Personal Life
Relationships
Eric Andre has had a few notable relationships in his life. He dated model and actress Emily Ratajkowski before her marriage to Sebastian Bear-McClard. In 2020, Eric was romantically linked to actress Rosario Dawson. The couple’s relationship received widespread media attention, and they were open about sharing their love for each other on social media. However, they reportedly broke up in 2021.
Sexuality
Eric Andre has openly discussed his sexuality in various interviews and on social media. He identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career. As a biracial individual, born to an American Ashkenazi Jewish mother and an Afro-Haitian father, Eric’s background has played a significant role in shaping his worldview and identity. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment has allowed him to better understand and appreciate the varying perspectives and experiences of people from different backgrounds.
Eric’s openness about his sexuality and background demonstrates his confidence in his identity and commitment to fostering a more inclusive society by openly discussing these topics. This approach not only showcases his authenticity but also helps increase representation for both the LGBTQ+ and biracial communities in the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Influence
Eric Andre’s parents, from their diverse and accomplished backgrounds, have had an undeniable impact on his career as a comedian. Their support and understanding of his unorthodox comedic style can be seen as a major driving force behind his success in the world of comedy.
His mother, a prominent award-winning activist, instilled in him the importance of fighting for social change and standing up for what he believes in. This is evident in some of the commentary his comedy addresses, showcasing how his upbringing has shaped his distinct comedic perspective.
Eric’s father, a former medical professional, brought a different aspect of resilience and determination to his work. It’s evident that the diligence and work ethic learned from his father has allowed him to pursue and excel in the rapidly changing and competitive world of comedy.
As a comedian, Eric Andre has created a lasting impact on the comedy scene with his unique brand of cringe and shock humor. His trailblazing antics and relentless dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is considered funny have influenced a new generation of comedians who seek to connect with and challenge their audience.
Through his comedy, Eric has managed to break down racial and cultural barriers by presenting himself as both black and Jewish. By highlighting his diverse background, he has contributed to a more inclusive and open-minded comedy industry.
In conclusion, the legacy and influence of Eric Andre parents are truly noteworthy. Their continued support, along with the strong foundation they provided him, has played an essential role in shaping the comedian into the boundary-pushing, influential figure he has become today.
