Eric André was hospitalized for a concussion after John Cena threw him “through a shelf” (Exclusive)

The Emmy-nominated comedian discusses his aspirations for the Adult Swim series, the injuries he has sustained on ‘The Eric Andre Show,’ and his true self in an interview with PEOPLE.

For Eric André, suffering an injury is a routine part of his job.

Over the duration of six seasons of The Eric Andre Show, the 41-year-old comedian has suffered numerous injuries.

In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, Andre recounts an episode from season 5 in which John Cena threw him through a bookcase, stating, “It’s quite common.” “I traversed the shelf without incident; however, we neglected to sandbag the shelf’s frame, which resulted in the metal frame toppling over and striking me in the head.” After experiencing a concussion, I sought medical attention at the hospital.

Yet another occasion occurred when Andre inadvertently inserted his hand through a window while filming a hoax in Brooklyn.

“He attempted to hammer the window, but his entire hand was pierced,” he explains. “I was sliced and required stitches.” I had to visit the infirmary for that.

While his antics are certainly entertaining, they are only a small component of the quirkiness that distinguishes The Eric Andre Show as one of the most entertaining and outrageous television programs.

Jon Hamm, Jimmy Kimmel, Natasha Lyonne, and Tinashe are among the numerous celebrities who have appeared on the Adult Swim comedy, which lampoons the decades-old chat show format. However, Andre maintains that his visitors “have no idea what they’re getting into,” despite the fact that his quips occasionally cross into NC-17 territory.

“Even if they conduct exhaustive research, watch each episode, and are devoted fans, what happens when you are seated in that chair and African hissing cockroaches are erupting from my coffee mug in the midst of an explosion?” “It is irrelevant how well-prepared you are,” he stated.

“We have reached a stage where it is irrelevant how well-prepared you are,” the comic continues. “Everyone will react in a genuine manner once the torture commences.” We are never in favor of individuals who are playing along.

Andre has been nominated for two Emmys this year for his unique brand of comedy. The first nomination is for outstanding performer in a short form comedy or drama series, while the second for outstanding short form comedy, drama, or variety series. Andre expresses to PEOPLE that he was “over the moon” when he received the news from a Comedy Central employee.

“We have been producing the show for more than a decade, so it is truly remarkable to receive even the smallest recognition of the nomination,” he stated. “Nevertheless, I often develop a sense of superstition regarding this matter.” “I will celebrate when I hold one of those trophies.”

Even if Andre fails to secure the statues at the 2024 Emmy Awards on Sept. 15, he remains optimistic about the show’s future and would relish the opportunity to have Ghislaine Maxwell as a guest. “She’s got stories to tell, man,” he elucidates.

In another context, Andre also expresses his desire to film an entire episode “underwater,” stating, “I believe it would be both surreal and majestic.”

The entertainer’s life appears to be a far departure from his frenetic onstage and onscreen persona when he is not working on his show or performing stand-up comedy because he leads a balanced life.

One of the ways in which Andre prioritizes his mental health is by engaging in daily exercise, journaling, receiving 6 to 8 hours of sleep, and attending therapy “multiple times” per week. In addition, he is enthusiastic about interior design.

He acknowledges, “I believe that people simply perceive me as eccentric.” He continues, “When they visit my apartment, they anticipate a mess, but I am an absolute organized freak.” 

Andre also occasionally draws attention to serious subjects. He uploaded an Instagram post on August 20 that included a video that discussed a troublesome stopover at Melbourne Airport in Australia. In the video, he claimed that he was racially profiled. In addition to requesting a security escort through Melbourne Airport, Andre requested referrals from his social media followers regarding discrimination counsel.

He stated in the video, “I am not interested in dressing in a three-piece suit and cutting my hair in order to be treated as a first-class citizen.” By entering a country, I should not be made to feel unaccepted.