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Ike Barinholtz is recovering from a broken neck after a scary accident on set of an upcoming movie, "The Pact (2018)". The 40-year-old actor/comedian filmed a fall stunt five weeks ago and the impact of his fall from a high platform left him with two fractured cervical vertebrae in his neck.

"We knew something was wrong right away," Barinholtz tells PEOPLE of the accident. "It was scary and was touch and go for a while." He adds, "Luckily, I've had great doctors who have really helped me with my recovery. I do as they tell me."

Per doctor's orders, he has to keep his neck stabilized until the fractures heal. "I have to wear an incredibly stylish neck brace for a while as the bone heals," he says, jokingly adding, "It's a cool look, especially in the summer."

As shooting on the sixth and final season of "The Mindy Project" has begun, the brace will be incorporated into the storyline of the show. "After the accident, I talked to Mindy [Kaling] and we agreed that the only option was writing it into the show," he says. "Luckily, on 'The Mindy Project' I play a character who could break his neck falling out of his bunk bed and it's completely believable."

He goes on sharing, "I've even directed an episode, although I have found it's hard to command respect while in a neck brace."

Despite the unfortunate situation, Barinholtz is still able to see the bright side. "Sometimes it takes getting hurt to realize how lucky you are to have great people in your life," he says. "My family has been taking amazing care of me, and Mindy and all the folks at the show have been so kind. Also, many friends have sent lots of food which is great - but I can't exercise, so in a way, it's exceptionally cruel."

In "The Pact", Barinholtz stars alongside John Cena and Leslie Mann among others. The comedy is set to be released in the U.S. on April 4, 2018. As for the final season of "The Mindy Project", it is set to premiere in September on Hulu.