Celebrity Info
Comedian Howie Mandel has had an incredible journey, transforming from a wild and wacky stand-up performer into one of North America’s most familiar television faces. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Howie Mandel began his comedy career in his early twenties, performing around the city’s local clubs and venues. Before long, he made his way to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a staple at The Comedy Store. Known for his high-energy acts—like inflating a surgical glove on his head using only his nose—Howie Mandel developed a loyal fan base that appreciated his unique brand of humor.
Early on, Howie Mandel appeared on shows like the syndicated “Make Me Laugh” (1979–80), where comedians tried to make contestants crack up. He also shared the spotlight with rising stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Lewis, and Harry Anderson during HBO’s “The 6th Annual Young Comedians” special in 1981. This exposure helped boost his profile significantly. While comedy was his foundation, Howie Mandel wasn’t afraid to explore new territory. He landed a role in the film “Gas” (1981), but it was his turn as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the acclaimed medical drama “St. Elsewhere” (NBC, 1982–88) that truly showcased his range. Starring alongside actors like Denzel Washington and Mark Harmon, Howie Mandel proved he could deliver serious performances just as well as laughs.
During his time on “St. Elsewhere,” Howie Mandel began building a reputation behind the scenes as a talented voice actor. He lent his voice to several characters on the popular children’s series “Muppet Babies” (CBS, 1984–91) and famously voiced Gizmo in the 1984 hit “Gremlins.” That success in voice work inspired him to create his own animated show, “Bobby’s World” (Fox, 1990–98), which was based on one of his beloved stage characters. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Howie Mandel continued to appear in films, including comedies like “A Fine Mess” (1986), “Walk Like a Man” (1987), and “Little Monsters” (1989).
He returned to regular TV with “Good Grief” (Fox, 1990–91), though the series only lasted 13 episodes. Over the next couple of decades, Howie Mandel remained active across various platforms—hosting a short-lived talk show and becoming a frequent presence on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC, 1992–2009), where his hilarious hidden-camera pranks were a fan favorite. Still, despite steady work, Howie Mandel felt uncertain about the path his career was taking.
That all changed in 2005 when he took on the role of host for the U.S. version of “Deal or No Deal” (NBC/Syndicated, 2005– ). With his signature catchphrase and energetic interactions, Howie Mandel guided contestants through nerve-wracking decisions as they opened briefcases hiding cash prizes. The show became a massive hit, revitalizing his public image and making Howie Mandel a household name all over again.
In 2010, he joined the judging panel of “America’s Got Talent” (NBC, 2006– ), replacing David Hasselhoff. Teaming up first with Howard Stern and later with Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel brought humor, heart, and authenticity to the show, helping solidify its place as a primetime staple. His popularity soared, leading to a string of original projects such as “Howie Do It” (NBC, 2009), the surprise-reunion show “Mobbed” (Fox, 2011–13), the comedic debate series “Deal With It” (TBS, 2013–14), and the lighthearted animal compilation “Howie Mandel’s Animals Doing Things” (Nat Geo, 2018– ).
Beyond his on-screen roles, Howie Mandel became a respected figure for speaking candidly about mental health. A frequent guest on daytime and late-night talk shows, he openly discussed his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and germophobia, helping raise awareness and reduce stigma. Through it all, Howie Mandel has remained a dynamic and enduring presence in entertainment—constantly evolving, always engaging, and never afraid to be himself.
When it comes to Howie Mandel’s career highlights, one standout project really shines—his highest rated film is Gilbert from 2017. This documentary, which dives into the life of comedian Gilbert Gottfried, earned a lot of praise and certainly boosted Howie Mandel’s reputation in the world of compelling storytelling. On the other hand, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, Howie Mandel was involved in Hansel & Gretel back in 2002, which ended up being his lowest rated movie. While opinions on films can vary, the general consensus reflects that this particular title didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. So overall, when you compare the two, Howie Mandel clearly had a much stronger impact with Gilbert. It just goes to show how diverse his body of work is—from family fantasy adaptations to deep, personal documentaries. And honestly, that contrast makes Howie Mandel’s journey all the more interesting to follow.
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