20 Facts about TV Host Howie Mandel, the Longest Serving Judge on AGT

May 2024 ยท 3 minute read

Canadian-born actor Howie Mandel is the longest-serving judge on America's Got Talent. He has become a household name through the show.

Comedian, actor and television host, Howie Mandel has done everything from hosting the CNBC game show "Deal or No Deal" to acting in the comedy film "Walk Like a Man."

He also created and starred in the children's cartoon "Bobby's World" as well as appearing as a judge on "America's Got Talent." Here are twenty facts about Mandel that fans might not know.

A young Howie Mandel smiles at the camera | Wikimedia Commons

1. Color Blind

Howard Mandel is color blind.

2. He is A Father

Mandel is a father to three children. First is his daughter Jackie who was born in 1984, then son Alex Mandel was born in 1989. His last child, Riley Mandel, was born in1992.

Howie Mandel arrives to the NBC Universal TCA Summer Press Tour 2016 | Shutterstock

3. Opening Act

Howie was once the opening act for Diana Ross when she was performing in Las Vegas.

4. Expelled

When he was in high school in Toronto he was expelled. He apparently pretended to be from the school board and convinced a local construction company to add a section onto the high school.

Howie Mandel and wife Terry at the "8th Annual Family Television Awards" at Beverly Hilton | Shutterstock

5. OCD & Mysophobia

6. His Signature Handshake

Since he refuses to shake hands, Howie has created his own signature replacement. He instead does a tap fist motion.

Howie Mandel at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony honoring him. | Shutterstock

7. Famous Friend

One of Howie's close friends is Jay Leno.

8. Wax Named After Him

The Waxing Goddess named a bikini wax after him. It is called The Howie Mandel and claims it will leave just a little triangle of hair behind.

Howie Mandel arrives at "America's Got Talent: The Champions" Finale at Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Getty Images

9. Food Poisoning

Howie once suffered food poisoned after he unknowingly ate contaminated chicken.

10. Daughter

His oldest daughter Jackelyn Shultz did not follow his footsteps. Instead, she decided to become a teacher.

Judge Howie Mandel arrives for the "America's Got Talent" Season 13 Live Show at Dolby Theatre | Getty Images

11. Star in Canada

Mandel was awarded a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto on September 19, 2009. He is only the third game show host to get a star.

12. Who is His Manager

His road manager is Rich Thurber.

Howie Mandel attends the "America's Got Talent" red carpet event at Madison Square Garden | Getty Images

13. Best Role

Howie Mandel is best known for his role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on "St. Elsewhere" in 1982.

14. Idol

His idol was Julie London.

Comedian Howie Mandel and wife Terry Soil pose with Mandel's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame | Getty Images

15. Mentor

Howie Mandel's acting mentor was Norman Lloyd.

16. His Book

Howie Mandel as the host on "Deal or No Deal"| Flikr

17. Hospitalization

In January 2009, Mandel was hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat. He was in Toronto, Canada at the time.

18. Other Disorder

Besides Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Mandel has also been diagnosed with ADHD.

Howie Mandel speaks onstage during the 'America's Got Talent' panel at the 2016 NBCUniversal Summer Press Day at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village | Getty Images

19. Chemistry with Norman Lloyd

Howie once said he had a wonderful chemistry with Norman Lloyd on "St. Elsewhere."

20. Attended Lloyd's Birthday

Mandel was amongst the guests at 100th birthday of Norman Lloyd in 2014. Also amongst the guests was Ed Begley Jr., Stephen Furst, and David Morse.

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