TV Personality & Co-host of America's Got Talent Bringing His Brand of Comedy To Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

While TV personality Howie Mandel may have gained national attention due to 'St. Elsewhere' (1982-88), he was already blazing trails in stand-up comedy before he accepted the role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on NBC's medical drama. The Toronto, Canada native started making headway in Los Angeles comedy clubs in 1979 and '80. However when he appeared at a specific comedy showcase it helped propel him into the spotlight.

"In 1981 I took part in an HBO special called the '6th Annual Young Comedians', which was presented by the Smothers Brothers. It featured up and coming comics like Richard Lewis, Harry Anderson, and Jerry Seinfeld. That really put me over the top. Not long after I was selling our arenas."

A year later he was asked to audition for 'St. Elsewhere', a TV show starring Ed Flanders, Norman Lloyd, and William Daniels as teaching doctors at an aging, run-down Boston hospital mentoring interns. The ensemble cast for young actors included Mark Harmon, Ed Begley Jr., David Morse, and Denzel Washington.

"The show kind of happened by accident. Guys like Robin Williams (Mork & Mindy) and Billy Crystal (Soap) were getting TV shows, so I thought that was the natural progression. The show was produced by MTM, which was the Mary Tyler Moore company, and they had 'Rhoda' and 'The Bob Newhart Show', so I assumed it was going to be a comedy."

Mandel admits it was a whirlwind process. "They had already shot a few episodes but were looking to replace some of the cast members. So MTM calls me in, and they ask me 'can act?'. I said I don't know. So I read a few lines and they said I was good. Next thing you know I'm meeting Mark Tinker and Bruce Paltrow who were the producers." He adds, "I left thinking I didn't get it because it wasn't funny. I didn't understand the lines and it would never make it as a sitcom."

It must have been fate. "So they called me back, and this time I'm meeting with the producers and Brandon Tartikoff, the president of NBC. That was a Friday, and they said we'll see you on Monday." Mandel replaced veteran character actor David Paymer. "He ended up getting an Academy Award nomination for 'Mr. Saturday Night', so I think he landed on his feet."

Mandel's workload soon increased. He would do movies, guest appearances on other TV shows, provide the voice of Gizmo in the 1984 hit 'Gremlins' and its 1990 sequel. He would go on to create and produce the Emmy-nominated children's animated series 'Bobby's World' (1990–1998), as well as hosting his self-titled comedy show 'Howie' in 1992, and a syndicated talk show 'The Howie Mandel Show' in 1998.

The same reluctance Mandel had initially for 'St. Elsewhere' surfaced again when he was asked to host 'Deal Or No Deal'. "It was 2005, and no comics were hosting game shows." He draws a comparison. "People who were in movies didn't do commercials. Comedians hosting game shows wasn't a thing." 

He was a bit confused by the show's premise. "I didn't understand the game. I imagined there was nothing in it for me. How could I stretch the show out for an hour. I couldn't be funny. Really I was somewhat embarrassed. But I signed on and the show took off." The show premiered on December of 2005 and averaged 10 to 16 million viewers each episode in the first season.

In 2010 Mandel replaced David Hasselhoff in the fifth season of 'America's Got Talent'. "I absolutely love it. I sit 10 feet away from the hopes and dreams of everyday people trying to showcase their abilities. There's something special to having a front row seat to AGT."

However, he would welcome more stand-up comics taking part. "I'm especially excited when comedians come out on the stage. I wish more would. I get to see acts where people are hanging from the ceiling or lighting themselves on fire, and I enjoy that danger. But it's harder sometimes for comedians, because they need more from the audience. If they don't get that laugh every 20 or 30 seconds then it could result in career suicide on national television."

Since 2021 Mandel along with his daughter Jackelyn Shultz have been hosting 'Howie Mandel Does Stuff', a quick witted un-rehearsed podcast. Together, the two make prank calls, discuss pop culture, interview interesting people, say weird things, chat with listeners, and get deep. "It grew out of necessity. It was during COVID. We would talk weekly, do Zoom calls. It was just funny exchange between father and daughter. My wife said, 'why don't you record it'. That's how it all came about." 

His guest interviews have been diverse, ranging from Johnny Knoxville, Richie Sambora, Gene Simmons, Danny DeVito, and Paul Stanley, to Candace Owens Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. He's interviewed his fellow AGT co-stars as well. "I like to keep it interesting."

Hosting TV game shows, judging reality shows, doing voice overs, and hosting podcasts, Howie Mandel appears to be burning the candle at both ends. The high profile entertainer who turns 70 in November later this year doesn't anticipate slowing down. "I hope not. If so, it won't be my choice. I hope I keep getting asked to the party."

Mandel adheres to the old adage 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life'. "Absolutely. What I do is not work. I love what I do. And I've been fortunate to be a part of AGT for 16 years." He's the show's longest running judge.

45 years since he took the entertainment world by storm, Mandel declares stand up comedy is still ranks first on his list. "Without a doubt. It's my main love and my first love. Even when I'm shooting AGT I'll drop in 'The Comedy Store' or the 'Laugh Factory' two or three times a week to catch some comics. Maybe pop on stage. I love the energy and vibe I get in comedy clubs."

Stand-up has been part of Mandel's DNA since performing at Yuk Yuk's in Toronto in 1978. More than anything, Mandel likes being in control. "That's what attracts me about performing stand-up comedy. It's very loose. It's improv. I'm basically hosting a giant party where I'm the center of attention. If I want to do a bit from the balcony of the theatre, it's my call."

He goes on to say, "When I do the game shows or AGT they're structured. It's the same reason I don't do comedy specials because they worry themselves about too many things, where to be on stage, camera angles, and lighting. Besides, I don't need more exposure. I can just be me when I doing stand-up in a club or theatre."

Admittedly, he doesn't record his stand-up shows, and prefers to break them up each and every night. "I don't like being routine. I welcome the raw purity of comedy. I write bits, but mostly I like to feed off the audience. If someone projects into my material I'll work off it. I let each show go in its own direction."

For his contributions to his craft, Mandel has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2008), as well as one on Canada's Walk of Fame ('09) in Toronto. While he's honored to be included, he jokingly adds, "I also have a stain somewhere on a sidewalk in St. Louis."

His off the cuff tongue and cheek comeback extends to Mandel being listed number 82 among Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Comedians of all time. Given there are over 1000 plus comedians during the past several decades, that is high praise. "Again I'm very honored, but I only shot to be 86 on the list. So I over-achieved."

Mandel has been very open about his issues with OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) and ADHD ( Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Just two of the many topics he discussed in his 2009 autobiography 'Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me'. "Somebody wanted me to write my memoir, so I decided I'd take it seriously and discuss the struggles I've had since childhood." 

Aside from his family, it's one of few areas in his life he's very adamant about "At first I was embarrassed talking about by mental health. But I realized everybody deals with issues." His memoir has a lot more in it, including his remarkable rise through the entertainment business. "It has some very clever anecdotes. I'm very proud of the book. It was a NYT's bestseller. Not bad for a guy who didn't even get a GED (another joke)."

Mandel's commitment has led him to partner with NOCD, online therapy aimed at restoring hope for people with OCD through better awareness and treatment. "I'm, glad to partner with them. It's a shame we don't deal with mental health the same way we deal with dental health." He's happy to add, "What's really cool, they accept many major insurance plans." NOCD website listed below.

Certainly one of the many highlights in Mandel's life has been his family. He's been married to his wife Terry for 45 years. The couple met as teenagers back in Toronto. Perhaps it was her generosity that won him over. "We were standing in line at the Y. I didn't have enough money to pay for french fries and she lent me the money. I've been paying her back ever since." The couple have three children and three grandchildren.

According to Mandel, the basis for a long marriage is simple. "We understand each other. She's an incredible woman. She gets me and makes me laugh. I'm very fortunate to have her in my life. I obviously married up." In jest he adds, "I think she welcomes when I'm on the road doing stand-up because she has the house to herself and some alone time."

Terry Mandel will enjoy some me time the second weekend in July when her husband Howie brings his comedy act to the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach on Friday night July 11th, performing in Indianapolis the following night. "I love everything I do, and I've been very fortunate over my career, but performing live is really where my heart lies."

While Mandel admits shows such as AGT are suitable for family viewing, he advises parents not to bring their children to his live shows. "I would leave the kids home. My act is definitely not appropriate for anyone under 18." For more on the Myrtle Beach show visit https://thecarolinaopry.com/event/howie-mandel/  For additional tour dates visit https://www.howiemandel.com/tour-dates 

'Howie Mandel Does Stuff' is available on several streaming services including Apple and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4opzvueDzAKg8sKpu80Njl  And for info on NOCD visit their site at https://www.treatmyocd.com/