While on a trip to Los Angeles in 1979, the then curly-haired Canadian made a splash on amateur night at the Comedy Store. Soon the neophyte funnyman was booking professional gigs both on stage and TV. In 1982 he was cast in a dramatic role on
St. Elsewhere, and during the series' six seasons, he made a number of TV comedy specials and branched out onto the big screen in a string of tepid comedies (
The Funny Farm,
A Fine Mess). In the '90s Mandel signed on to a variety of short-lived TV projects including a sitcom (
Good Grief) and an eponymous daytime talk show, but none — save for his Emmy-nominated animated series
Bobby's World — were able to successfully harness his affable comic talents. Mandel kept busy with frequent talk-show appearances and live shows but didn't reenter the spotlight until 2005 when he became the host of the wildly popular (if convoluted) game show
Deal or No Deal.
Howie Mandel Fast Facts:- Worked as a carpet salesman before being discovered as a comedian.
- Opened for Diana Ross in Las Vegas.
- Provided the voice of Gizmo in the 1984 horror film Gremlins.
- Voiced a series of acclaimed educational CD-ROMs for children.
- Is color-blind.
- Howie Mandel Relationships:
- Alex Mandel - Son
- Jackie Mandel - Daughter
- Riley Paige Mandel - Daughter
- Terry Mandel - Wife
- Howie Mandel Awards:
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program - Nominee
