Howie Mandel's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) America's Got Talent Howie Mandel St. Elsewhere Dr. Wayne F… Deal Or No Deal Himself - H… Muppet Babies Animal Skeeter Bunsen Bobby's World Bobby Generic Deal With It Howie Mandel Howie Do It Howie Mandel Deal or No Deal (CA) Howie Mandel Howie Himself (3) Hidden Howie: The Private Life of a Public Nuisance Howie Mandel

Main Movie Roles

BIOGRAPHY:

The story goes that huggable stand-up comedian Howie Mandel, who ran a carpet business once upon a time, began his show biz career by chance while catching amateur night at the Comedy Store on the L.A. Sunset Strip during a vacation. Goaded on by friends to try out, a producer spotted him, hired him for an appearance on the comedy game show Make Me Laugh, and the rest is history. Talk about luck! Born in Toronto, Canada in 1955, Howie became a highly affable performer who quickly graduated to TV talk shows and Vegas gigs. Six years on, the critically-acclaimed St. Elsewhere (1982) medical drama not only increased his visibility but earned him Emmy nominations. An affinity for children led him to the Emmy-nominated animated kids' series Bobby's World (1990) serving as creator, executive producer and vocal talent. Film stardom has been elusive with silly, bumbling vehicles such as A Fine Mess (1986), Walk Like a Man (1987) and Little Monsters (1989) failing to click with audiences. Kids, however, enjoyed his cuddly voice as Gizmo, in the Gremlins (1984) film series.

Following his own failed talk show The Howie Mandel Show (1998) during the 1998-1999 season, Howie has managed a full time schedule of concerts and comedy specials that keeps him current with today's audiences.


TRIVIA:

• Has a bikini wax named after him, for his clean-shaven head.
• His daughter, Jackie, is a teacher.
• Once an opening act for 'Diana Ross (I)' (qv) in Las Vegas.
• Was once food poisoned by eating contaminated chicken.
• Color blind.
• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 4, 2008.
• Instead of shaking hands, a tap fist became a sort of his signature.
• Friend of 'Jay Leno' (qv).