Howie Mandel, a renowned Toronto-born comedian and television host, made his breakthrough in the entertainment industry with a role in the dramatic series St. Elsewhere. His path to fame, marked by creativity and unique humor, is an inspiring tale of resilience and talent. Read more about Howie Mandel’s journey on toronto-trend.
Childhood and Early Business Ventures
Howie Mandel was born on November 29, 1955, in Toronto to a Jewish family. His father worked at a lighting factory, and his mother was a real estate agent. Known for his mischievous and energetic personality, Howie loved to joke and play pranks on friends and family.
Mandel’s antics often got him into trouble, leading to his expulsion from three different schools. After earning his high school diploma, he started working as a carpet salesman in Toronto. His knack for the business allowed him to build a successful retail network, opening two carpet stores.
In 1979, Mandel traveled to Los Angeles on a business trip and decided to test his comedic skills at The Comedy Store. His performance was so well-received that he became a regular at the club.
Later that year, a producer from the comedy show Make Me Laugh spotted him and offered Mandel a one-year contract to perform his stand-up acts. Around the same time, a CBC variety program executive saw Mandel’s performance and signed him to appear on television specials.
One of Mandel’s signature comedy tricks was inflating a latex glove over his head by blowing through his nostrils until it popped off. Unfortunately, he had to abandon this act after being diagnosed with a perforated sinus.
From Stand-Up Comedian to Actor
Mandel’s acting career began in 1980 when he landed a lead role in the Canadian film Gas. This marked the start of his transition from comedy to acting. In 1984, he provided the voice for Gizmo in the film Gremlins. By 1992, he had his own comedy show, Howie, where he invited notable guests for engaging conversations.
In 1994, Mandel starred in the comedy film Walk Like a Man and lent his voice to the lead character in the video game Tuneland. He later appeared in the TV series Good Grief on FOX and became the executive producer of the Emmy-nominated children’s series Bobby’s World. In 1995, he featured in the sketch comedy series Howie Mandel’s Sunny Skies.
Between 1999 and 2000, Mandel played the lead in Apocalypse III: Tribulation. In 2002, he portrayed the Sandman in Hansel and Gretel.
Mandel’s contributions to acting and television earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2008. He was ranked #82 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time. Additionally, Mandel received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto.
Interesting Facts About Howie Mandel
- Primary Identity: Despite his numerous accomplishments in acting and television, Mandel considers himself primarily a stand-up comedian.
- Family Life: Howie met his future wife at the age of 12. He remains devoted to his family.
- Color Blindness: Mandel has been colorblind since childhood.
- School Prank: He was expelled for impersonating his school principal and hiring a construction company to perform work at the school.
- Germophobia: Mandel suffers from mysophobia (fear of germs), prompting him to maintain an impeccably clean living environment and clean his house multiple times a day.
- Wealth: As a millionaire, Mandel reportedly earns $70,000 per episode of America’s Got Talent.
Howie Mandel’s journey from a mischievous child to an internationally recognized entertainer exemplifies how determination and originality can pave the way to success.
