Howard Michael "Howie" Mandel is a Canadian comedian, actor, television host, and voice actor. He is well known as host of the NBC game show Deal or No Deal, as well as the show's daytime and Canadian-English counterparts. Before his career as a game show host, Mandel was best known for his role as rowdy ER intern Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere. He is also well known for being the creator and star of the children's cartoon Bobby's World. On June 6, 2009, he hosted the 2009 Game Show Awards on GSN. Mandel became a judge on NBC's America's Got Talent, replacing David Hasselhoff, in the fifth season of the reality talent contest. Mandel has mysophobia to the point that he does not shake hands with anyone, including contestants on Deal or No Deal, unless he is wearing latex gloves.
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» All Comedian InterviewsHi. I'm Howie Mandel.
You might recognize me from Deal or No Deal, America's Got Talent, or
my latest show Deal With It which airs on TBS on Fridays at 9/8c.
I'll be live-tweeting along with tonight's show - but before that, I'm going to do this AMA. Victoria's gonna be helping me just with getting started. AMA!
https://twitter.com/reddit_AMA/status/533394855637303296
Hello, Howie! Until an hour ago, I had no idea you were the voice of Gizmo in the Gremlins movies. Anyway, my question for you: has anyone ever told you that you look like the lead singer of Disturbed, David Draiman?
Yes, David told me.
What was it like working on Lois and Clark, on the episode "Twas the night before Mxymas" as Mr Mxyzptlk?
I remember the tuna wasn't fresh. I remember that the tuna at lunch was not fresh.
What is your favorite film?
35mm
If you hadn't gotten into showbiz, where do you see yourself being today? What is your favorite dinosaur?
Online answering fewer questions?
And Gary the Dinosaur.
Hi Howie,
I grew up watching Bobby's World. Great show.
Do you dislike having to talk about how you look like the guy who is in Train?
It is uncanny.
No, I'd like to spend the next 10 minutes talking about that.
Hi Howie, I enjoyed Deal or No Deal when it was on the air, but my coworkers insist on watching re-runs of the show on GSN every day during my lunch hour in the break room. Again, I enjoy the show, just not EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. How can I politely tell them that we should maybe watch something else during lunch?
I love your co-workers more than you. Tell them that!
Howie,
If you had to choose a case, what # would you choose?
Murder.
Deal...or no deal?
OH. Deal... WITH IT!
(tonight's episode is my favorite episode yet)
Hi Howie! I really enjoyed Bobby's World growing up, and now my kids do, too, so thanks for that.
You played a very memorable cult-leader in an episode of Monk, one of my favorite TV shows. How did you get involved in that? Were you already a fan of the show? And did any of the character's message ring true to yourself (not the cult-leader part, moreso the Monk-breaking-free-from-his-OCD part).
I was a fan of the show. I am a fan of "Monk." I believe I am Monk. Because my germaphobia and OCD is so well known, I imagine that's why I got the call to play the part on the show.
Hello Howie, Thanks for taking time to do this on Reddit. Do you have an opinion on "recreational marijuana"?
Yes, I do!
And???
I'll answer you later, dude! I'm just grabbing some pizza...
Who was the most memorable contestant on Deal or No Deal?
I forget!
Hehehehe!
who would win in a fist fight, you or ronnie the limo driver?
Ronnie -- I don't want to touch any part of anybody with my hand.
Have you ever oiled your head up?
Which one?
What's being a judge on AGT actually like?
I think it's really really important and I believe that my service on AGT is bringing us closer to world peace. And I'm willing to do it until all death and destruction as we know it is over in the world.
I see you have an old school T-shirt for sale in your shop, the one where you had lovely 80's hair. When did it become necessary to shave it? You look amazing then and now, btw.
Thank you!
It wasn't necessary. I was shaving my ass and I just got carried away!
Little Monsters was a big part of my childhood. It's one of those films like feels like a dream. I watched it on VHS countless times and then many years went by until the DVD release. Re-watching, the nostalgia was strong and I still can't get "Road To Nowhere" out of my head. I have a few questions, but any answers will plenty satisfying.
I just have to know how much fun you had playing Maurice. You seemed to have a real passion for the role, truly becoming one with the character.
How was working with the Savage boys and do you all still stay in touch? Was it tough staying appropriate around kids on set, since you're a raunchy comedian? Were you like Bob Saget in his Full House days? I hear he had issues holding back at times.
Where the hell did Daniel Stern go? He disappeared faster than my youth.
I just want to thank you for your role in entertaining 80's/90's kids. Bobby's World and Little Monsters kept us entertained for many weekends. You made checking TV Guide something I looked forward to.
On a scale from 1-Orange - SEVEN!
I don't stay in touch. And it's always tough for me speaking appropriately around children.
He's right here, standing just to the left of me.
YOU'RE WELCOME! And now, continue the dream - 9 PM ET on TBS!
What's your favorite song?
"Happy Birthday" because it's usually accompanied by gifts!
Did you know beforehand where the million dollar case is hiding?
I still have no idea... :-(
What was it like voicing Gizmo? What was the most difficult scene to do?
What was the best part of filming Bobby's World?
I don't know that there was a more difficult sound - they can't get sound on this, can they? When I had to do this with my voice - can you hear me? - every scene was hard for me, because to get into that little fuzzy suit each morning was REALLY, really difficult.
EVERY PART. And hopefully, i'll be able to continue. In fact, there's a website you can go to - http://bringbackbobbysworld.com -to help support that.
What was your favorite show to host?
Naked and Afraid. Not the one on television, just the one I host alone, in a dark room, on Thursday nights.
Hello, and thank you.
Do you have any advice for someone whos doesn't know what they want to with their life? How does one push foward when all seems so meaningless? Im sure its hard to relate when one have kids but please try.
I, for one, never think about the future or never think about pushing forward. Every moment, honestly, is a struggle for me. But in this moment, right now, I am pain free, physically and mentally. Take every moment and cherish it without thinking where it's leading and that will give you strength.
And anything that's ever happened to me in my life seems to have happened to me by accident. I have not reached any goals. I have just experienced some really amazing things. But these weren't things I was trying to do. I think we all have amazing things if we don't fret about the journey. Hang in there. Enjoy now.
What's the worst situation you've been in were you had to hide your germophobia? Also please bring back Bobby's world
http://bringbackbobbysworld.com
I don't hide it! I NEVER hide it, anymore.
How do you keep your head so shiny?
Duck urine.
Oh! And I have OCD too. I can't touch money because it is the dirtiest thing on earth. What do you do when it comes to money, doorknobs and buttons such as elevators?
A day with me out in public is like hundreds of scenes from Cirque du Soleil. I'm able to function without the use of my hands quite well! Knees, knuckles, toes, are all one needs to get through the day.
Hello Howie!
Whats the thing in life you enjoy most?
Whats your biggest worry about life in general, besides germs and death?
Thanks for doing an ama!
My penis!
My biggest worry? That I will lose my penis.
Hey Howie! Used to love watching Deal or No Deal with my parents, it was a great bonding experience!
What's your most memorable moment from that show?
I would guess it would be the moment you bonded with your parents. Oh, and when the first girl won a million dollars (after four years)!
Also Howie, what can you tell us about the banker? Why did he call crap numbers 99.9% of the time?
The whole game was predicated on a mathematical equation. He didn't really have a choice as to what the offer was. It was all calculated on a computer.
Who in Hollywood do you want to punch in the face, and who in Hollywood would answer "Howie Mandel" to that question?
(I watched Bobby's World all the time as a kid in the 90's by the way, it was my favorite cartoon for a while, to the point where all my gifts that year were Bobby's World crap. I loved it.)
I would imagine there are thousands of people who want to punch me in the face because I get such joy out of the art of annoying... and I will punch ANYONE in the face who punches me in the face!
If you could invent the Ford Escort how would you invent it?
If you could assemble a meaningful question, how would you assemble it?
Hey Mandel,
Just wanted to say I really loved Bobby's World. It was in heavy rotation in my things-to-watch-before-school lineup.
Do you like doing voice-over work more or do you prefer what you're doing now?
I like doing everything I do, but... I will be pulling a balloon string out of my asshole, but apparently THAT'S what gets you on the front page of this "Reddit"!!
Nice. Very nice.
You're a champ, Hows. Always liked ya. You were one of the best. From Timbuktu to Portland, ME. Or Portland, OR, for that matter.
But seriously, love, love, loved Bobby's World.
You're very nice. Thanks!
Do you realize you guys kind of ripped of Impractical Jokers? I mean it doesn't matter but, kind of?
I'm a HUGE fan of "Impractical Jokers." And "Deal With It" is actually a format that's been in existence for many years. It was created in Israel and running around the world. America was one of the last places it's been broadcast. (But feel free to watch it tonight...)
Hey Howie, how do you think Bobby Generic would do on an episode of Deal or No Deal?
Speaking of which, thanks for doing Bobby's World. It was one of my favorite shows as a little kid, for corn sakes!
I've actually calculated that, and he would walk away with $56,000.
Hi Howie! Which fellow judge from America's Got Talent do you enjoy working with most?
Also any funny stories that happen behind stage we dont see?
The behind the scenes usually ends up in front of the scenes. All the stuff in the Snapple Lounge ends up on TV. There are always cameras everywhere. It makes me feel like a Kardashian!
Hey Howie, did you ever play a game of deal or no deal just for fun? If so, how did it turn out?
Yes. And at a slot machine in Vegas, and i won $6.
What has been the most interesting talent you've seen on AGT?
The ability to take constant kicks in the nuts -- Horse.
Can I have a handshake?
Yes. But not from me...
Hi Howie. I'm always impressed with your ability to commit to the fist-bump, no matter how awkward the encounter. Do you ever run into someone just as committed to the shake? If so, have you ever given in? What if they are REALLY important?
I am okay with the fistbump. Some people just aren't aware what to do with it, so I have had MANY people awkwardly hang onto my fist.
Howie, what's the backstory on the new show? Looks like fun!
It's funny. It's hidden camera. It's a comedy game show. All three elements are my favorite things in the business. Backstory: TOLD!
What's the worst act you've ever seen audition on AGT?
Mime. Any mime. I HATE MIME!!!
What is the best piece of work you've ever done and why is it Bobby's World?
What TV shows (other than the ones you're in) do you enjoy watching?
"Sabado Gigante" is great. Whatever they're selling on QVC after 2am. And Tim & Eric.
Hey Howie, do you know the answer to this question?
Yes!
[deleted]
Thank you so much. Finally, an opportunity to my mother! I'm sorry I haven't called you in the last two days, Mom.
So if, hypothetically speaking, your mysophobia was cured, would you grow your hair back? Or do you like the bald look too much?
I like the bald look. My mysophobia is just a small piece of my OCD. I have no intention of ever growing my hair back.
Hi Howie! What was your strangest encounter behind the scenes with some of the contestants on your shows? Did you ever fear for your safety?
Absolutely! Sometimes people take the criticism to heart and they feel we've crushed their hopes and dreams. That's why there is a plethora of security surrounding us... from the hotel to the Judge's desk.
Hi Howie, I have seen in interviews and such that you have been affected by OCD throughout your life. Do you remember any strange or funny situations you have been through as a result of it? (Hopefully this does not sound offensive as it is not my intention)
They're not funny situations, but I've missed appointments and not gotten to places I've needed to be because I've been locked in my head checking a door for two hours. (No offense taken.)
What do you see yourself doing in the future, after you finish hosting/judging the various shows you are currently in?
I will always do stand-up comedy.
What was it like kissing Howard Stern?
Great question!
It was moist.
Hi, Howie! My husband and I are huge fans and we absolutely love your work. He just learned a week ago that you voiced Bobby in "Bobby's World". How did You like performing on Bobby's World and do you have any advice for an aspiring voice actor?
"Just do it!" It's Nike's advice. Just go out there and do it. Don't be discouraged. Don't give up. Everything I got punished for, expelled for, hit for, is what I'm getting paid for today.
Hello! I was going to ask what has been one of your favorite show/movie/project you've worked on?
Without sounding like a promo whore, I'm really enjoying "Deal With It" on TBS because I find it to be television without a net. I don't know how people are going to react. It's fun, it's exciting, it's awkward. Everything I look for to entertain myself throughout the day.... And it's real!
Will Deal or No Deal ever return?
I have no idea... I would love to do more!
Hey Howie! My friend and I watched Howie Would so many times when we were teens, trying to keep our laughter quiet to not wake up our respective mothers. I especially remember a Bobby bit that you do where the "mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird" song turns completely demented. It was one of the funniest things I'd ever seen, and it's safe to say you had a hand in informing my slightly sick sense of humor to this day. Seeing your appearance in The Aristocrats was pretty awesomely nostalgic for me! Do you miss having your old off-the-wall public image at all?
Thanks for the memories!
I don't have an off-the-wall public image anymore? This whole Reddit thing is somewhat of an ego buster.
Hi, Howie! What's a YouTube video that never fails to make you laugh?
Roman Atwood did a flashing video with my son @AlexMandel.
What's your favourite kind of muffin?
Blueberry!
Hey Howie! Big fan here, honestly I thibk youre hilarious in everything you do. Real serious question here..
If I were to make you a sandwhich what would you want on it? Any topping you can think of
A sandwich? Any topping?
I would imagine the topping of any sandwich is the bread. Which is just like the bottoming of the sandwich.