Howie Mandel Tells Fans: 'Leave the Kids at Home' for His Stand-Up Shows (Exclusive)

The Heart of Howie Mandel’s Career

Howie Mandel has become a household name through his work on shows such as America's Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Best Guess Live, and Bobby's World. However, during an exclusive interview with Men's Journal, he shared that his true passion lies in stand-up comedy. This form of entertainment has not only shaped his career but also influenced every other aspect of his professional life.

Stand-Up Comedy: A Lifelong Passion

When asked about the part of his career he is most proud of, Mandel didn’t hesitate. "Stand-up comedy," he said. "That's my favorite thing. If I had to give everything up, I would just do stand-up." He emphasized that even though he now hosts and judges various TV shows, his foundation remains in stand-up.

"I still tour, and three or four times a week, I drop in on the clubs here. I'll go tonight because I'm not on the road. So, I'll go drop in tonight at the clubs and just do sets. I love stand-up comedy."

Mandel explained that stand-up has given him the skills necessary to perform in front of audiences, deal with the unexpected, and remain flexible—qualities that have helped him succeed in other roles. "Stand-up comedy has afforded me the ability to do everything I'm doing. I don't think I'd be hosting Best Guess Live if I weren't a stand-up comic."

A Warning for Fans

Despite his success, Mandel warned fans who are familiar with his family-friendly TV roles not to bring their children to his stand-up performances. “Don't bring the kids,” he said. “Not because I'm filthy or inappropriate, but I don't edit myself. That's what I love about it.”

He noted that people often react with surprise when they see him perform in a more adult setting. “People are either surprised that my stand-up is so funny, or they are surprised it's so adult. People can also be surprised that it's sometimes so obtuse and weird. That's my sensibility and my sense of humor.”

Honoring His Influences

Mandel cited Richard Pryor as his hero, admiring his authenticity and rawness. “I watched him put together Live on the Sunset Strip. I’m nothing like Richard Pryor. Nor can I even try to be. I don't think I have the ability to reach those heights of brilliance that he did. But I try to be as authentic and real as I can be.”

He acknowledged that his style is different from what viewers see on his TV shows, where he acts as a responsible host. “Stand-up comedy is not scripted or formatted. It's real, and it's unpredictable.”

Authenticity in All Roles

Although Mandel’s TV roles are more structured, he finds ways to infuse some of his stand-up energy into them. “When I'm watching the audience on Best Guess Live, I get to comment in real time on people’s answers and their guesses.” However, he does adjust his tone when necessary. “I've gotten notes from Netflix to go, 'Hey, we got a lot of kids watching.' So, I do curb my responses, but those aren't scripted, and those are real.”

Advice for Those Struggling

Mandel offered advice to anyone facing challenges. “I think life is a struggle for everybody for different reasons,” he said. “You don't have to have a mental health issue. You can have a relationship issue. You can have a self-doubt issue. You can have whatever.”

His key message was to stop overthinking. “Overthinking is not a good thing. I think thinking is stinking. I think that as humans, our instincts are great and a superpower.” He encouraged people to take action rather than let fear hold them back. “Just do it. The worst that can happen is you fail. Failure is a lesson.”

Looking Ahead

Now in his 70s, Mandel continues to embrace new opportunities. “I'm hosting Best Guess Live, a brand-new technical gameshow that is, I think, breaking barriers.” He expressed excitement about how technology has changed the way people engage with content. “You used to have to be on TV to play a gameshow. Now, here I am in my 70s talking about something that you can download on your mobile device.”

Mandel remains open to future possibilities. “I just want to keep doing. Doors are opening for everybody every day. And people are slamming them shut for safety reasons. I don't care about being safe. I just want to keep walking through those doors.”

A Dream Role

When asked who he would want to play him in a movie, Mandel didn’t hesitate. “Charlize Theron,” he said. “She’s a great actress. I mean, it's perfect.” He added, “There doesn't seem to be anything she can't do.”