Sophia Michaels
Howie Mandel, the renowned comedian, transitioned from his famous comedic routines to a successful career in television. Now known for his roles in shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “Deal or No Deal,” Mandel has been accompanied by his wife, Terry Mandel (née Soil), throughout his journey. The couple, who tied the knot in 1980, shares three children and a couple of grandchildren, cherishing a love story that began in their teenage years in Toronto, Canada.
An interesting anecdote about Terry Mandel emerged during a talk show appearance where Howie shared a rather unusual accident involving her. To uncover more about their remarkable life together, dive into the untold truth of Howie Mandel’s wife, Terry.
A Memorable Encounter at McDonald’s
Howie Mandel’s serendipitous meeting with Terry dates back to his teenage years. Their story began at a McDonald’s where a young Mandel, short on cash for fries, received a loan from Terry. This initial encounter set the stage for a unique and enduring relationship. Despite Terry’s initial reservations about Mandel’s mischievous reputation, he persisted in his pursuit, eventually winning her over when she agreed to go out with him later on.
An Eventful First Date
When Terry finally agreed to a date with Howie, their outing took an unexpected turn of events. During their high school years, a reckless driving incident involving black ice led to a near-death experience in a car driven by Mandel. Despite the chaotic start, Terry’s perception of Mandel’s persistence and charm ultimately solidified their bond and laid the foundation for a lasting relationship.
A Non-Traditional Proposal
Howie Mandel’s proposal to Terry was far from traditional. In a humorous recount, Mandel revealed that he casually placed a loose diamond on a deli table and gave Terry the option to fashion her own ring in his absence. The non-romantic proposal captured the essence of their laid-back dynamic, setting the tone for a marriage built on humor and genuine connection.
**Terry gave Howie an ultimatum to seek help for his OCD**
Howie Mandel acknowledged his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and germaphobia. Living with him posed challenges due to his conditions, though he might come across as easygoing on TV or during his performances. Terry Mandel, his wife, initially saw his behavior as mere cleanliness but eventually recognized the severity of his undiagnosed OCD. She reached a breaking point and gave him an ultimatum to seek professional help. This intervention marked a turning point in Howie’s life, leading to his diagnosis and treatment. Howie credits Terry for her unwavering support during this challenging time.
**Terry is a Hollywood agent and producer**
In a candid conversation with Ability Magazine, Howie Mandel shared that he and Terry celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. Terry, who was previously in retail, transitioned into real estate. Over the years, she ventured into Hollywood pursuits, working behind the scenes. Terry became an agent at Abstract Talent, a talent agency they co-own, and served as an associate producer on various projects, including Howie’s TV specials. Their professional partnership extends to parenting and grandparenting, with their children Jackelyn, Alex, and Riley, along with their grandchildren, being an integral part of their lives.
**She’s the reason Howie said yes to Deal or No Deal**
Howie Mandel’s career took a significant turn in 2005 when he agreed to host “Deal or No Deal.” Initially hesitant about hosting a game show, he declined the offer multiple times due to doubts about the concept’s substance. It was Terry who eventually persuaded him to reconsider. Taking her advice proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Mandel’s involvement in the show marked a new chapter in his professional journey, demonstrating the impact of Terry’s guidance on his decision-making process.
**She’s just as funny as her hilarious husband**
Beyond Howie’s comedic persona, Terry possesses a sense of humor that complements her husband’s wit. Despite Howie’s renowned humor, Terry’s ability to share laughter is equally notable. Their dynamic demonstrates a shared sense of humor that enriches their relationship and showcases their mutual comedic talents.## Howie Mandel and Terry’s Relationship Built on Laughter
Howie Mandel and his wife Terry found a strong connection through laughter. He expressed in an interview with Good Housekeeping that Terry’s humor was what captured his heart. Mandel emphasized the importance of sharing a sense of humor in a relationship and stated that being with someone lacking it wouldn’t be enjoyable. The couple’s bond has been strengthened over the years by their ability to make each other laugh.
While Howie Mandel’s career keeps him often on the road, the time apart has surprisingly contributed to the success of their marriage. Mandel revealed in an interview with Streets of Toronto that their relationship thrived with the distance. This unique approach has helped them sustain a loving and lasting marriage.
## Terry’s Passion for Animal Rescue
Terry Mandel is known for her love and dedication to animals, especially when it comes to animal rescue efforts. Howie Mandel humorously described her as someone who “takes” animals, contrasting her characterization of it as “rescuing.” Terry’s compassion for all creatures is evident in her actions, as she tends to any animal she comes across.
In a light-hearted gesture that backfired, Howie once surprised Terry with a live elephant in their backyard as a birthday gift. The unexpected present led to chaos as the elephant caused significant damage to their property, resulting in a costly cleanup. Despite the mishap, Terry’s unwavering love for animals remains a central aspect of her personality.
## Terry’s Accident with Weed Gummies
A humorous yet slightly concerning incident involved Terry Mandel sustaining a serious injury after consuming weed gummies. While on a trip to Las Vegas, Howie Mandel woke up to a shocking scene where Terry had fallen and injured herself. She accidentally hit her eye on a wall, ultimately breaking her cheekbone in the process.
Initially mistaken for a drunken mishap, it was later clarified that Terry had consumed marijuana edibles rather than alcohol. Howie Mandel shared the story on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” detailing the alarming experience of seeing his wife injured. Despite the severity of the accident, Terry made a full recovery with no visible scars, turning what could have been a grave situation into a comedic anecdote.
