Hanging Out with Howie Mandel
“Vancouver is one of my favourite places to hang out,” says Howie Mandelduring his speech at the launch party for JustFor Laughs Northwest. The show biz mogul opened the festival with“Howie Mandel & Friends”, an LOL-worthy performance at the OrpheumTheatre featuring comic pals such as Roy Wood Jr., Deanne Smith andMatteo Lane.
Howie is no stranger to Vancouver – in fact, he credits the city ashelping to launch his sparkling career, which spans more than 30 years. Alreadyrenowned, Howie became a household name when he agreed to host popular gameshow “Deal or No Deal”; and, this past year, he received a nod from Hollywoodwith an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host of a Reality orReality-Competition Program. He’s also judged “America’s Got Talent” for ninerollercoaster seasons, and recently appeared as a judge on “America’s GotTalent: The Champions”, which premiered in January.
Though Howie is most known for his comedic chops and impeccable hostingabilities, he’s also worked in television, film and onstage; authored a New York Times bestselling book; andperforms in as many as 200 stand-up shows annually in the U.S. and Canada. Inother words, Howie is a busy guy and he’s seen the world – but despite hisfar-flung travels, Vancouver continues to hold a special place in his heart. Sowe sat down with him to get the scoop.
Howie, you’vesaid Vancouver is one of your favourite places to visit and perform. Why?
There are so many reasons. First, many of the highlights and opportunitiesthat catapulted my career to the next level happened in Vancouver. “The AlanHamel Show” was the very first talk show I’d ever been on, the first nationaltalk show – and that happened here. I was also lucky enough to be chosen ashost of Expo ’86, at the opening gala with Prince Charles and Princess Di – so Igot to meet royalty and do a big show here. I’ve also done a lot of acting inVancouver.
So,professionally, Vancouver has played an important role in your life. What aboutpersonally?
I have a warm place in my heart for Vancouver. Actually, I have a warmplace in my heart every time I cross the border. I love Canada, and I’ve alwaysbeen sad that I had to leave this country to make a living. Vancouver is sonear and dear to me. I love the community; I have a lot of friends here. Itfeels like my second home, both career-wise and personally.
If you were togive your best friend recommendations of your favourite experiences inVancouver, what would they be?
I like driving up the Seato Sky Highway, winding through the mountains and taking in thescenery, and visiting Whistler.I also like spending an afternoon ferrying over to Victoria,or taking the seaplane. And the nightlife in Vancouver is amazing. Going to theclubsand checking out the restaurants,hanging out downtown… Vancouver is a big metropolitan hub – it’s very international.It’s a fun place.
After Just forLaughs Northwest, when will you be back in Vancouver?
Whenever I’m invited! Whenever somebody calls me and says, I’ve got ajob for you in Vancouver – whether it’s the casino I play at, or theatres, or ifa friend’s got something happening in town… I’ll show up. I’ll come herewhenever I can, even if I’m not performing – it’s an easy trip, since I live inLA. I just love it up here.
Eager to learn what other notable names in the film industry have to sayabout Vancouver? Clickhere.