Howie Mandel’s Unexpected Hug
Known for frequently saying, “don’t touch me!” Howie Mandel shocked everyone in September 2023 by tightly embracing Reba McEntire on the stage of The Voice.
Overcoming Germaphobia
The comedian, who has a debilitating fear of germs, gave in to his excitement and couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of the country music star. On stage, Mandel appears energetic and happy, but off-screen, he admits he’s a “scared” man who prefers to live “in the fetal position.”
Managing OCD
Recently, Mandel revealed how he manages his OCD, which he describes as leading him to “absolute hell.” The global pandemic heightened germaphobia in many people, but for Mandel, the fear of germs is constant and debilitating. He shared with People magazine that severe anxiety and OCD have plagued him since childhood. During the pandemic, he found it especially triggering, saying, “The whole world was not okay. And it was absolute hell.”
Coping Through Comedy
The Mayo Clinic describes OCD as a pattern of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions), causing distress. Mandel, who broke out in 1982 on the medical drama St. Elsewhere, explains that humor helps him cope with daily struggles. “My coping skill is finding the funny. If I’m not laughing, then I’m crying,” he says. He admits that being on stage is where he feels most comfortable, but when he has nothing to do, he turns inward, which isn’t good.
Ongoing Mental Health Battle
Mandel always stays busy, bringing his humor to projects like judging on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and hosting other shows. In 2022, he discussed his mental health issues with Kelly Clarkson, revealing, “I’m neurotic, I have OCD…so people think I’m enjoying myself, but I’m scared. I like to go home and just live in the fetal position.” Clarkson was surprised by Mandel’s off-stage persona, saying he seemed the opposite of what she’d expect.
Surprising Embrace
Mandel’s medication might have inspired his eagerness when he saw Reba McEntire on The Voice. He leaped from the audience, calling her name, and asked her to sign his “I [heart] Reba” shirt. After she signed it, Mandel shocked viewers by tightly embracing her. “You don’t see that every day,” commented the show’s presenter, Carson Daly.
Continuing the Mental Health Conversation
Mandel acknowledges people’s confusion over his behavior, especially in the media. “People see inconsistencies. ‘Oh he hugged someone’ or ‘he shook someone’s hand.’ I can shake your hand. But then I’d think I didn’t wash it well enough. And I’d go back and forth in a loop washing my hands for hours,” he explains. Committed to discussing mental health, Mandel says, “I understand the funny in that. But it doesn’t mean it isn’t incredibly painful. And I don’t want to defend my mental health. I just want to maintain it.”
Conclusion
In 2022, Mandel contracted Covid—mild because he is “vaxxed” and “boosted”—reminding us that fearing infection isn’t enough to stay safe. What do you think of Howie Mandel’s openness about his mental health? Please share your thoughts and help start the conversation!
