Howie Mandel, well-known for frequently saying, “Don’t touch me,” shocked everyone when he gave Reba McEntire a big hug on The Voice stage in September 2023. It was a rare moment—Howie, a comedian who has a serious fear of germs, couldn’t resist hugging the country music legend. His germophobia usually keeps him far away from physical contact, but this time, his excitement won over his fears.
Mandel might seem cheerful and full of life on stage, but offstage, he admits he’s often terrified. “I’m a scared guy who’d rather be curled up in a fetal position,” he once confessed. And recently, he opened up about how he manages the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that has been a constant battle in his life.
The Constant Fear of Germs
The global pandemic triggered many people’s fears of germs, but for Howie, his phobia never faded. He’s been living with extreme anxiety and OCD since childhood. “It’s impossible for me to live a single day without thinking that we might not survive,” Howie shared. At 68 years old, the TV personality revealed to People magazine that the pandemic hit him especially hard.
“The one comfort I used to have was knowing that everyone around me was okay,” he said. “But during the pandemic, nothing was okay. It was the worst time.”
OCD, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a pattern of obsessive thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviors—actions that a person repeats over and over. For Howie, these obsessions have often driven him to distress and interrupted his daily life.
“I feel like I’m living in a nightmare,” he said. Yet, through all the fear and stress, he holds onto what matters most: “I have a great family. My wife Terry and I have been married since 1980, and we have three kids—Riley, Jackie, and Alex. I love what I do, but there are moments when I sink into a deep depression that I can’t seem to get out of.”
Laughter Is His Medicine
Howie first gained fame in the 1980s on the medical drama St. Elsewhere. Since then, he’s always turned to humor as a way to cope. “I use comedy as a survival tool,” he said. “If I’m not laughing, I’m crying. And honestly, I haven’t always been open about how dark things can get.”
Being onstage is where Howie finds the most peace. “I’m most comfortable performing,” he explained. He uses humor to keep his OCD at bay, but when he’s not busy, his mind often spirals. “When I have nothing to do, it’s not good—I withdraw into myself.”
But he never stays idle for long. Howie is constantly taking on new projects, contributing his unique humor to everything he does. Besides being a judge on America’s Got Talent, he’s hosted several other shows.
Opening Up About His Struggles
In 2022, Howie shared more about his mental health with Kelly Clarkson on her talk show. “I have OCD and I’m neurotic,” he said, revealing his hidden struggles. “People think because I’m out there, having fun, I must be happy. But I’m actually terrified. When I’m not working, I just want to go home and curl up in the fetal position.”
Kelly was shocked. “It’s funny because every time I see you, you seem like the opposite! You’re always so full of energy,” she said.
“I know!” Howie laughed. “I’m such a joy, right? I’m full of light, energy, and I’m stunning!” Then he added, more seriously, “But the truth is, I take a lot of medication.”
The Hug That Surprised Everyone
Maybe that medication was what helped Howie feel brave enough to hug Reba McEntire on The Voice. He jumped from his seat, called out her name, and excitedly ran up to her. “We’re shooting the AGT finale right next door!” he said. “Can you sign my shirt?”
After Reba signed his “I [heart] Reba” shirt, Howie did something no one expected—he gave her a tight hug!
Carson Daly, the host of the show, was just as stunned as the audience. “You don’t see that every day,” he remarked, knowing Howie’s usual avoidance of physical contact.
Howie acknowledged how strange the moment was for him. “People always notice when I do something like that,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘He shook someone’s hand,’ or ‘Oh, he hugged someone.’ And yeah, I can do it. But then my mind starts racing—I feel like my hand isn’t clean, and I’ll end up washing it over and over for hours.”
Even though Howie can find the humor in his condition, he never downplays how difficult it really is. “I get the funny side of it,” he said. “But that doesn’t make it any less painful. And I’m not trying to justify how I feel. I just want to keep the conversation going.”
Howie’s openness about his struggles has made him a relatable figure for many who face similar challenges. Even though he got Covid-19 in 2022, his symptoms were mild thanks to being vaccinated and boosted. It was a reminder that no matter how afraid he is of germs, fear alone won’t keep him safe.
