Let me tell you, folks, Howie Mandel is not just the king of comedy—he’s also the prince of love! For over four decades, Howie has been stealing hearts with his hilarious antics, but none more than his wife, Terry Mandel (née Soil). Since tying the knot in 1980, this power couple has built an incredible life together filled with laughter, love, and family. So, let’s dive into their story because it’s as charming as Howie himself!

How Did Howie Mandel and Terry Mandel Fall in Love?

Now, here’s the part where you might want to grab some popcorn because Howie and Terry’s love story is straight out of a romantic comedy. Back in their teenage years, the two crossed paths at a concession stand at their local youth center in Canada. Can you picture it? Two young kids, just hanging out, and destiny decides to throw them together. And guess what? Their first interaction wasn’t your typical "hello." Howie actually borrowed money from Terry for fries! Yep, fries. He was short a couple of bucks, and this brave (or hungry) young man asked her for help.

In a May 2022 appearance on Today, Howie hilariously recounted the moment: “She was, like, 14 at the time, and she lent me money. And I’ve been paying her back ever since.” Talk about starting off on the right foot—or should we say, the "right fry"?

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From Rejection to Romance: How Terry Finally Said Yes

Of course, no great love story is without its challenges. At first, Terry, who went on to become a talented talent agent and television producer, wasn’t exactly smitten by Howie’s charm. In fact, she turned him down when he first tried to ask her out. But Howie wasn’t one to give up easily. Persistence paid off, and eventually, Terry agreed to give him a chance.

Howie reminisced about their first date in a December 2018 interview with The Wall Street Journal: “We drove to the movies in my mom’s Cutlass Supreme. The car hit an ice patch and wound up teetering on its side before coming back down on four wheels.” Talk about a bumpy start! Despite the chaos, they both knew they had something special.

Howie’s Unconventional Proposal

Fast forward a few years, and Howie decided it was time to pop the question—but in true Howie fashion, he did it his way. Picture this: the two are sitting in a deli, minding their own business, when Howie pulls out a loose diamond and casually places it on the table. “I got to go to the bathroom, but if you want to make a ring, go ahead,” he told her. Talk about keeping things light! Terry, ever the partner in crime, went along with it, and the rest is history.

Howie Mandel and wife Terry smile while holding a gift bag — Mark Sullivan/WireImage for Backstage Creations

Howie Mandel’s Family Life: A Legacy of Love

Building a Family Together

After their wedding bells rang in 1980, Howie and Terry embarked on the next chapter of their lives: parenthood. In 1984, they welcomed their first child, daughter Jackelyn Schultz. Five years later, son Alex Mandel joined the family in 1989, followed by their youngest daughter, Riley Mandel, in 1992. Together, they created a loving home filled with laughter, learning, and unconditional support.

Howie has always been vocal about the importance of teaching his kids valuable life lessons. In an October 2006 interview with Parade, he shared his philosophy: “What I try to teach my kids is that life isn’t about making money or getting famous. If you’re doing something you look forward to and it’s fun, then you’ve made it. I happen to be lucky that way. The things that I look forward to and the things that I do for a living are one and the same.” It’s clear that Howie values passion and purpose over material success.

Becoming Grandparents: The Next Generation

Howie and Terry’s family joy didn’t stop with their children. They’ve also embraced the role of grandparents with open arms. Their daughter Jackelyn and her husband, Alex Schultz, welcomed two beautiful grandchildren: Abbey and Axel. Being a grandparent seems to bring Howie immense pride and happiness, adding another layer of love to their already full lives.