Behind the frantic game show hosting and the judging panel desk on America's Got Talent, Howie Mandel has spent over four decades building a quiet, steady family life away from the daily tabloid frenzy. Alongside his wife Terry—whom he married back in 1980—he raised three grown children: Jackelyn, Alex, and Riley. While their father's career has kept him in the public eye for decades, his kids carved out their own distinct paths in education, digital media, and healthcare.
Understanding how this family operates means looking past the red carpets and TV screens. From shared mental health struggles to private triumphs, here is a candid look at Howie Mandel's three adult children and the lives they've built.
Jackelyn Shultz: The Eldest and Podcast Co-Host
Born in 1984, Jackelyn Shultz (née Mandel) is Howie's oldest child. She grew up watching her father navigate the unpredictable entertainment industry, which eventually shaped her own comfort level with media and public speaking.
Career and Media Presence
Jackelyn didn't shy away from the family business entirely, though she forged her own lane in digital content and podcasting. She co-hosts the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast alongside her father, giving fans a raw, unfiltered look at their dynamic. The podcast frequently highlights their humorous banter and deep bond, showcasing an authentic father-daughter relationship that doesn't rely on Hollywood gloss.
Family and Personal Resilience
Jackelyn married network DJ Alex Shultz (known professionally as Lex Larson) in 2013, with her brother Alex officiating the ceremony. The couple shares two children, Abbey and Axel.
Behind the humor, Jackelyn and her father share a candid openness about mental health. Both navigate obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. Howie has often spoken publicly about his heartache regarding passing these struggles down, but Jackelyn's pragmatic, coping-focused approach demonstrates a powerful resilience. The family also faced a profound test when Axel was diagnosed with leukemia; Jackelyn shared publicly that navigating his successful treatment and subsequent remission was the most challenging chapter of her life.
Alex Mandel: The Creative Only Son
Born in 1989, Alex Mandel is Howie and Terry's second-born child and only son. He inherited his father's quick comedic timing and comfort in front of a camera.
Venturing into Comedy and Content Creation
Alex pursued a career spanning comedy, digital vlogging, and content creation. He has built a substantial online following by sharing prank videos, comedic sketches, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his daily life. Unlike traditional sketch comedians who rely strictly on scripted television, Alex embraced the evolution of digital platforms early on, treating YouTube and Instagram as his primary stages.
Behind the Scenes and Officiating Roles
Beyond his online presence, Alex has worked behind the camera as a writer and director on projects like Odd Jobs, and has appeared in indie horror and comedy features. He also plays a tight-knit role in the broader Mandel family unit, famously stepping in to officiate his sister Jackelyn's wedding. Despite growing up with a famous father, Alex carved out an independent digital identity without leaning entirely on his dad's coattails.
Riley Mandel: The Private Healthcare Professional
Born in 1992, Riley Mandel is the youngest of the three siblings. Unlike her older siblings, Riley chose a path completely outside the entertainment industry, making her the most private member of the immediate family.
Academic and Professional Focus
Riley pursued higher education with intense dedication, attending Chapman University in California. She graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy and works as a clinical professional and personal fitness specialist. Her academic achievements earned her specific faculty recognition for excellence upon graduation.
Maintaining a Low Profile
While her father and siblings share much of their lives online, Riley keeps a remarkably low profile. She occasionally appears in family milestone posts shared by her parents—such as her wedding day or graduation snapshots—but she maintains clear boundaries between her professional healthcare career and her family's celebrity status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three of Howie Mandel's children married?
Yes. Jackelyn married Alex Shultz in 2013, Riley married her husband Cameron in 2019, and Alex is active in his own long-term creative and personal endeavors.
Do Howie's children work in television?
Only Jackelyn and Alex maintain active public profiles in media and entertainment. Jackelyn co-hosts a podcast with her dad, while Alex creates digital comedy content. Riley works as a doctor of physical therapy.
How long have Howie and Terry Mandel been married?
Howie and Terry are high school sweethearts who married in March 1980. They have raised their three children through more than four decades of marriage.
Do any of Howie's kids have children?
Yes, Jackelyn and her husband have two children, Abbey and Axel. Howie frequently mentions how much he enjoys his role as a grandfather.
