Howie Mandel, famous for his iconic “don’t touch me!” catchphrase, left fans stunned in September 2023 when he shared a rare, heartfelt hug with Reba McEntire on The Voice. Known for his intense fear of germs, a result of his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Mandel typically avoids any form of physical contact. However, his excitement in the moment led to this surprising, yet touching embrace.
Mandel has been candid about his ongoing battle with OCD, even describing the pandemic as an “absolute hell” due to its exacerbation of his fears. While he brings energy and humor to the screen, he reveals that off-camera, he often faces anxiety and fear. Using humor, therapy, and medication to cope, Mandel openly discusses his mental health struggles in hopes of encouraging understanding and sparking important conversations about mental well-being.
