We sat down and told stories that happened to us in our childhood, to our children. They were all basically based on the truth. These stories were funny and poignant to us. They just took off. These are all stories from my life.

In April 2004 he was selected as number 82 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand up comedians of all time. S. Elsewhere.

Before his career as a game show host Mandel was best known for his role as rowdy ER intern Dr. Mandel became a judge on NBC's America's Got Talent replacing David Hasselhoff in the fifth season of the reality talent contest.