Howie Mandel’s Daughters: Jackelyn and Riley’s Inspiring Journeys Beyond the Spotlight

When you hear the name Howie Mandel, you probably picture the energetic host of Deal or No Deal or the sharp-witted judge on America’s Got Talent. He’s a household name, a comedian who has spent decades making us laugh. But behind the curtain of his public persona lies a story that’s just as compelling—the story of his family. Howie Mandel’s daughters, Jackelyn and Riley, have grown up in the shadow of a famous father, yet each has carved out a unique and inspiring path of her own.

Beyond the Famous Name: Introducing Jackelyn and Riley

Growing up with a world-famous comedian for a father is anything but ordinary. For Jackelyn and Riley Mandel, life was a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and the everyday challenges of family life. While their father, Howie Mandel, built a legendary career in entertainment, he and his wife of over four decades, Terry Mandel, raised three children who would each find their own way to shine. Jackelyn, the eldest daughter, embraced the world she grew up in, while Riley, the youngest, forged a path entirely her own.

Their story is not just about being the children of a celebrity. It’s about how two sisters, raised in the same household, navigated the pressures and privileges of their upbringing to build authentic lives. Jackelyn found her voice alongside her father, turning their natural chemistry into a successful podcast. Riley, in contrast, sought a life away from the cameras, finding her passion in the quiet, focused world of physical therapy and wellness. Their relationship with their parents, particularly their mother Terry’s grounding influence, provided a foundation of love and support that allowed them to flourish, each in her own way.

Jackelyn Shultz: From Red Carpets to Podcast Success

Jackelyn Shultz, born on December 14, 1984, was no stranger to the limelight. From a young age, she walked red carpets alongside her famous father, attending premieres for blockbuster films like Titanic in 1997 and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in 2003. These early experiences gave her a front-row seat to the entertainment world, a world she would eventually make her own. She wasn’t just a passive observer; she was learning the ropes.

As she grew older, Jackelyn’s involvement in the industry deepened. She attended major Hollywood events like the 20th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala with her father, not just as a daughter but as a budding personality in her own right. It was a natural progression for her to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She later served as a special correspondent for PEOPLE (The TV Show!), covering the behind-the-scenes action at America’s Got Talent in 2021 and even interviewing the judges on the red carpet.

Howie Mandel Does Stuff: A Father-Daughter Success Story

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, and for the Mandel family, it sparked a new creative venture. In 2021, born from a desire to stay connected during lockdown, the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast was launched. What started as a simple way for a father and daughter to bridge the distance soon blossomed into a full-fledged phenomenon. Howie took the host’s chair, with Jackelyn stepping in as his quick-witted co-host. Their natural chemistry was undeniable.

Initially, they filmed from their own homes, a relatable setup for millions during that time. But the podcast’s popularity quickly outgrew its humble origins. Today, the show boasts a dedicated studio and a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, from comedians and actors to reality TV stars and viral influencers. With over 900 videos and more than 260,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel, the podcast has become a significant platform. It’s a space for zany antics, but also for deep, meaningful conversations. Howie himself summed it up perfectly, saying, “It came out of a necessity of trying to connect with my child. We spend hours a day trying to make each other laugh.” The show also serves a greater purpose, championing causes close to their hearts, like NOCD, an organization that provides treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Breaking the Stigma: Anxiety, OCD, and Family Bonds

Beyond the laughter and the public appearances, a deeper, more complex bond connects Howie and Jackelyn: a shared struggle with mental health. Both father and daughter live with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a reality that has profoundly shaped their relationship. Howie has spoken openly about his lifelong battle with the condition, once poignantly admitting he’s “not proud of that gift I’ve given her.” Yet, for Jackelyn, her father’s openness became a lifeline.

Having a parent who truly understood her struggles was incredibly “helpful,” but their journey wasn’t always easy. During her teenage years, their shared conditions created friction. “There were a lot of control issues about me being safe,” Jackelyn recalled, explaining how their issues “ripped us apart.” Howie’s anxiety manifested as strictness and hovering, a constant worry about where she was and what she had touched. It was a difficult time, marked by conflict and misunderstanding.

However, through therapy and a commitment to open communication, they found their way back to each other. They learned to navigate their shared challenges, turning a source of conflict into a foundation of strength. Today, Jackelyn says they “couldn’t be closer.” Their podcast has become a powerful platform for them to continue breaking the stigma, proving that vulnerability and honesty can heal even the deepest wounds.

Family and Love: Jackelyn’s Journey as a Wife and Mother

While her professional life flourished, Jackelyn also built a beautiful family of her own. On July 20, 2013, she married DJ Alex Shultz, known professionally as Lex Larson. In a ceremony that perfectly captured the family’s blend of humor and heart, her brother, Alex Mandel, officiated while wearing a penguin costume—a quirky yet sweet symbol of monogamy. It was a moment that showcased the family’s unique brand of love.

Together, Jackelyn and her husband have two children: a daughter, Abbey, born in 2014, and a son, Axel, born in 2016. Motherhood added a new dimension to Jackelyn’s public persona. She actively documents her family life on social media, sharing glimpses of their world with over 108,500 Instagram followers. Her feed is a vibrant mix of podcast clips, vacation snaps, and fun dance videos, painting a picture of a loving and lively household.

Facing the Unthinkable: Axel’s Leukemia Journey and Family Resilience

In September 2025, the Mandel family shared a story of incredible courage and resilience, revealing a private battle that had tested their strength in unimaginable ways. During an emotional interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Howie and Jackelyn opened up for the first time about her son Axel’s fight with leukemia. It was a journey that began unexpectedly during a family trip to Hawaii, where what was initially thought to be the flu turned out to be a devastating diagnosis.

For Jackelyn, it was “the lowest point in my whole entire life.” The road ahead was long and arduous. Axel, just nine years old, required a bone marrow transplant, a gift of life that came from his older sister, Abbey. While her son fought for his life, Jackelyn faced an unexpected battle of her own. To protect Axel’s compromised immune system, she wore a mask while filming her podcast, a decision that drew a torrent of online backlash from viewers who mistook her caution for a political statement. “They have no idea what I’m going through right now,” she shared, her voice heavy with the memory. “They have no idea that I’m just trying to be able to go visit my son in the hospital.”

The treatment was grueling, a “really, really, really long, hard road,” as Jackelyn described it. The family rallied together, navigating the complexities of post-transplant care and the slow process of rebuilding Axel’s immune system. Howie, the ever-present grandfather, reflected on the pain of watching his family endure such hardship. “You go home and look at your baby and imagine somebody telling you that something horrible is wrong,” he said. Today, Axel is in remission, a testament to his own strength and the unwavering love of his family. While the journey is not over, their story stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of family.

Riley Mandel Ehrlich: Choosing Wellness Over Spotlight

While her older sister and brother embraced the entertainment world, Howie Mandel’s youngest daughter, Riley, born in 1992, chose a distinctly different path. Preferring a life away from the cameras and red carpets, she has cultivated a career centered on health, wellness, and the quiet satisfaction of helping others. Her journey is a compelling counter-narrative to the typical celebrity family story, demonstrating that a famous last name doesn’t have to dictate one’s destiny.

From Chapman University to Holistic Health Coach

Riley’s journey into the world of wellness was built on a solid academic foundation. She graduated with honors from Chapman University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree. But she didn’t stop there. Driven by a passion for helping others, she returned to Chapman and earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2018, even winning an award for academic excellence. Her mother, Terry, proudly celebrated the achievement on social media, a rare public glimpse into Riley’s life.

Today, Riley is an experienced personal trainer and holistic health coach. Her LinkedIn profile highlights a seven-year history in the health and fitness industry, with skills in building exercise programs and creating social media content. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, she shares a wealth of knowledge, from fitness routines and dietary suggestions to tips for motivation and pain prevention. Her career is a testament to her dedication and her desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Love, Marriage, and Building a Family

Riley’s personal life is as grounded and heartfelt as her professional one. In February 2016, Howie joyfully announced his daughter’s engagement to Cameron Ehrlich with a beaming selfie on Instagram. The couple, who had been best friends since they were 16, tied the knot on June 29, 2019. Once again, Riley’s brother Alex officiated, this time with another memorable twist. He surprised the couple with a sloth during the ceremony, a charming symbol of their shared promise to “take life as slow as a sloth and enjoy every moment we have together.”

In March 2024, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Noa. Howie, ever the proud grandfather, had announced the pregnancy on The Jennifer Hudson Show, joking, “Grandchildren, had I known it was this good and this much fun, I would’ve done that first.” He lovingly described the joy of having a “bundle of joy” to love and then cheekily added, “And then to be able to give it back when it starts to smell.” It’s a role he cherishes, and Riley’s journey into motherhood has added another beautiful chapter to the Mandel family story.

Keeping Family Private: Riley’s Approach to Fame

In a family where public life is the norm, Riley’s commitment to privacy stands out. Unlike her siblings, she has consciously chosen to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. Her father’s social media, a constant stream of comedic content and family moments, rarely features her. This isn’t a sign of distance, but rather a mutual respect for her boundaries.

Riley has masterfully curated a public presence that aligns with her professional goals, using her Instagram to share valuable wellness content while keeping her family life largely private. Her approach offers a refreshing perspective on navigating fame, proving that it is possible to be part of a famous family without sacrificing personal privacy. It’s a quiet rebellion against the expectations of celebrity culture, and a choice that her family, including her famous father, fully supports.

The Mandel Family Dynamics: From Strict Rules to Supportive Bonds

The story of Howie Mandel’s daughters is also the story of a family that has grown and evolved together. At the heart of it all is a parenting philosophy that has shifted from strict rules to a foundation of open communication and unwavering support. This evolution, driven by love and a shared commitment to mental well-being, has allowed each of their children to thrive.

What Howie Taught His Kids About Success

Howie Mandel’s advice to his children was never about chasing fame or fortune. His core belief, which he instilled in them from a young age, was that true success is found in passion and joy. “Life isn’t about making money or getting famous,” he once explained. “If you’re doing something you look forward to and it’s fun, then you’ve made it.” It’s a philosophy that has clearly guided his daughters’ diverse career choices.

He has also been candid about his own shortcomings, admitting he “set the example of what not to do.” Having been kicked out of school himself, he credits his wife, Terry, for their children’s academic discipline. His evolution as a father is equally noteworthy. He started out strict, a parenting style fueled by his own anxieties, but learned to relax as his children grew. “I can’t tell them what to do anymore,” he admitted in 2008. “Well I can, but they don’t have to listen!” This shift, combined with his openness about therapy and mental health, modeled a powerful lesson in vulnerability and growth.

The Unsung Hero: Terry Mandel’s Role in the Family

Behind every successful family, there is often an unsung hero, and in the Mandel household, that role is beautifully filled by Terry Mandel. Married to Howie since March 1980, Terry has been the steady anchor in a life often tossed by the waves of fame and public scrutiny. Their love story began in high school, long before the world knew Howie’s name, and her influence has been a quiet but powerful force in their children’s lives.

While Howie provided the creative spark and the lessons in passion, Terry provided the structure and academic focus. It was her studious nature, Howie admits, that his children inherited. She celebrated their achievements, big and small, and supported their diverse ambitions, whether in entertainment or wellness. Her partnership with Howie created a balanced environment where their children could grow into resilient, successful, and mentally healthy adults. She is the grounding force that has held the family together for over 45 years.

Turning Challenges into Strength

Mental health is not just a topic of conversation in the Mandel family; it is a shared legacy. The struggles with anxiety, OCD, and ADD that run through their family could have been a source of shame or silence. Instead, they have transformed it into a platform for advocacy and strength. Led by Howie’s decades-long openness about his own battles, the family has collectively worked to destigmatize mental illness.

During a 2017 appearance for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign, a Canadian mental health initiative, Alex Mandel articulated the family’s experience perfectly. “I think that it does get passed down,” he said, acknowledging the genetic component of their struggles. But he also highlighted a crucial point: “it affects the family as a whole, even if only one member has that.” By embracing therapy and open dialogue as core family values, the Mandels have shown the world that facing mental health challenges together can be a source of incredible bonding and resilience.

Three Paths, One Family: How Howie’s Daughters Chose Different Directions

To better understand the unique journeys of Jackelyn and Riley, a side-by-side comparison highlights their distinct choices in career, public life, and family.

Aspect	Jackelyn Shultz	Riley Mandel Ehrlich
Birth Year	1984	1992
Career Field	Entertainment	Wellness & Health
Current Role	Podcast Co-host, Content Creator	Doctor of Physical Therapy, Holistic Health Coach
Public Presence	High (108,500+ Instagram followers)	Moderate (30,000+ Instagram followers)
Spouse	Alex Shultz (DJ & Music Producer)	Cameron Ehrlich
Children	2 (Abbey and Axel)	1 (Noa)
Mental Health Focus	Openly discusses and advocates for OCD & anxiety	Promotes overall mental and physical well-being
Podcast Involvement	Co-hosts Howie Mandel Does Stuff	Not involved
Social Media Content	Family life, podcast clips, entertainment	Fitness routines, wellness advice, health tips

Frequently Asked Questions About Howie Mandel’s Daughters

To provide quick answers to the most common questions, here is a summary of key facts about Jackelyn and Riley.

1. How many daughters does Howie Mandel have?

Howie Mandel has two daughters: Jackelyn Shultz (born in 1984) and Riley Mandel Ehrlich (born in 1992). He also has a son, Alex Mandel (born in 1989).

2. What does Jackelyn Shultz do for a living?

Jackelyn works in the entertainment industry. She is the co-host of the popular podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff with her father, has worked as a special correspondent for PEOPLE (The TV Show!), and is an active content creator on social media.

3. Is Riley Mandel married?

Yes, Riley Mandel is married to Cameron Ehrlich. They wed on June 29, 2019, and have a daughter named Noa, who was born in March 2024.

4. What is Riley Mandel’s profession?

Riley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a holistic health coach. She chose a career in the wellness industry, where she helps clients with fitness, nutrition, and overall health, away from the entertainment spotlight.

5. Do Howie Mandel’s daughters have children?

Yes, both of his daughters are mothers. Jackelyn has two children, Abbey and Axel. Riley has one daughter, Noa. This makes Howie Mandel a proud grandfather of three.

6. What happened to Jackelyn’s son, Axel?

Axel was diagnosed with leukemia at age nine. He underwent extensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Abbey. As of late 2025, he is in remission and doing well, a journey of resilience the family has shared publicly.

7. Does Howie Mandel’s family have a history of mental health issues?

Yes, the family has been open about their shared struggles. Howie, Jackelyn, and Alex have all dealt with conditions like anxiety, OCD, and ADD. They are passionate advocates for mental health awareness and have used their platform to help destigmatize these issues.

The Mandel Legacy: More Than Just a Famous Name

The lives of Jackelyn Shultz and Riley Mandel Ehrlich paint a vivid picture of a modern family navigating the complexities of fame, health, and personal ambition. Their journeys, though divergent, are rooted in a shared foundation of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. One embraced the spotlight, using her platform to connect and advocate, while the other found purpose in the quiet, focused work of healing. Together, they represent two valid, inspiring paths to a fulfilling life.

Their story is more than just a glimpse into a celebrity family. It is a testament to a parenting philosophy that values passion over prestige and mental well-being over everything. It is a story of a family that has faced immense challenges—from public scrutiny to private health battles—and emerged stronger and more connected. The Mandel legacy, it turns out, is not just about comedy or television shows. It is about the enduring power of family, the courage to be vulnerable, and the quiet strength it takes to build a life that is truly your own.