Howie Mandel reveals daughter Jackelyn Shultz’s obsession with Michael Jackson

Howie Mandel recently got candid and opened up about his eldest daughter, Jackelyn Shultz’s obsession with Michael Jackson.

For those unaware, Howie shares his three kids, daughter Jackelyn, son Alex, and daughter Riley with his wife of over 45 years, Terry Mandel.

The father of three attended the premiere of Michael in Hollywood, California, where he chatted with PEOPLE magazine about the film, revealing that Jackelyn was an ardent fan of the late singer.

He told the outlet that his eldest daughter was so in love with him in her childhood that she wanted to name her then-unborn brother after the King of Pop.

The 70-year-old Canadian comedian and television actor said, “My daughter — who is now 41 — and I were obsessed with Michael Jackson. When she was 4 years old, [she] wanted my son, [Alex Mandel], who's 36 — when my wife was pregnant with him — she wanted us to name our son Michael Jackson.”

Howie went on to share that Jackelyn was completely starstruck and awestruck when he took her to meet Jackelyn, her favourite artist.

The America’s Got Talent host recalled, “We took her to meet him one day and she just couldn't talk, and she was terrified. And he was so sweet and wonderful with her.”

“So, it was an epic time where I wanted her to know that that's Michael Jackson and not her brother,” Howie laughingly said.

It is pertinent to mention that Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009. He dies of an overdose of propofol and other prescription drugs in Los Angeles.

Michael, released on April 24, 2026, is currently in theatres. Watch the trailer here.