ABC’s 20/20; 'Howie Mandel’s' struggle with fear of germs

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Comedian and actor Howie Mandel is best known for his shaved head, fist bump and making people laugh. But what many fans don’t know is how much he suffers from a crippling fear of germs – something he has joked about before but never spoken seriously about until now. The “Deal or No Deal” host speaks candidly to ABC News’ David Muir about the terrifying role his obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has played in his life. “I am always on the verge of death in my head,” he tells Muir. “20/20” airs FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.


“20/20” follows Mandel behind the scenes to the “Deal or No deal” set, to his California home with his children and wife of 30 years, and to his spotless Las Vegas penthouse suite at the MGM Grand — where he performs 40 nights a year — to explain the unusual rituals needed to survive.

And: With “New Moon” being one if the biggest movie premieres in history, “True Blood” a hit TV drama and vampire books hitting the bestsellers list, vampire stories are truly a phenomenon. But as it turns out, some people – including a police detective, mom and registered nurse – claim vampires aren’t just fiction, that they are indeed vampires. Is it a fad, a fetish or a thirst for something besides the obvious? John Quiñones reports from cities around the country including New Orleans, Kansas City and New York to find out.
 
Plus: Many women say one of the greatest things they can do is give birth. So it’s not surprising some women give birth for other couples, sometimes again and again. But do they do it for love or money, or is it an obsession with pregnancy? Juju Chang updates a report on “serial surrogates,” including one woman who has given birth to 12 babies.

“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas. David Sloan is executive producer. 

(source: information provided by ABC)