Howie Mandel reveals grandson Axel's leukemia battle and remission

On the In Depth With Graham Bensinger podcast, Howie Mandel and his daughter Jackelyn Schultz spoke publicly about Axel’s private cancer journey for the first time, confirming that the nine-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia after a family trip to Hawaii and began chemotherapy within 24 hours. Mandel said Axel also received a bone marrow transplant from his older sister, and the child is now in remission and 'doing well now.'

Schultz said there is 'so much more than just treatment when it comes to battling cancer' and noted that Axel 'is doing well, but we're still dealing with the bumps and hurdles that go along with the diagnosis and transplant.' The couple also recalled facing online and on-air backlash, including criticism when Schultz wore a mask while filming Mandel's podcast, and they described how hard it was to endure public scrutiny while focusing on Axel's health. 'You'd be surprised, or, I fear, that there would be people that would find a reason to hate on it or find a reason to justify why I'm going through this,' she said.

Howie Mandel has been candid about his role as a grandfather, noting he enjoys the experience 'even more than being a father' and saying that grandchildren are a source of joy. He has previously described the moment of becoming a grandfather as a special, overwhelming feeling and joked that, had he known how good it would be, he might have pursued the role sooner: 'Grandchildren, had I known it was this good and this much fun, I would've done that first. To have a child, to have a baby, to have this bundle of joy, this love that I can't get enough of. And then to be able to give it back when it starts to smell.'

Along with Axel and Abbey, 11, Mandel is also grandfather to Noa, 1, who his daughter Riley welcomed last year. The star has previously gushed about having grandchildren during interviews and appearances, saying he enjoys the role intimately.

Mandel is a judge on America's Got Talent, now in its 20th season. He was notably absent from last week's filming, with host Terry Crews explaining that Mandel had endured a loss in the family and would not be on that episode. Crews said, 'Howie's had a loss in the family so he's not going to be with us tonight.' Mandel returned to the show this week on the red carpet and was seen sharing a light moment with Mel B inside a large venue. The Season 20 finale is scheduled for September 24.

Outside the show, Mandel continues to balance public life with family responsibilities as Axel navigates a complex health journey and a compromised immune system, which has kept him out of school as doctors work to rebuild his defenses. The family has expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from loved ones while emphasizing resilience amid ongoing medical needs.

In remarks surrounding Axel’s condition, Mandel and his family have highlighted the emotional and logistical challenges that accompany pediatric cancer treatment, including the impact on siblings, privacy considerations, and the public conversations that inevitably arise when a beloved public figure's family faces such a trial. The interview contributes to a broader public understanding of how families manage treatment, transplantation, and recovery in real time, while continuing to pursue normalcy for Axel and his siblings.