Local Hero Howie Mandel To Be Feted at Banff TV Festival

TORONTO -- America's Got Talent judge Howie Mandel is to be feted back home in Canada by the Banff World Television Festival.

The Toronto-born comic and veteran Hollywood actor and game show host is to receive an award of distinction at the upcoming Canadian TV gabfest, organizers said Wednesday.

"After thirty years in show business, Howie Mandel is a household name in Canada and across the globe," said Ferne Cohen, executive director of the Banff World Television Festival.

The former Deal or No Deal host is currently developing scripted TV shows in Canada through his production shingle, Alevy Productions.

Mandel has pilots in development at the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and Global Television.

He also shot and executive produced the NBC prankster series Howie Do It in Toronto.

And Mandel has scripted projects in the works at NBC and USA Network as part of a first-look deal with NBC Universal.

"Mr. Mandel's stellar international success demonstrates the influentia lrole Canadians have in the global entertainment industry, and we're proud to honor his achievements this year at Banff," Cohen said.

The Banff World Television Festival is set to run from June 12 to 15 in the Canadian Rockies.