Long before he was a judge on America’s Got Talent and a host of Deal or No Deal. Even before he entertained us as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on TV’s St. Elsewhere. And yes, even before he nearly ended his acting career by appearing in the dreadful '80s flicks Walks Like a Man and Little Monsters. (Only to salvage it, I insist, in the underappreciated 1986 flick A Fine Mess.) Before ALL that, do you know what we love Howie Mandel best for?

He was the voice of Gizmo in 1984's Gremlins. "Bright light, Billy! Bright light!" Awwwwww. Now how come they don’t do movie marathons of that holiday classic on TV? Ask him yourself if you get a quiet moment with the Toronto-born actor and comedian when he performs his stand-up routine in Clearwater. $69-$85. Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. (727) 791-7400. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.