A 73-year-old comic took the ‘AGT’ stage — then Howie Mandel realised he knew him from decades ago
Many comedians have graced the 'America's Got Talent' stage; however, this senior comedian's stand-up act was something special. He didn't just win the judges over with his quick-witted jokes but also caught the attention of Howie Mandel, who happened to know him from over four decades ago. Soon after, the 73-year-old introduced himself, "I'm Andy Huggins. I'm from Houston, Texas." Mandel looked in amazement, as if he had seen a familiar face.
From the start of the act, he had the judges and the audience laughing: "I reached my sexual peak 38 years ago; I'm down to one shade of grey... If I catch a nap in the afternoon", He continued taking a dig at his age, "Sex is still exciting. I don't know what will come first, the orgasm or the foot cramp." With more jokes surrounding his sex life, he got audiences laughing their lungs out. However, the judges' opinions varied. According to GoldenDerby, Heidi Klum, seemingly impressed, said, "I think you're funny. I think you are adorable. I love that you're coming here and that you're doing this right now. I love that about you." Simon Cowell also added, "You're very naughty, aren't you? I think you're very funny. I think you're someone we're gonna remember. I'm just curious why you haven't had that break before."
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Howie Mandel, now clearly remembering who Huggins was, said, "Andy, when I walked by you backstage, I did not recognize you. But then I remembered that 40 years ago, I remember Andy Huggins as a 28-year-old kid like me on the stage. We were both starting together. Andy, you know what? You're funny. You're memorable. Welcome to show business!" Per the aforementioned outlet, Huggins never pursued his talent because of a bad habit of procrastination.
I found him hilarious. Mel didn't get the jokes.Shes a bit https://t.co/HPIq8a9Er9 her no mind.Theres a reason she doesn't work for NASA.
— Samantha Angelina (@Samanthahallma8) June 27, 2018
Even though Huggins got a yes from Cowell, Mandel, and Klum, things were different with Melanie Janine Brown. "I was confused by some of the jokes. I didn't understand some of the jokes. Sorry, my vote says 'No," she said. Fans at home were not pleased with Mel B's decision. One YouTube viewer wrote, "With past comedic acts, it has been shown that Mel has no sense of humor, and it doesn’t seem fair to the comedians to have to deal with her." Fans also called her out on social media and added, One Tweeted, "Mel apparently lost her sense of humor, but I’m glad the other judges found him funny. Andy Huggins is hilarious!" Another added, "He was really funny, but they need to get rid of MelB, she's stupid!! She doesn't get anything!"
He was really funny, but they need to get rid of MelB, she's stupid!! She doesn't get anything!!!
— Dylan H. (@DylanHu65) June 27, 2018
Later, during a 2022 interview with Comedy Wham, Huggins reflected on his appearance on 'AGT.' "When I walk on stage, I think they anticipate, you know, not just dad jokes, but granddad jokes — you know, cardigan sweater jokes. And so, I surprise them with the tone, and occasionally the language, and just the attitude." On meeting Mandel, the comedian added, "I think I was the first person to introduce Howie at the Comedy Store … the first time he had performed [there]."