About the Mark Twain Prize
The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is created by the Kennedy Center and executive producers Mark Krantz, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky and Cappy McGarr.
The 12th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Bill Cosby
2009 Prize Recipient
The Kennedy Center awarded the twelfth annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to 1998 Kennedy Center Honoree Bill Cosby, one of America's--and the world's--foremost humorists, in a star-studded show filled with fun and laughter on Monday, October 26, 2009. Entertainers included Len Chandler, James DePreist, Dick Gregory, Jimmy Heath, Wynton Marsalis, Rita Moreno, Willie Nelson, Phylicia Rashad, Carl Reiner, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Sinbad, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
The program was taped by WETA Washington, D.C. as Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize, and will air on PBS stations nationwide November 4, 2009 (check local listings).
The broadcast is traditionally one of the most popular and critically acclaimed specials on television, and each year, the show continues to grow in audience appeal. The 2008 television broadcast of the eleventh annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor saluting George Carlin has been nominated for an Emmy Award.
Guests were invited to the Pre-Show Dinner at the Center and the Post-Show Reception immediately following the Presentation, at which all guests and talent gathered together to toast Mr. Cosby.
To make reservations, call (202) 416-8396 or fax (202) 416-8325. Information is also available via e-mail at marktwainprize@kennedy-center.org
On the Red Carpet
About Bill Cosby
Dr. William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer and activist. He began his career performing in various comedy clubs, before landing a role in the 1960s action show "I Spy." He later starred in his own series, "The Bill Cosby Show," in 1969. He created the animated educational series "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," about a group of young friends growing up in the city. During the 1980s, Cosby produced and starred in "The Cosby Show," which was considered one of the decade's defining sitcoms, airing from 1984 to 1992, and is still seen in syndication. He also produced the hit sitcom "A Different World," which became second to "The Cosby Show" in ratings. In the 1990s, Cosby starred in "Cosby," which aired for four years, and during the show's last two seasons, hosted "Kids Say the Darndest Things," and appeared in a number of movies. Throughout his career, he has released a number of popular comedy albums. Nine of Cosby's albums have been certified Gold and six have been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In addition to performing, Cosby is the author of many best-selling books, including Fatherhood and Time Flies. In 1972, Cosby earned a Masters Degree in Education, followed by a Doctorate in Education in 1978, from the University of Massachusetts. His contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America's highest civilian honor.
As recipient of the Mark Twain Prize, Bill Cosby will receive a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain* sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853-1940). The bust and its images are courtesy of the Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford, Connecticut.
History of the Mark Twain Prize
The first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 18 through October 20, 1998. The celebration included lectures, symposia, and master classes, and culminated in the Concert Hall on Tuesday, October 20, 1998 when Richard Pryor was presented with the inaugural Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize, named after one of the world's greatest exponents of humor. The program featured a gathering of leading American artists including Chevy Chase, Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, and Robin Williams.
As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens – the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist also known as Mark Twain – was a fearless observer of society, who outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly.
The Kennedy Center, as the nation's center for the performing arts, recognizes and presents all of the performing arts including opera, musical theater, drama, ballet and dance, as well as symphony and all kinds of smaller musical ensembles performing every imaginable kind of music. The Kennedy Center organized this "Celebration of Humor" and established the Mark Twain Prize to recognize those who create humor from their uniquely American experiences.
Past Winners
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George Carlin
2008 -
Billy Crystal
2007 -
Neil Simon
2006 -
Steve Martin
2005 -
Lorne Michaels
2004 -
Lily Tomlin
2003 -
Bob Newhart
2002 -
Whoopi Goldberg
2001 -
Carl Reiner
2000 -
Jonathan Winters
1999 -
Richard Pryor
1998
