John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced on Thursday, April 9, 2015 that 54-year-old Eddie Murphy will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
The
humor prize is aimed at honoring those who influence society through
their social commentary and satire in the tradition of Mark Twain.
“Through
his appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ groundbreaking stand-up
comedy, and work as a movie star, Eddie Murphy has shown that like Mark
Twain, he was years ahead of his time.” - Deborah F. Rutter, the president of the Kennedy Center, said in a statement,
Responding to the awards, Murphy said “I
am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center
and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award.”
