Mark Twain Prize is one of the most prestigious accolades many comedians dream of receiving – and that dream is finally coming true for Dave Chappelle. He is the latest in the long line of comedy legends to be bestowed with this coveted award.
Chappelle will accept his prize on October 27 at the John F. Kennedy Center. The president of this institution Deborah F. Rutter was the one who announced the news and described him as “embodiment of Mark Twain’s observation that ‘against the assault of humor, nothing can stand.’”
“For three decades, Dave has challenged us to see hot-button issues from his entirely original yet relatable perspective. Dave is a hometown hero here in Washington, D.C., where he grew up. We’re so looking forward to welcoming him back home,” said Rutter in a press release.
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is presented to individuals who had an impact on American society in ways similar to distinguished writer of the great American novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Richard Pryor was the first person to ever receive this prize in 1998, while the list of recent honorees includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman and Bill Murray.
