The honor will be given to the 65-year-old actor-comedian during a bestowal ceremony at the Kennedy Center on October 23.
- Jun 14, 2016
AceShowbiz - Bill Murray will be awarded with the 19th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The honor will be given to the 65-year-old actor-comedian during a bestowal ceremony at the Kennedy Center on October 23, which will feature some of the biggest names in comedy and be taped for broadcast.
"I'm honored by this award and by its timing," the "Ghostbusters" actor said in a statement on Monday, June 13, "I believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long, that this news won't disturb his peace."
Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said, "Since his first performances on 'Saturday Night Live' more than three decades ago, Bill Murray has charmed us with unforgettable performances from an eclectic cast of characters that have become ingrained in our cultural vernacular."
"An award-winning writer, actor and comedian, his brilliant wit and infectious spirit continue to inspire our laughter across generations both on and off the screen," Deborah added, "His unique brand of humor seems to defy time itself - always remaining relevant and relatable to new audiences - much like our award's namesake."
Previous recipients of the prize include Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Bill Cosby, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno and Eddie Murphy.
Bill will next be seen in "Ghostbusters (2016)" alongside Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts. The movie is coming to U.S. theaters on July 15.
