Kevin Hart, who rose from the open mics and comedy clubs of his native Philadelphia to become one of the country’s most recognizable performers, will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala performance Sunday at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Quick Read
- Kevin Hart’s Achievement: Kevin Hart, a prominent figure in American comedy, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor during a gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Background and Career: Hart, originally from Philadelphia, built his comedy career from open mics to become a nationally recognized entertainer. Known for his unique style that blends his short stature, expressive facial expressions, and rapid speech, Hart has become a successful stand-up comedian.
- Hollywood Success: Hart entered the film industry with his debut in the 2002 movie “Paper Soldiers” and gained wider recognition through memorable roles in films like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005). His movies have collectively grossed over $4.23 billion worldwide.
- Mark Twain Prize Significance: The prize, now in its 25th year, celebrates individuals who have significantly influenced American humor and culture, symbolized by a bronze bust of Mark Twain, the esteemed American author and humorist.
- Ceremony and Tributes: The award ceremony features speeches and video tributes, often from past recipients. Notable previous winners include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chapelle. It’s noteworthy that Bill Cosby’s Mark Twain Prize was revoked in 2019 due to sexual assault allegations.
The Associated Press has the story:
Kevin Hart is joining a list honored with Mark Twain Prize for American humor
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
Kevin Hart, who rose from the open mics and comedy clubs of his native Philadelphia to become one of the country’s most recognizable performers, will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala performance Sunday at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Hart, 44, has honed a signature style that combines his diminutive height, expressive face and motor-mouth delivery into a successful stand-up act.
In Hollywood, Hart made his movie debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and came to mainstream fame through a string of scene-stealing cameos in hits such as 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.” Hart’s films have grossed more than $4.23 billion globally.
Now in its 25th year, the Mark Twain Prize annually honors performers who have made a lasting impact on humor and culture. Honorees receive a bronze bust of Twain, the iconic American writer and satirist whose real name was Samuel Clemens.
Mark Twain recipients are honored with a night of testimonials and video tributes, often featuring previous award winners. Other comedians receiving the lifetime achievement award include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett and Dave Chapelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 recipient, had his Mark Twain Prize rescinded in 2019 amid allegations of sexual assault.
