Jay Leno Receives Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Late night host and comedian Jay Leno received the Kennedy Center's 17th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor last night, Sunday, October 19th. The event featured a lineup of the biggest names in comedy, including Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Eubanks, Chelsea Handler, Seth Meyers, Garth Brooks and Wanda Sykes.

The show was taped and will be broadcast as Jay Leno: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize on Nov. 23 on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings).

About the Mark Twain Prize:

The Kennedy Center awards the 17th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor toJay Leno, one of America's--and the world's--foremost humorists in a star-studded show filled with fun and laughter. There will be appearances by Garth Brooks, Kristin Chenoweth, Kevin Eubanks, Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Handler, Seth Meyers, Jerry Seinfeld, JB Smoove, Wanda Sykes, and others.

Upon learning he will receive the Mark Twain Prize, Jay Leno remarked, "What an honor! I'm a big fan of Mark Twain's. In fact, A Tale of Two Cities is one of my favorite books!"

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children's book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist...it's no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as "the hardest working man in show business."

Past recipients of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize are Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, and Carol Burnett.

Image courtesy of The Kennedy Center

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