The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. annually since 1998 (except 2020–2021). Named after the 19th-century humorist Mark Twain, it is presented to individuals who have "had an impact on American society in ways similar to" Twain. The Kennedy Center chose Twain in recognition of his role as a controversial social commentator and his "uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly." A copy of Karl Gerhardt's 1884 bust of Twain is presented in a ceremony usually in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, during which the recipient is celebrated by his or her peers.
Comedian Richard Pryor receives the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. annually since 1998 (except 2020–2021).
Historical Significance
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F.
Key People
Events Before
The Republic of Zaire officially joins the World Trade Organization as Zaire
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, or less often Zaire, is a country in Central Africa.
"Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in
"Smothers Brothers" actor-singer Dick Smothers (58) weds third wife Denby Franklin (47) in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in 2006
"Wall Street" actor Charlie Sheen (31) divorces model Donna Peele after nearly 5 months of marriage
"Wall Street" actor Charlie Sheen (31) divorces model Donna Peele after nearly 5 months of marriage
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Ne
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," created by Joss Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, premieres on the WB Television Network
American rapper Vanilla Ice (29) weds Laura Giarritta
American rapper Vanilla Ice (29) weds Laura Giarritta
Events After
Euro currency is introduced to world financial markets
The European Currency Unit (French: Unité de compte européenne, Spanish: Unidad Monetaria Europea, German: Europäische Währungseinheit ; ⟨₠⟩, ECU, or XEU) was a unit of account used by the European...
President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial begins in the US Senate after the House voted to impeach him for lying about
President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial begins in the US Senate after the House voted to impeach him for lying about his affair with Monica Lewinsky
"The Sopranos", starring James Gandolfini as mobster Tony Soprano, debuts on HBO
The Sopranos is an American crime drama television series created by David Chase. The series follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey Mafia boss who suffers from panic attacks.
American actress Angelina Jolie (23) divorces actor Jonny Lee Miller (26) after 3 years of marriage
Angelina Jolie is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award and three Golden Globe Awards.
US President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial
The impeachment trial of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, began in the U.S. Senate on January 7, 1999, and concluded with his acquittal on February 12.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 20, 1998?
- The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. annually since 1998 (except 2020–2021).
- Why is Comedian Richard Pryor receives the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for... significant?
- The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F.
- Who was involved in Comedian Richard Pryor receives the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for...?
- Key figures include Richard Pryor (comedian and actor).