Comedian David Letterman, who helped to revive the staid world of late-night television in the 1980s, has been named as the 2017 recipient of the Kennedy Center’s 20th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Letterman, 70, will be feted at a gala performance on Oct. 20th, which will be televised nationally at a later date. The Twain Award is considered to be he most prestigious honor in the world of comedy, and past recipients include Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Carol Burnett and Neil Simon.
In a statement released after news of the award was announced, the comedian stated that receiving the Twain was an "exciting honor."
“For 33 years, there was no greater guest, no greater friend of the show, than Mark Twain,” he added, joking about the 19th century author. “The guy could really tell a story.” – Staff Writers
