Kevin Hart: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Grammy® and Emmy® nominees Born and bred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin Hart began his comedic career on an amateur night at a neighbourhood comedy club. With 11 films that opened at the top of the box office and brought in more than $4.23 billion in revenue worldwide, Hart has developed into one of Hollywood’s box office heavyweights throughout the years. Hart has also achieved success as an entrepreneur. He is the chairman of Hartbeat, a multinational, multi-platform media firm whose goal is to “keep the world laughing together” by producing comedy and cultural content.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, given out by Wells Fargo, honours people who, like the eminent author and essayist Samuel Clemens of the 19th century, have had a significant influence on American culture. Clemens was a candid observer of society who entertained and informed observers with his outspoken viewpoint on societal injustice and personal foolishness. He was also a humourist and character builder.

Kevin Hart has been a global comedy phenomenon for more than thirty years because to his recognizable characters, unique physical humor, and relatable stories. Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said of him, “An accomplished writer, producer, actor, and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center.” “We are grateful to Kevin for his contributions to American culture and are excited to honor his remarkable career.”

Hart was given a replica of Karl Gerhardt’s 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain as a prize for winning the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (1853–1940). Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009; revoked in 2018), Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018), Dave Chappelle (2019), Jon Stewart (2022), and Adam Sandler (2023).

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob, Peter, Mark, Krantz, and John Schreiber were the event’s creators. As the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrates its 25th anniversary, David M. Rubenstein is the Honorary Chair, and Barbara Goodman Manilow and Cappy McGarr are the Gala Co-Chairs. McGarr has been a staunch supporter of the award since its establishment in 1998.

Kevin Hart takes home his Mark Twain Prize for American humor.

Comedians like making fun of each other. It’s practically a need for the work, and Kevin Hart had enough of it on Sunday night at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., when he accepted the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

According to Tiffany Haddish, he was a “leprechaun.” “If you look at Kevin Hart’s career, it doesn’t look like it was that hard to do,” Jerry Seinfeld said. The roast continued with appearances from Dave Chappelle, Chelsea Handler, Keith Robinson, Chris Rock, and Regina Hall, among others.

Comics in their younger years were more giving. Rapper Dave Burd, better known by his stage name Lil Dicky, is one of the unknown talents that Kevin Hart is renowned for supporting. Hart has supported him with a new sitcom and invested in his music. Burd was raised in Philadelphia, just like Hart.

Imagine growing up and seeing a man on film who you find hilarious, and then that guy pulls you in and says, “Let me help, let me tell you everything I know about this industry.” Before the concert, Burd exclaimed, “If I’m being really honest with you, it’s the stuff of dreams.

The greatest accolade in comedy is regarded as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Eddie Murphy, Bob Newhart, Whoopi Goldberg, and Richard Pryor are among the previous winners.

Some humor fans think there have been oversights, just as with every major accolade. Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld are the only winners of the prize. Mel Brooks declined it. The Kennedy Center claims he withheld the reason.

Comedian Sean McCarthy, who blogs for The Daily Beast and Decider, finds it remarkable that celebrities like Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, and Phyllis Diller have not won the prize. Hart is among the several recent recipients who were in their 40s when they were awarded the prize. McCarthy would want to see elder comedians who have influenced younger generations honored with the Twain Prize.

“I used to think that The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was a lifetime achievement award, kind of like The Kennedy Center Honors,” McCarthy recalls. “Until around 2010, when they started giving the prize to folks who were in their 40s, like Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, it definitely seemed that way. Furthermore, I’m not really sure what the reward entails today.

comic after comic lauded Kevin Hart for his abilities as a business and entertainer during the program. Apart from performing stand-up and acting, he owns restaurants, a tequila brand, and his own production company.

Hart’s father spent time in and out of jail as a child. He claims his mother gave him a strong work ethic. 2007 saw her passing. Hart thinks that if she had been present, she would have been pleased to see him win the most important prize in comedy.

As Hart observed, “My mom is a strong believer that you get what you put into something, so because of my effort, knowing my effort, she’d go, ‘It’s supposed to happen.'”

May 11 marks the Netflix debut of The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Starting on May 11, the ceremony will be stream able on Netflix.