Comedian Kevin Hart to be honored Sunday with Mark Twain award for 3-decade career

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Internationally acclaimed comedian Kevin Hart will be honored as the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in Washington, D.C. Sunday night.

The award recognizes people who have had impacts on society, similar to distinguished novelist Samuel Clemens (Twain's real name).

Officials from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Center said Wednesday that the actor and comedian will receive the award for his work spanning three decades on stage and on the big screen. His name joins alongside notable comedians like Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, George Carlin, Bill Murray, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, and many other recipients dating back to 1998.

I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life—I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture,” Hart said in a statement.

“I can’t wait to celebrate!”

The 44-year-old Philadelphia native kicked off his career as a teenager doing amateur nights at local comedy clubs. From there, he went on several international tours and acted and produced movies. According to the Associated Press, 11 of his films opened at No. 1 at the box office and all of his films have grossed more than $4.23 billion in global revenue.

On the business side, Hart established Heartbeat, a company that "brings together comedy and culture through entertainment and production," according to a statement from the Kennedy Center.

“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives," Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a release.

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 express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career.

The event features a line-up of Hart's friends, colleagues and devotees who will offer tributes to him. Those celebrants include 2019 Mark Twain award-recipient Dave Chappelle, "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon, comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Chelsea Handler, and Nick Cannon, actresses Regina Hall and Tiffany Hadish, and rapper Nelly.