On October 26, 2009, the Kennedy Center will award the twelfth annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to 1998 Kennedy Center Honoree Bill Cosby, one of America’s–and the world’s — foremost humorists, in a star-studded show filled with fun and laughter.
Entertainers include Len Chandler, James DePreist, Danny Glover, Dick Gregory, Jimmy Heath, George Lopez, Wynton Marsalis, Rita Moreno, Willie Nelson, Phylicia Rashad, Carl Reiner, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Sinbad, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
An American comedian, actor, author, television producer, and social activist, Dr. William Henry “Bill” Cosby Jr. began his career performing in various comedy clubs, before landing a role in the 1960s action show I Spy. He later starred in his own series, The Bill Cosby Show, and he created the animated educational series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids about a group of young friends growing up in the city. During the 1980s and early 90s, Mr. Cosby produced and starred in The Cosby Show, which was considered one of the era’s defining sitcoms and is still seen in syndication. Throughout his career, he has released a number of popular comedy albums, nine of which have been certified Gold and six have been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. In addition to performing, Mr. Cosby is the author of many best-selling books, including Fatherhood and Time Flies. His contributions to American culture were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America’s highest civilian honor. Performance timing: 2 hours, with no intermission
The program, to be taped by WETA Washington, D.C. as Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize, will air on PBS stations nationwide November 4, 2009 (check local listings).
For information about the Special Event portion of the Mark Twain Prize, including a dinner and reception, please call (202) 416-8396 or visit our Mark Twain Prize Special Event page.