Comedian Jon Stewart to be awarded Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Named after essayist and novelist Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who is better known by his pen name Mark Twain, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was first given in 1998. And this year, the 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor will be awarded to comedian Jon Stewart on April 24, 2022 at the Kennedy Center, Washington.
Commenting on receiving the Prize, Jon Stewart said, "I am truly honored to receive this award.I have long admired and been influenced by the work of Mark Twain, or, as he was known by his given name, Samuel Leibowitz."
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an annual award. It "recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly," reads a statement on their official website.
"For more than two decades, Jon Stewart has brightened our lives and challenged our minds as he delivers current events and social satire with his trademark wit and wisdom. For me, tuning into his television programs over the years has always been equal parts entertainment and truth," Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President said in a statement.
In 2021, six years after he quit his satirical 'The Daily Show', Stewart returned to television with a new venture looking at current affairs in depth. 'The Problem With Jon Stewart' was launched on the Apple TV+ streaming platform on September 30. Stewart's satire made him a beloved figure with influence far beyond the 2 million to 3 million nightly audiences of 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central. 'The Daily Show' won 20 Emmy Awards during his 16-year stint as host and boosted the careers of other comedians, including Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and Samantha Bee. Its current host is Trevor Noah.
After stepping aside in 2015, Stewart made only infrequent public appearances, including advocating for wounded veterans and for healthcare benefits for first responders who became ill after September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, before making a comeback on the Apple TV+ streaming platform. In 2020, he wrote and directed 'Irresistible', a political comedy film starring Steve Carell, that drew mixed reviews.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was first given in 1998 to Richard Pryor, and since then it has been awarded every year except in 2020 and 2021. Some previous recipients of the Prize include Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018), Tina Fey (2010), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Eddie Murphy (2015), David Letterman (2017), among others.
(With inputs from Reuters)