A lineup of top entertainers including Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Harvey, Sean Hayes, Jimmy Kimmel, John Krasinski, John Leguizamo, Jane Lynch, Jason Mraz, Lily Tomlin, Loudon Wainwright III and others will salute Ellen DeGeneres at the 15th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world's greatest humorists, will air on PBS stations nationwide October 30, 2012 at 8:00pm ET (check local listings). Artists subject to change.
"The Kennedy Center is happy to recognize Ellen DeGeneres' unique contributions to the world of comedy," stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "Through her television programs, stand-up appearances, movies, and even commercials, her special brand of humor has allowed us to find hilarity in the mundane and has kept us laughing for years."
Upon learning she will receive the Mark Twain Prize, Ellen DeGeneres remarked, "It's such an honor to receive the Mark Twain Prize. To get the same award that has been given to people like Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, it really makes me wonder… why didn't I get this sooner?"
As recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Ellen DeGeneres will receive a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853-1940) at the awards ceremony on October 22, 2012. The event is created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and executive producers Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and Cappy McGarr.
Special Event Packages are available at the $50,000; $25,000; $10,000; and $5,000 levels. Single tickets are $1,000 each.
The proceeds from the evening's event are used to support the Kennedy Center's programs, performances and outreach activities.
About Ellen Degeneres
Beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, Ellen DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audi ...More...
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