‘Date Night’ Fey wins top comedian prize

(AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD)

The Kennedy Center in Washington DC announced on May 25 that its prestigious annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor will honor the award-winning comedian Tina Fey. The award recognizes people who have an impact as a social commentator, satirist and creator of characters, similar to its namesake, the 19th century novelist and essayist.

The youngest recipient in the award, 30-year-old Fey is the star of the Emmy-winning US television show ‘30 Rock,’ which she created, produces and writes. Her other television credits include the sketch comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live,’ where she was a cast member and head writer.

Recently the comedian co-starred in the hit movie Date Night with Steve Carrel. Her other films include comedies Baby Mama and Mean Girls which she also wrote, The Invention of Lying, and Ponyo. She will join the voices of Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell in the upcoming animated feature MegaMind.

The former member of the Second City Improv of Chicago, along with alums John and Jim Belushi and Mike Meyers, has won an Emmy, two Golden Globes, SAG and Writers Guild awards, and a People's Choice Award for her portrayal of "Liz Lemon" on ‘30 Rock.’

“I am truly thrilled to receive this honor. I assume Betty White was disqualified for steroid use,” joked Fey in a statement, referring to the popular 88-year-old ‘Golden Girls’ actress.

The illustrious comics who previously received the award include Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, and George Carlin. The 13th annual ceremony on November 9, which will be televised, features tributes and performances to include a cast of funny and famous colleagues.

http://www.kennedy-center.org

RC