Conan O’Brien to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor | 'He's consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights'

Conan O’Brien to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

'He's consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights'

Conan O’Brien is to receive this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, it has been announced.

The comedian and former talk show host will be the 26th recipient of the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of comics such as Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, George Carlin and Whoopi Goldberg.

O’Brien – formerly a writer on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons – will receive the accolade on March 23 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, which organises the prize. The ceremony will air on Netflix at a later date.

Deborah F. Rutter, the venue’s president, said: ‘For four decades, Conan O’Brien, has brought his unique blend of the smart, silly, insightful, and hilarious into our homes.

‘From Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons—including the unbelievably funny monorail episode—to late night, podcasts, and all things Team Coco, Conan is a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights. I look forward to honoring his immense legacy and enduring impact with an uproarious evening.’

O’Brien joked: ‘I am honoured to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognised not for humour, but for my work as a riverboat pilot.’

» Previous Mark Twain prize winners

Published: 16 Jan 2025

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