Jay Leno Receives Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
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Jeff Riedel/NBC(WASHINGTON) — Jay Leno was celebrated in Washington, D.C., Sunday night as this year’s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
The award is presented annually by the Kennedy Center in recognition of people “who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to” its namesake.
The event featured appearances by Jerry Seinfeld, Seth Meyers, Chelsea Handler, Wanda Sykes, Garth Brooks, former Tonight Show bandleader Kevin Eubanks and Leno’s Tonight Show successor, Jimmy Fallon, according to USA Today.
Fallon called Leno “a trail-blazing comedian” who showed him “that hard work does pay off.”
In accepting the honor, Leno thanked his friends and his wife of 34 years, Mavis. “Most people get to hear the good jokes — she had to hear all the stupid ones that didn’t work,” Leno remarked.
Leno said he would “treasure” the honor. “This means a tremendous amount to me. I am so touched by this,” Leno added.
The show was taped and will air as Jay Leno: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize Nov. 23 on PBS.
Recent Mark Twain Prize recipients include Carol Burnett, Ellen DeGeneres, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Bill Cosby.
It was announced last week that Leno will return to TV in 2015 with a CNBC show titled Jay Leno’s Garage, focusing on the car collectors’ market.
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