A lineup of leading performers, including Bradley Cooper, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Trevor Noah, Jon Stewart, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and others will salute Dave Chappelle at the 22nd annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which airs on Arizona PBS on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 10:30 p.m. The program will pay tribute to the humor and accomplishments of Chappelle.
WATCH: Dave Chappelle: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor 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.
Dave Chappelle is an internationally recognized stand-up comedian and actor whose trademark wit and sharp, irreverent social commentary explores race, popular culture, sex, drugs, politics, and fame. Arguably the most-touring comic on the circuit, Chappelle has performed more than 1,600 concerts worldwide in the past four years, selling out shows within minutes of their announcements.
Chappelle was the mastermind behind the 2003 sketch comedy hit, “The Chappelle Show”—one of the highest rated programs on Comedy Central. The show earned three Emmy nominations and went on to become the best-selling TV show in DVD history. In 2000, Chappelle recorded his first hour-long special in Washington, D.C. for HBO, “Dave Chappelle: Killin’ Them Softly.” Chappelle’s second comedy special, “Dave Chappelle: For What It’s Worth,” aired on Showtime in 2004.
Note: This program contains language some viewers may find offensive.
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