WASHINGTON — Award-winning comedian Kevin Hart has been selected to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in American humor, concluding a three-decade career that has seen him rise from the open mics of Philadelphia to become one of his generation’s most successful performers.
Hart, 44, embarked on his career performing at venues such as The Laff House in his native Philadelphia under the name of Lil Kev. He recalled his early stand-up performances as a series of brutal failures, but gradually honed a signature style that made him a wildly successful touring act. Making his movie debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers,” Hart came to mainstream fame through a string of scene-stealing cameos in mega-hits such as 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.”
Receiving the Mark Twain Prize, Hart joins the ranks of esteemed performers who have received this honor. The announcement of this honor feels surreal for Hart, “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life. I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture.”
The prize will be officially presented to Hart at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on March 24 and will be broadcast later on a date to be determined.
Hart is set to join notable comedians like George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett and Dave Chapelle, who have previously received the Mark Twain Prize.
