Carol Burnett Awarded Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Tonight

A star-studded lineup of the nation's top comedic entertainers will salute Carol Burnett at the 16th Annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor tonight, October 20, 2013. The Prize, which is named in honor of one of the world's greatest humorists, will air on PBS stations nationwide October 30, 2013 (check local listings).

"From her television program and appearances, as well as her performances on Broadway and in film, Carol Burnett has entertained generations of fans with her vibrant wit and hilarious characters," stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "We are delighted to pay tribute to this unique and beloved entertainer."

Upon learning she will receive the Mark Twain Prize, Carol Burnett remarked, "I can't believe I'm getting a humor prize from the Kennedy Center. It's almost impossible to be funnier than the people in Washington."

As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Carol Burnett will receive a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853-1940) at the awards ceremony on October 20, 2013. The event is created by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and executive producers Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and Cappy McGarr.

Special Event Packages are available at the $50,000; $25,000; $10,000; and $5,000 levels. Single tickets are $1,000 each.

The proceeds from the evening's event are used to support the Kennedy Center's programs, performances and outreach activities.

Carol Burnett, award-winning actress and best-selling author, is widely recognized by the public and her peers for her work on stage and screen, most notably The Carol Burnett Show. Named in 2007 by TIME magazine as one of "100 Best Television Shows of All Time,"The Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years, averaged 30 million viewers per week, and received 25 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most honored shows in television history. But it is Carol's artistic brilliance, her respect and appreciation of her fans, and her graciousness, integrity, warmth, and humor on and off screen that have made her one of the most beloved performers in entertainment and one of the most admired women in America.