Tina Fey Recieves 2010 Mark Twain Prize of American Humor, 11/9

Today, Tuesday, May 25, The Kennedy Center announced that Tina Fey is the 2010 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize of American Humor. Established in 1998, the annual award is to an individual who has had an impact on American society in ways similar to 19th century novelist and essayist, Mark Twain. The ceremony, to be held Tuesday November 9, will feature a lineup of the biggest names in comedy, and will be taped for television broadcast.

Past recipients of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize have been Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), and Bill Cosby (2009). 

Emmy-winner Tina Fey is executive producer, head writer and star of NBC's three-time Emmy Award-winning comedy series "30 Rock" and currently stars in the feature film, "Date Night," with Steve Carell. Prior to creating "30 Rock," Fey completed nine seasons as head writer, cast member and co-anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." She hosted SNL for the second time on April 10. Fey won an Emmy in 2009 for Best Guest Appearance by an Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Sarah Palin during the 2008-2009 season of SNL.

The Kennedy Center, as the nation's center for the performing arts, recognizes and presents all of the performing arts including opera, musical theater, drama, ballet and dance, as well as symphony and all kinds of smaller musical ensembles performing every imaginable kind of music. The Kennedy Center organized this "Celebration of Humor" and established the Mark Twain Prize to recognize those who create humor from their uniquely American experiences. To learn more, visit www.kennedy-center.org