The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is going to Carol Burnett this year, the Kennedy Center announced today. The lifetime achievement award, given out annually by the Kennedy Center, is the most prestigious accolade in comedy, and this is the 15th anniversary of the prize. Past recipients have included Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, and, more recently, Will Ferrell and Tina Fey. Burnett, who turned 80 this year, is best known for her long-running TV variety show, which aired for 11 years on CBS from 1967 to 1978. In addition to the show, she has had an eclectic career that has seen her working as an author and a Broadway and film actress. The ceremony will take place on October 20th and air on PBS on October 30th.
