David Letterman Acceptance Speech | 2017 Mark Twain Prize

The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center
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Published 2019-10-01
The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled and outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."

For more information on the Mark Twain Prize, please visit: www.kennedy-center.org/pages/specialevents/marktwa…

The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include 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Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018).

#TwainPrize #PBSTwain

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All Comments (21)
  • @vinko8237
    "Oh my, Norm McDonald" The best compliment ever! And from Dave Letterman!!
  • @deltabilly1
    I think we can assume we just witnesses Biff Henderson’s final curtain. Dave is a class act for including him.
  • @jakejake7289
    I was not a Letterman fan when he had his show in the 80's. But my respect for him grows by the day.
  • @Zsnakeistaken
    Holy shit he just called John Mulaney the future of comedy
  • @charleshagen1143
    always appreciated how often he had Tom Waits on his show. He knew talent.
  • @blakemc34
    TBH, he didn't say a lot.. and I've heard a stronger talk at BSU where I attended as well. But Letterman's hard work and generosity is clear. He deserves this award not just for his tv legacy, but his humble beginnings. He's an inspiration to anyone who thinks that they are not smart enough to achieve such things. Obviously, he finishes with a jab at the new gov transition with his Twain quote of choice.
  • @nedzipdalipovic3006
    Best Joke was when he said " Amy Schumer, future recipient of the award". Man that was a good one
  • @rgjerde53
    It's worth repeating "Support your country all of the time -- support your government when it deserves it". Left-wing, right-wing, or in-between -- something we can all agree with. See, we do all have something in common. It's way beyond time when we should again, "agreeably, disagree."
  • @LutherAmosHouse
    The fact he admits, that nobody gets there on their own is definitely an important point.
  • @patrickbeck3285
    He doesn't mention that Jay Leno has won it, too. Well, Dave, well deserved for giving us all those years of laughter. Thanks, Dave.
  • @openminded4751
    haha his joke about amy schumer being a future winner was the best