Eddie Murphy Is 2015 Mark Twain Prize for Humor Recipient

Hot off his intentionally unfunny appearance on Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary special, Eddie Murphy has been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The comedian will receive the award at the Kennedy Center in a televised ceremony set to tape on October 18.

“Through his appearances on Saturday Night Live, groundbreaking stand-up comedy, and work as a movie star, Eddie Murphy has shown that like Mark Twain, he was years ahead of his time,” Kennedy Center chief Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement Thursday.

Murphy himself added, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award.”

After Richard Pryor (1998), Whoopi Goldberg (2001) and Bill Cosby (2009), Murphy is the fourth African-American comedian to receive the prize in its 18 year history. Last year, the group gave the honor to Jay Leno to coincide with his departure from the Tonight Show.

Watch Murphy’s unedited SNL40 appearance below, via NBC:

[Photo via NBC]

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