Will Ferrell wins top Mark Twain humor prize in DC

[May 13, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Will Ferrell, who honed his impression of President George W. Bush on "Saturday Night Live" and crossed over to make a career in movies, will win the nation's top humor prize from the Kennedy Center in Washington.

The 14th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was announced Thursday. Ferrell will be honored Oct. 23 with a lineup of star comedy performances.

In a written statement, Ferrell says he is honored and will begin cultivating a "Mark Twain-esque mustache" for the event.

Ferrell starred for seven seasons on "Saturday Night Live." In 2007, he created the website FunnyorDie.com with collaborator Adam McKay. He has performed on Broadway and in movies including "Anchorman," "Old School" and "Zoolander."

Past honorees include Tina Fey, Bill Cosby and Steve Martin.

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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