|
 Murray, the star of such movies as "Groundhog Day" and
"Rushmore," will be awarded the prize named for the great 19th
century U.S. novelist and satirist on Oct. 23, the Kennedy
Center said in a statement on Monday.
“An award-winning writer, actor and comedian, his brilliant wit
and infectious spirit continue to inspire our laughter across
generations both on and off the screen," said Kennedy Center
President Deborah Rutter.
Murray, 65, is among the best-known stars to emerge from NBC's
"Saturday Night Live." He performed on the groundbreaking
television comedy show from 1977 to 1980 and honed his skills
portraying insincere and lovably smarmy characters.
He portrayed a dim-witted groundskeeper in "Caddyshack," was a
paranormal investigator in "Ghostbusters" and stood out as a
mobster in "Mad Dog and Glory."
Murray was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his
portrayal of a jet-lagged movie star in "Lost in Translation."
He has won two Emmy Awards.
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In a statement, Murray said he was honored to receive the award. "I
believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long,
that this news won’t disturb his peace,” he said.
Previous Mark Twain Prize honorees include Richard Pryor, George
Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Neil Simon, Carol Burnett, Jay Leno and Eddie
Murphy, the 2015 winner.
The award ceremony will be recorded for television broadcast.
(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Tom Brown)
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