Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Bill Murray to receive top US comedy prize at Kennedy Center

CP1790974546
FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2016 file photo, actor Bill Murray attends an NCAA college basketball game between Xavier and Villanova in Cincinnati. Despite his move into serious roles, Bill Murray never stopped making people laugh. Now he’s being honored with the nation’s top prize for comedy. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Monday, June 13, 2016, that Murray will be this year’s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

WASHINGTON – Despite his move into serious roles, Bill Murray never stopped making people laugh. Now he’s being honoured with the nation’s top prize for comedy.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Monday that Murray will be this year’s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The 65-year-old Murray is one of several “Saturday Night Live” alumni to receive the Twain Prize. He joined the cast in 1977, replacing Chevy Chase, and he won over audiences by creating the iconic character Nick the Lounge Singer.

His first big movie hit was “Caddyshack” in 1980. He went on to become the nation’s most bankable comedy star, playing the lovable smart aleck to perfection in “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles