George Carlin to take Twain prize

Award set for Nov. 10

By PAUL HARRIS

Comedian George Carlin has been selected by the Kennedy Center to receive this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The award and accompanying festivities will be staged Nov. 10 at the center’s Concert Hall, with the event slated for later broadcast on PBS.

Carlin will be feted for his lifetime achievements in showbiz.

“In his lengthy career as a comedian, writer and actor, George Carlin has not only made us laugh, but he makes us think. His influence on the next generation of comics has been far-reaching,” said Kennedy Center chairman Stephen Schwarzman.

“Thank you Mr. Twain,” said Carlin in response. “Have your people call my people.”

During his extensive career of more than 50 years, he has released 22 solo albums and three bestselling books. The five-time Emmy-nominated actor has starred in an unprecedented 14 HBO specials and appeared in a wide variety of television and movie roles. He was the first-ever host of “Saturday Night Live” and has appeared on “The Tonight Show” more than 130 times.

Carlin is the 11th recipient of the Twain nod. Previous winners include Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon and Billy Crystal.

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