During his professional milestone, Kevin Hart couldn’t hold back his tears as he glanced up at the bronze bust and saw the trio of comedy legends standing there to support him.
At the Kennedy Center opera house, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle were seated together in the VIP balcony, enjoying the moment as Hart received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for his lifelong contributions to comedy on Sunday night.
Hart humbly expressed, “I never set out to win awards, I simply fell in love with the art of comedy.” From humble beginnings in Philadelphia’s open mics and comedy clubs, Hart worked his way up to become one of the most beloved comedians in the country. His unique style, blending his small stature, expressive face, and rapid-fire delivery, has made him a standout performer with sold-out arena shows.
The ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was filled with laughter and heartfelt tributes from celebrities and fellow comedians, all acknowledging Hart’s incredible work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
“He’s truly an inspiration,” exclaimed comedian Nikki Glazer as she strolled down the red carpet. “He’s one of the most naturally gifted individuals I’ve come across. But he also has a great sense of self-confidence, a trait not commonly found in every successful comedian.”
Comedic actor J.B. Smoove, known for his role as Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” reminisced about a young and ambitious Hart. “To be honest, when he was just starting out, he was quite persistent,” Smoove chuckled. “But he was always absorbing knowledge from every corner, always eager to learn from others without any reservations.”
The event started off with a lively performance by Robin Thicke and Nelly. What ensued resembled more of a light-hearted roast among celebrities rather than a typical award ceremony, as a lineup of comedians took playful jabs at Hart’s stature and the occasional inconsistencies in his extensive body of work. According to IMDB, Hart has graced the screens in 93 films and television shows, with nine more currently in the works.
“Kevin is really passionate about ensuring the quality of the checks,” mentioned his frequent on-screen partner Regina Hall. “Not the content – to be honest, some of that stuff is not great – but the guy sure knows how to make some serious money!”
Rock brought up Hart’s very public divorce by complimenting his appearance and saying Hart “looks happier with his second wife!”
Chappelle, who was honored with the Mark Twain Prize in 2019, spoke seriously about Hart, calling him “a highly ambitious dreamer.”
He talked about Hart’s achievement of selling out a 53,000-seat football stadium – Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in 2015 – as a source of inspiration for himself and Rock.
“You made me dream bigger, and you’re younger than me,” Chappelle told Hart.
Apart from his successful stand-up career, Hart made his movie debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and rose to mainstream fame with memorable appearances in hits like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” in 2005. His films have collectively earned over $4.23 billion worldwide.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Mark Twain Prize recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on comedy and society. The honorees are presented with a bronze bust of the legendary American writer and humorist, Mark Twain (also known as Samuel Clemens).
The Mark Twain Prize recipients are celebrated with a night of accolades and video tributes, often featuring past winners. Some of the notable comedians who have received this prestigious lifetime achievement award include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chappelle. However, Bill Cosby, who was awarded the prize in 2009, had his honor revoked in 2019 due to accusations of sexual assault.
