Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart will receive the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Award for lifetime achievement in comedy.
The organization announced the news on its website, saying that for more than two decades, Stewart has “challenged minds and brightened lives.”
“For me, tuning into his television programs over the years has always been equal parts entertainment and truth,” Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement.
Stewart will become the 23rd recipient of the award which is presented to individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to Mark Twain, according to the organization’s website.
Stewart serves as an Executive Producer on CBS’ Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also co-created and Executive Produced Comedy Central’s award-winning series The Colbert Report.
“In these often divisive and challenging times, someone like Jon, through his undaunted advocacy for first responders and veterans, also demonstrates that we all can make a difference in this world through humor, humanity, and patriotism,” Rutter added.
Stewart will be presented with the award during a gala ceremony on April 24 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
