Though his celebrity status has begun to wane in the past several years, Eddie Murphy is still and will forever be known as one of the funniest guys to ever grace both Television and Movies. Murphy saw tremendous success in the ’80s with a string of comedy hits, perhaps most notably Beverly Hills Cop.
Murphy was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor which, according to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, “recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain.” Past winners of the prize include Ellen DeGenereres, Will Ferrell, and Lily Tomlin.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award,’ Murphy said according to a statement from the Kennedy Center.” (CNN)
The crowd received an unusual treat, however, when Murphy performed a standup routine, which the actor has allegedly not done in decades.
Murphy also impersonated 2009 Mark Twain Prize winner and disgraced actor and comedian Bill Cosby. Cosby has been at the center of “multiple rape allegations.”
Murphy was joined by several of his comical friends at the ceremony, including Chris Rock, George Lopez, Kathy Griffin, Tracy Morgan, and Trevor Noah.
Image via Flickr/Disney | ABC Television Group
