Dave Chappelle on Jon Stewart | 2022 Mark Twain Prize

Commenting on the prize, Stewart said, “I am truly honored to receive this award. I have long admired and been influenced by the work of Mark Twain, or, as he was known by his given name, Samuel Leibowitz.”

“For more than three decades, Jon Stewart has brightened our lives and challenged our minds as he delivers current events and social satire with his trademark wit and wisdom. For me, tuning into his television programs over the years has always been equal parts entertainment and truth”
— Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.

As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Stewart received a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853–1940). Previous recipients can be seen by scrolling down this page.

Capital One® is the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor as part of the bank’s three-year, $3 million gift to fund Comedy at the Kennedy Center, a signature program at the Center focused on elevating comedy as an art form and uniting the community through laughter.

The 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is under the direction of the creative team from Done + Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018. This year’s ceremony marks the 23rd year that the Kennedy Center’s marquee comedy award will be broadcast nationally.

The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998.

#TwainPrizePBS #JonStewart #DaveChappelle

[nextwednesday]

"I didn't prepare a speech" drops one of the most heartfelt and beautifully constructed speeches I've ever heard.

[cslworldwide]

“I’m sorry I got it before you, but I’m your lucky lead-in”. The way he brought that line back full circle, this man is a master story teller and comedian.

[Michelle-rvks]

John respects first responders above all others, so Dave calling him one was a nice touch

[zenunogoncalv]

“You are a cure to what ails our culture”. Could there be a bigger compliment to John Stewart?

[redpond]

I'm not here because I love Jon, I'm here because he loves me. - Chapelle

I'm stealing that line. So beautiful.

[tarikuzz]

Really listen to what Dave is saying. He was 17 years old and Jon was an adult and Jon and people like Jon made him feel safe. Now knowing all we know about this industry, this is huge 👑

[koshersalaami]

I’ve never seen Chappelle play it that heartfelt and that straight. He’s astoundingly good at it.

[karlpontau]

Dave Chappelle is one of the most eloquent people to ever hold a mic. I can attest to Jon Stewart's kindness. I get a Wish from Make-A-Wish when I was 16. Jon's humor helped me get through chemo and radiation for two brain tumors. So, I wanted to see a taping of The Daily Show and thank him for making me laugh during the darkest time of my life. My whole family got to meet him in a green room after the show. It was surreal. My sister got a hug from him because she was the only person shorter then him in my family. My point is, I could feel the quality of Jon's character, which Chappelle so eloquently described. And, I have the utmost respect for both of those comedians.

[JUTINPDX]

I think Dave Chappelle has transcended comedy, and is one of the greatest communicators of this modern era…

[wakgotlak.boiditswe]

Man there's something about Chappelle's story telling. This is an artist's artist!

[christianperry]

"I'm not here because I love Jon Stewart, I'm here because he loves me." It's weird to hear laughing in the background after he says this. That isn't a joke, that is one of the most sincere heartfelt things Dave could say. Dave isn't there because Jon is a great comedian, or even a great friend, he's there because Jon would be (And actually was) there for him.

[shichiroku]

This speech maybe one of the most incredible speeches ever delivered. The fact that he did it without a teleprompter and just came from the heart is unreal.

[cjabdou]

We in Dayton, Ohio were at an all time low, after the mass shooting that occurred here, and Dave Chapelle, and Jon Stewart came in totally lifted our spirits. Two awesome men.

[JDWindtPlaysGuitar]

Imagine being Jon Stewart and watching the greatest orator in the comedy world, as he give such a speech about how much he loves and respects you. Truly two legends right there...

[JohnBobbitt-qmiv]

Darn but Chapelle can work a crowd. The goat. That instantly became one of my favorite speeches ever. Very very well done.

[heathmizer]

That’s one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard about anything. The level of genius it takes to make someone literally laugh and cry in the same speech is truly special.

[jaymeister]

Chapelle is literally one of the funniest people on earth, but when he goes for the heart... Jesus, he delivers.

[schawdaya]

The "I'm here because he loves me" line took me a second. Really shows how supportive Jon is of people

[elsjemassyn]

I have tears in my eyes.
Love Jon Stewart.
The voice of reason in the USA

[doughope]

He didn't write a speech.
Also, he didn't have a teleprompter like everyone else did. And that speech was 100% authentic, genuine, and from the heart. Holy hell Chappelle is brilliant.