Bill Murray Acceptance Speech | 2016 Mark Twain Prize

The Mark Twain Prize 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. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled and outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."

The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018).

#TwainPrize #PBSTwain

[cheddarcheese]

I clicked here thinking to laugh..I did of course.It's Bill Murray for Christ Sake..But he moved me to almost tears when his speech went into the part about caring about yourself & Others..Like he said "What a break..We're here alive.Pretty good right?"..Sometimes I forget that..So Cheers to everyone alive in 2020!

[tedperry]

It's so perfectly Irish-Catholic to praise your brother and then tweak him in the same breath. God, he's a classic. As one of eight who adores his siblings (and from the same town as Bill Murray) this was perfect. What a pure treasure he is.

[kawasakiwhiptwo]

Ever notice how some of the funniest people are sometimes the deepest?

[benvolioT]

“There is love. There is love. That’s what we came with, and what we go with.”

[m.a.c.]

there is a class act of a human and person, this honor is so well placed with Bill Murray. Best regards

[Clemsonsk]

What an example of sincere and earned grace from a man who gave us so much joy in his performances. God bless you Mr Murray

[sandrak]

WOW! Bill is really a humble guy. Good for him and his family!

[johndoemam]

Love Bill Murray top class actor he was and he still is..💜

[ravipeiris]

I was blown away on GroundHog Day. I was speechless when I saw Lost in Translation - he should have won the Oscar for that. His acting range makes me envious of his talent.

[Elisabeth-sj]

How touching . Than again, he's an actor

[davidarbuckle]

That is a side of Bill Murray I had not seen. Wow. Really touching.

[stephenmccollum]

Fairly serious and reflective speech and great advice to live by

[rhondafortson]

Humor comes from depth of feelings that have been recognized internally, but could never be exposed externally...except through HUMOR!!

[jenniferdolson]

Luv that guy! Glad 2 c him recognized 4 all he has done over the years. I remember being a little kid and staying up late on Saturday night to watch those first SNL shows, it was magic 2 me. God bless u.

[beawinna]

What a sweet man, love- that's what we come with and what we go with...

[stephaniejaniczekssmugglerscan]

I’m the youngest of nine. I’ve always had him figured out. I adore him. Big Catholic family’s RULE

[wildman]

Very gracious. Congrats, Bill Murray!

[kathyellis]

He is so grand. My hat is off to you dear Bill Murray. My bow is deep. To your humanness. And loving quirkiness.

[HEAVYHONEY]

he literally helped to sculpt my soul. Love you always Little Murry

[paulferranti]

Him and Letterman, Steve Martin, changed American humor forever…..Love Bill….