Dave Chappelle says comedy 'saved my life' as he accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, The award is considered the highest accolade in comedy and recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society.
As he accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, The award is considered the highest accolade in comedy and recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society.
Dave Chappelle grew up near Washington, D.C. So when he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday night at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, it was a family affair.
Chappelle's wife and kids were there. A selection of his favorite musicians — people like Yasiin Bey, Common, Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, and John Legend — performed throughout the evening. And his fellow comedians talked about him like he was kin.
"Dave, you have always been a mentor," Tiffany Haddish said from the stage. "You've been my mentor, my big brother. Every time I step on stage — every time — I think of you, because I've always want[ed] to make you proud. 'Cause you the greatest."
Haddish joined Sarah Silverman, Neal Brennan, Morgan Freeman, Lorne Michaels, Bradley Cooper, Aziz Ansari, Jon Stewart and the Saturday Night Live cast members Kenan Thompson, Michael Che and Colin Jost onstage to pay tribute to their friend and hero.
