Will Ferrell to receive Mark Twain prize for American humor

He’s already conquered television and film, now Will Ferrell will join the ranks of comedy royalty such as George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby as the 14th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize. The award, which is named for the famous writer and honors the best of American comedians, will be presented to Ferrell on October 23 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C.

In response to the news, Ferrell released a statement saying, “I am truly honored to receive this distinction. I will now begin cultivating a Mark Twain-esque moustache in anticipation of the event.”

Ferrell got his big break as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1995. He translated his popularity on the show into a lucrative film career with starring roles in ‘Elf,’ ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ and even a successful segue into drama with ‘Stranger Than Fiction.’

He succeeds fellow ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum Tina Fey, who won the award last year.