On Sunday October 18, 2015, Eddie Murphy was honored with, and he accepted, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.
Surrounded by his children, Eddie Murphy was given tributes by famous African-American and other comedians comedians including his long time friend Arsenio Hall, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kathy Griffin, George Lopez,and hailed as an "American icon."
The Mark Twain humor prize honors those who influence society through humor and satire, the way the writer Mark Twain did.
Eddie Murphy has become a household name in US and around the World, when it comes to humor. He gained national attention and conquered the hearts at the age of 19, when when he joined the cast of NBC Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1980. He joined the only other renowned black comedian, Richard Prior. He then started acting in movies. His movies, including 48 Hours, Coming to America, Trading Places, and Dr. Dolittle become huge box office successes.
Tracy Morgan, who last survived a serious car crash that left him in a coma and is also a former SNL cast member, gave arguably the most emotional tribute calling Murphy his "comedic hero" and "the reason I'm in comedy. He's the reason I have a job. He's the reason I have a career."
Murphy accepted the prize calling it a "tremendous honor".
