WASHINGTON – Bill Murray, whose special blend of boyish enthusiasm and molasses-thick sarcasm has made him the most consistently successful comedian launched by “Saturday Night Live,” has been selected to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor later this year.
Murray, 65, will be honored Oct. 23 in a program that will be taped for television. Presenters will be announced later by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which typically recruits other comics to praise – and lightly roast – the recipient.
The Twain prize was created in 1998 and named for the Missouri-born satirist who wrote “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Past recipients have included Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Carol Burnett and Bob Newhart. Last year’s recipient, Eddie Murphy, made headlines when, during his acceptance speech, he slipped into a biting impression of another past recipient, the now-tarnished comedian Bill Cosby.
Murray wasn’t available for comment, but he said in a statement that he was honored to receive the award.
“I believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long, that this news won’t disturb his peace,” he said.
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter praised Murray, saying in a statement: “His unique brand of humor seems to defy time itself – always remaining relevant and relatable to new audiences - much like our award’s namesake.”
Murray, an Illinois native, first came to the public’s attention as an “SNL” cast member from 1977-1980, with memorable turns as lounge singer Nick and, with then-girlfriend Gilda Radner, one half of “The Nerds.” His film career took off with 1979’s “Meatballs,” followed by a string of memorable performances in “Stripes,” “Caddyshack” and “Ghostbusters.”
Murray hasn’t been afraid to take on non-comic roles, whether playing a worn-out actor in Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” or Jack Kennison in the HBO miniseries “Olive Kitteridge.” Murray reached a new generation by voicing Baloo early this year in Disney’s hit remake of “The Jungle Book.”
And offscreen, Murray’s quirky behavior - crashing a kickball game, bachelor party or karaoke night - has led to a website dedicated to charting his unexpected appearances. He’s also known for his love of sports and being part owner of the St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team.
