Kevin Hart has devoted his life to comedy, now he's getting a huge honor from the Kennedy Center.
On Wednesday, the institution announced that Hart, 44, would be the 25th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which will be awarded to him during a gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2024. Hart succeeds Adam Sandler, who accepted the prize earlier this year.
"I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal," Hart stated in a press release following the Kennedy Center announcement. "Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life — I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture,” he added. “I can’t wait to celebrate!”
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter praised the Die Hart actor-comedian as a "an accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian" who "has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center."
"For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives," Rutter said.
Hart's career in stand-up began in 2001, but the Philadelphia native has grown in prominence since the 2010s, starring in film series' like Think Like a Man, Ride Along, Jumanji, and his latest flick, Me Time. He also hosts the Peacock talk show Hart to Heart and owns plant based restaurant chain Hart House, located in California.
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is named after the late writer and humorist and has been given to fellow comics like Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Martin and others.
