Top comics took to the Kennedy Center stage to salute one of their own when the 25th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was presented to Kevin Hart on March 24.
The comedian, actor, producer and philanthropist was celebrated with a royal roasting, as comics shared funny tales about the honoree, who was sitting in a box seat with his family. The event will premiere on Netflix on Saturday, May 11, during the “Netflix is a Joke Fest.”
So far, Hart has sold a half billion tickets to his live performances, shared David M. Rubenstein, honorary chairman of the Mark Twain Prize and immediate past chairman of the Kennedy Center, who presented the comedian with the Mark Twain bust.
“I did not start doing what I was doing to get awards,” Hart said. “I just fell in love with the idea of comedy.”
Praising Hart With Jokes, Celebrating His Journey
Hart’s peers shared their love for his comedy, laying sincere accolades on him, after landing many jokes at his expense. Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Nick Cannon, Dave Burd, aka Lil Dicky, Chelsea Handler, and Regina Hall were some of the many artists to pay homage to Hart’s career.
Actress and D.C.-area native Hall made the audience laugh as she referenced Hart as her movie husband since she had starred in eight movies with him.
“That means I get half,” said Hall, to a roar of laughter.
One of the funniest and most touching performances came from comedian Keith Robinson. He came on stage walking with a limp and using a cane because he had experienced two strokes. Robinson, one of Hart’s mentors, spoke about being in the hospital after his stroke in 2021, and the hospital decided to move him to the section where COVID patients were being treated. He called his friend, Hart.
“What? They can’t do that. I got you,” Hart said in response to Robinson’s medical team and situation.
As it turned out, Hart would use the catchphrase “I got you,” according to fellow comics taking the stage, then disappoint them by not showing up. How do you turn a serious health issue into belly laughs and a standing ovation? Robinson showed us.
During the salute to Hart, some of the best action was seeing comedians watch each other. Witnessing Chappelle, Rock and Seinfeld reacting to their colleagues were clues to which jokes landed well.
In receiving his award, Hart thanked his mother for the man he is today, talked about his journey to success and honored his children.
“I breathe for you. I live for you.”