Bob Newhart Acceptance Speech | 2002 Mark Twain Prize

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Published 2019-10-01

The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled and outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."

For more information on the Mark Twain Prize, please visit: www.kennedy-center.org/pages/specialevents/marktwa…

The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018).

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All Comments (21)

@edwardmcmanus7496 14 days ago

Nothing but class and dignity. No gutter language and nothing political. How refreshing. RIP.
@madcek 14 days ago

What a humble, loving, funny and genuine man. You will be missed Bob.
@HanksJazz 11 months ago

I got to play piano for a corporate event and Bob was the entertainer/master of ceremonies. What I remember most is that we had a rehearsal/sound check in the afternoon, and he showed up in a t-shirt and jeans, and was the funniest guy, just hanging around, and super easy going. We basically just sat around smoking cigs and drinking coffee. That night when the spotlight came on, suddenly he was a stage presence you could not deny, and full of great jokes simply a superlative comedian and entertainer. His birthday is September 5, 1929 (age 93 years), so Happy Birthday, Bob🎂‼
@arbenvesiu3653 14 days ago

Just heard the sad news of Bob Newhart passing ,truly a sad day ,a true gentleman
@stevebonafede2777 2 months ago

He's the Jimmy Stewart of comedians...gotta love Bob
@rainydaylady6596 14 days ago

I was lucky to see him in person at the Sun City auditorium in Arizona. He was great. No bad words. No bringing anyone down. It was a honor to watch him make people laugh. RIP Mr. Newhart. 😢💕💕💕💕
@anastasiabeaverhausen8220 14 days ago

Greatest delivery in 20th century humor. Which shall remain timeless. No one better. Gentle, non-controversial, truly funny. Thank you, Bob.
@mikelesley2803 14 days ago

A true comedy legend whose humor brought laughter to people for many years. Thanks for all the laughs you gave us. You will be truly missed.
@jasonbraun3149 14 days ago

I had to watch this again after hearing today's sad news. Will miss him.
@maxhubmann1696 14 days ago

Rest In Peace to the greatest comedian ever, Bob Newhart 😢
@ethane-dawgwenger4207 14 days ago

Requiescat in Pace, Bob Newhart! Such a legendary comedian. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.
@mohamedsordo2355 14 days ago

One of the greats. Rest in peace, Bob.
@th1amigo 4 years ago

One of the classiest entertainers with a special sense of humor.
@MrJimmy1953 4 years ago

It’s impossible not to love Bob Newhart.
@LordofDublin4 4 years ago

One of the greats, Bob Newhart. And not one foul word for a laugh.
@user-pg1xd8te2n 14 days ago

Bob the legend, thanks youtube, best app on the planet for keeping these moments alive forever.
@tommadane3550 3 months ago

Bob is a class act . Period.
@onceinabluemoon593 3 years ago

I love his deadpan humor. He's a class act.
@carriecoy2714 14 days ago

He brought laughter to my childhood. Wonderful memories.
@ameliaannhouck2670 14 days ago

GOOD BYE DEAR FRIEND , WE LOVED YOU AND YOU MADE US ALL SO HAPPY, WE LOVED YOU!!