What a difference a year makes – in October of 2019 the Kennedy Center announced that Ellen DeGeneres was the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Fast forward a year to October 2020 and the winner of the Mark Twain prize is none other than actor and comedian, Bill Murray.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is presented annually, with one recipient awarded for their lifetime accomplishments in comedy. Since 1998, the award has been given to some of the biggest names, from Carol Burnett and Eddie Murphy, to Bob Newhart and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Each year, a panel of judges consisting of academics, past prize winners and other luminaries, who meet to consider a list of potential nominees, before selecting an individual as the winner.
Bill Murray has long been considered one of the greats of stand-up comedy, having been an SNL cast-member in the 70’s and a fixture on the screens of cinematic and box-office hits such as Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Lost in Translation. But it’s not just his comedic chops that have earned him the recognition from the Kennedy Center, but also his philanthropic pursuits over the years, including his work to protect the environment, with his Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournaments.
So what makes Bill Murray such a great comedian? Jeffrey Mahan, associate professor of humor and communication and author of “What’s So Funny? Communicating the Power of Humor” has this to say: “I think the key to understanding Bill Murray’s comedic genius is his ability to make comedy look effortless. He has a knack for saying and doing the right thing at the right time – a kind of comic timing that many aspiring comedians strive to emulate.”
This same effortlessness pervades his screen roles, which blend dry wit, physical comedy and improvisation in equal measure. Mahan adds, “Murray has found a way to make comedy look natural, despite the fact that it is often very difficult to pull off. He has also developed a unique style – part slapstick, part subtlety – that can make even the most outlandish comedy storylines seem believable.”
Alternative Humor
But it’s not just Mr. Murray’s delivery and finesse that have earned him the respect and adoration of audiences everywhere. Mahan points out that he is also an expert at utilizing alternative humor – humor that doesn’t rely on the same old formulas that other comedic actors have been using for decades.
Murray is willing to take risks with his jokes, using observations of life and satire to add an additional layer of wit and insight to his performances. “He is often willing to go where other comedians won’t – whether it’s toying with race and gender roles, skewering politicians or having a go at popular trends – making him one of the most celebrated comedians in the world today,” adds Mahan.
And that explains why the Kennedy Center chose Bill Murray as the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize this year. His work over the years has certainly earned him a place in the pantheon of great American comedic performers.
Sustaining Laughter
What’s more, Bill Murray has been able to sustain a successful and prolific career for over four decades. This is no small feat in a time when stand-up comics come and go as quickly as cultural memes. He has withstood the tests of time and shifting tastes, managed to stay relevant and continue to draw in new audiences.
Murray’s lithe good humor has been noted to often show up in the commercial realm too. According to Rachel Manek, marketing professor at the University of San Francisco, “What stands out in most of Murray’s work – be it on the big screen or in commercials – is his lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek approach to life. He is able to make some serious points while at the same time providing much-needed comic relief.”
Manek adds, “These qualities, in turn, make his work, and him, highly attractive to advertisers. People just want to enjoy themselves and if they can be informed while they are being entertained, all the better!”
Philanthropy Efforts
Murray also has a penchant for philanthropic activities, supporting causes from protecting the environment, to animal welfare and charitable endeavors. For many years, he has dabbled in a variety of charities, often without making a show of it. This year, for example, he donated $500,000 to the Chicago Community Covid-19 Response Fund to help fight the pandemic.
He has also been a key figure in organizing events such as The Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournaments, which have raised millions of dollars for vibrant causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish and Ronald McDonald House. His humanitarian exploits in providing assistance to those who need it most is a testament to his character.
Biggest Achievement
But landing the Mark Twain Prize is undoubtedly his biggest achievement to date. The prize is a crowning glory for Murray, as it serves to cement his place as a comedic legend for generations to come.
The recognition certainly bodes well for the future of comedy – with young up and coming comedians at the fore, and a legacy comedian like Murray to look up to, the genre is sure to remain vibrant and ever-evolving.
The Future of Comedy
Ultimately, comedy is an ever-changing art form, with new tricks and new ideas popping up all the time. Murray has been a driving force behind this evolution, ever since he first burst onto the comedy scene.
By breaking boundaries and pushing the edges of accepted conventions, he has been able to command attention like a true innovator and has enthralled audiences over the years. As such, it is fitting that the Kennedy Center has chosen to honor him with the highest form of recognition the American entertainment industry has to offer.
An Accomplished Career
Throughout his career, Murray has been praised for his ability to make people laugh, think and, most importantly, feel. His status as a comedic master has been well-earned, making him a perfect candidate for one of the highest honors in American entertainment — the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
In deciding to recognize Bill Murray for his contribution to comedy and the entertainment world, the Kennedy Center has gone a long way in solidifying his place in the annals of comedic excellence.
An Institution
For many, the term “comedy institution” comes to mind when one thinks of Bill Murray. This recognition of his substantial comedic prowess is sure to inspire new generations of comedians, who can look to him as an example of what can be achieved when one is committed to their craft.
By being awarded the Mark Twain Prize, Murray has secured his place as one of the greatest comedic minds of our time. He has earned the admiration and respect of his peers and his fans, who for years have watched him evolve and hone his craft.
Recognition and Appreciation
For four decades, Murray has been making us laugh, often without being noticed, and it’s time we give him the recognition and appreciation he deserves. The Kennedy Center has done just that, by awarding him the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and adding him to the gallery of world-renowned comedic actors and humorists who have received the same honor before him.
Murray’s body of work speaks volumes and his influence on modern comedy is undeniable. His efforts to make us laugh were never in vain. He has created countless iconic characters and comedy routines, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
