Eddie Murphy to get 2015 Mark Twain Prize

Los Angeles: Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy, who has delivered rib-tickling performances, will be honoured with the 2015 Mark Twain Prize for American comedy.

The prize is given to those who influence society in the way Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, influenced people through his writing, comments and satires.

The officials confirmed on Thursday that ‘The Nutty Professor’ actor would receive the top prize for performing arts by John F. Kennedy Center this year on October 18. The ceremony will be broadcast nationally, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Through his appearances on 'Saturday Night Live', groundbreaking stand-up comedy, and work as a movie star, Eddie Murphy has shown that like Mark Twain, he was years ahead of his time," said Kennedy Center chief Deborah F. Rutter.

"Murphy is a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly," Rutter said.

The actor says he is honoured to get the prestigious award.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award," Murphy said in a written statement.

With the honour, Murphy will join the list which includes celebrities like Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg and Bill Cosby.