Steve Martin to receive Mark Twain prize for American Humor

Famous comedian Steve Martin will receive the Mark Twain prize for "excellent career" in American Humor.

"The Kennedy Center is pleased to give Steve the Mark Twain Prize for an extraordinary career," said center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman, who announced the award yesterday. "His creations, be they on stage, on film or in a book, have created a collective memory of humor and joy for all Americans."

The festival will take place October 28 at Kennedy Center Concert Hall and will be taped for future television broadcast.

Martin, 59, was born in Waco, Texas, but raised in Southern California. He started his career as a writer for television shows and soon won an Emmy for sketches he created for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour."

Steve Martin wrote and starred in many films like "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", "The Man with Two Brains",""Roxanne", "L.A. Story" and "Bowfinger".

His plays include "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" and "The Underpants". He also published the novellas ""Shopgirl" and "The Pleasure of My Company".