AARP Hearing Center
Top Moments From Bill Maher’s Mark Twain Prize Tribute
Get the inside preview of America’s top comedy honors show airing July 21 on Netflix
Bill Maher accepting the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Clifton Prescod/NETFLIX
Bill Maher, 70, found himself on the receiving end of an epic, two-and-a-half-hour roast-and-toast by a star-studded comedic lineup June 28 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Real Time with Bill Maher host was honored with the 27th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which celebrates the contributions of comedians to American society. Richard Pryor was the first to be honored in 1998, and subsequent recipients include Whoopi Goldberg, 70, Carol Burnett, 93, Eddie Murphy, 65, Steve Martin, 80, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, 65, Adam Sandler, 59, Dave Chappelle, 52, and Conan O’Brien, 63. The event will stream on Netflix July 21. Here are the moments everyone will be talking about:
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
Louis C.K. swore by his friend’s big heart and brilliant mind
“He’s not a guy who gives a f--- about what people think of him,” said Louis C.K., 58. The comedian, actor and filmmaker spoke of how Maher helped him in 2017 in the wake of sexual harassment accusations (which C.K. later admitted to). “My career took a turn downward,” he said, “but then I heard from Bill” with an invite to appear on his show. “He offered to help me when no one else would.” C.K. called Maher a brilliant guy. “And he’s a good guy. He has a heart.” Maher earned the honor, C.K. said, “by being a constant and hilarious force in American comedy for many years.”
Actor Woody Harrelson and his wife, Laura Louie, arrive at the Kennedy Center for the gala performance.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
Woody Harrelson shared some brotherly love
Actor Woody Harrelson, 64, Maher's business partner in a cannabis dispensary and lounge in West Hollywood, called him a dear friend. “People generally come up here and talk about how great the nominee is,” said Harrelson. “But I’ve decided to be honest,” he joked. “I’ve known Bill a long time, since back when he was funny,” he teased. “I will say this: He has impeccable taste in friends.” Harrelson talked about how neither of them hold back: “We are both outspoken in our beliefs,” he said. “I not only admire you, but you’re one of the funniest, smartest, greatest people I know. ... I love you, brother.”
Jay Leno, a former Mark Twain Prize honoree, on stage at the Kennedy Center.
Clifton Prescod/NETFLIX
Jay Leno couldn’t resist a cannabis joke
Former host of The Tonight Show Jay Leno, 76, who received the Mark Twain Prize himself in 2014, delivered a largely political tribute, but he also got in a good-natured jab about Maher’s penchant for smoking marijuana. “You are what you smoke,” he quipped.
Author and businesswoman Arianna Huffington shares a favorite photo of herself and Maher.
Clifton Prescod/NETFLIX
Ariana Huffington was sure Mark Twain would have loved Maher
Author and businesswoman Ariana Huffington, 75, said she met Maher in 1993 when she appeared on his show, Politically Incorrect, for the first time. “It was the beginning of a very long and good friendship,” she said, recalling how Maher helped her when her divorce was finalized. Being with him, she said, “you forget about all your problems and you just laugh.” She also spoke of their different religious beliefs (Maher is atheist). “Mark Twain would have loved you,” she said. “[He] said having faith is believing in something you just know is true.”
Maher got his award almost swiped onstage
The honoree himself was, of course, the highlight of the night. He took to the stage and was quickly interrupted by comedian and actor Matt Friend impersonating President Donald J. Trump, who serves as the Kennedy Center’s chairman. “I get so many more laughs than this guy,” said Friend, speaking as Trump, asserting that the award should be his instead. Maher joshed back: “I know how this is going to end. Just take it,” he said of the bronze bust of Mark Twain given to each honoree. “I am used to losing awards.” Breaking from character, Friend acknowledged Maher’s political fairness. “The only side Bill has ever been wed to is the joke,” he said.
"If I had to choose between the 41 Emmys I’ve lost and the type of fans I have... it’s the fans every time," said Maher in his acceptance speech.
Clifton Prescod/NETFLIX
The normally cool Maher showed his gratitude, especially to his fans
“This really does mean a lot to me,” said Maher of receiving the honor. “Believe me, when they called and said, ‘Would you accept this?’ they did not have to ask twice. ... My speech tonight will be mostly thank yous — as it should be — to all the people who have believed in me, supported me, the fans who stood by me. Because you know, once in a while I did get in a spot of trouble.”
Maher said he was most proud of “staying on the air for 33 years without ever pulling a punch on a show mostly without stars.” But what he lives for is one thing: “to be a hero to my audience. I want them to feel like there’s this thing I do for them that they can’t get quite anywhere else, so I have to come through for them. I like that pressure.”
And those fans, he said, mean the world to him. “If I had to choose between the 41 Emmys I’ve lost and the type of fans I have … it’s the fans every time,” said Maher to roaring applause. “People said they want honesty. They don’t.... They said they want to be challenged. They don’t. Except for my audience. They love it. And I love them for it.”
But then he gave a shout-out to a surprising inspiration
Maher talked about the many legendary comedians who have preceded him in receiving the award. “But you know who my real role model is? Toto,” he said. “Yes, that one,” referring to Dorothy’s little dog in The Wizard of Oz. “Because he pulls back the curtain and exposes anyone who is a phony.”
John Mellencamp performs his beloved song, "Pink Houses," to close the night.
Clifton Prescod/NETFLIX
John Mellencamp closed the evening with a sweet song
Singer John Mellencamp, 74, rounded out the show with a touching performance of his iconic song “Pink Houses.” Mellencamp said that as a young boy, he always watched The Ed Sullivan Show. “In my house today, on Friday night,” he said, “we all gather round. And we watch Bill.”
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
More From AARP
Martin Short on Losing His Daughter
The actor speaks out for the first time since his daughter died in February
25 Gen X Stars Redefining Midlife
From Clooney-era nostalgia to new career peaks, these actors keep surprising us
When Sid Caesar Redefined American Comedy
His time at the top didn’t last long. But his influence is still felt today