Comedy Flashback: Billy Crystal Accepts the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize in 2007

Today we're turning the calendar back to 2007 when Billy Crystal gave an acceptance speech on receiving the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain prize.

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."

Billy delivered a memorable speech in which he used his impeccable sense of humor to express gratitude for the honor and also to give some insight into his personal life and special thanks to his wife and daughters.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Throwback Thursday Special Tribute: Carl Reiner Receives the 2000 Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center

Continuing our tribute to master of comedy Carl Reiner, who died on Monday at the age of 98, we've been looking for video clips that showcased his great talents. Because most of his successes were in the writers' room and behind the cameras, it wasn't easy to find a clip that shows him alone, and not in the shadow of the actors and comics who he made famous.

Twenty years ago Reiner received the Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D. C. 

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. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." 

In his speech accepting the prize, Reiner jokingly hinted that Mark Twain might have been Jewish, with Samuel as his first name and a last name that might have been Cleminsky before changing to Clemens.

Thank you Carl, for almost a century of laughs and good clean comedy. You will be greatly missed.

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.



#Throwback Thursday    #TBT