Bill Cosby to receive Mark Twain prize in humor

Legendary comedian Bill Cosby will be the next honoree of the Mark Twain humor prize, given by the John Kennedy Center for Performing Arts each year. Cosby will be the 12th recipient of the award, which was bestowed upon George Carlin last year. The 71-year-old comedian – who still headlines theaters across the country – will be given the award in Washington DC on Oct. 26 during a ceremony.

In a statement, Cosby explained that his mother actually would read Twain’s stories to him as a child. “I would like to apologize to Mr. Twain for falling asleep hundreds of times, but he should understand that I was only four,” Cosby said.