Eddie Murphy honored at Kennedy Center

The comic collected the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which “recognises people who have had an impact on American society” in Washington last night. He called Murphy his “comedic hero”. He’s the reason I have a career’. Among the SNL alumni paying tribute to Murphy are Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Jay Pharoah, Kevin Nealon and Joe Piscopo.

“Eddie Murphy’s influenced nearly every single comedian – especially of my generation”.

Eric Metzler, an entomologist who discovered a new type of moth eight years ago at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, is selling the rights to name the insect in an eBay auction, the proceeds of which he said will go to the Western National Parks Association, which helped fund his research. “He showed me a benchmark to aim for”.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award”, Murphy said when he found out he would be receiving the honor. “Did you all make him give it back?” he asked.

As part of his acceptance speech for the US’ top prize for humour, Murphy offered a reminder of his willingness to do politically incorrect humour by offering a few jokes about former Mark Twain award victor Bill Cosby – who has been accused by various women of sexual misconduct.

Luis Orellana-Rivera, 26, faces a second-degree theft charge, police say, after he told them he stole an unoccupied taxi when he was discharged from a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, because he didn’t want to walk the six blocks home. “Usually when there’s a prize, there’s money”. Past honorees include Jay Leno, Carol Burnett and Tina Fey. Murphy’s films have been among Hollywood’s highest-grossing comedies, including “48 Hours”, “Trading Places”, “Dr. Dolittle” and “Coming to America”.

Browse through these photos from the event, which will be broadcast on November. 23 on PBS.