Passport
Relax, Laugh, Even Dance with Ellen DeGeneres
October 29, 2012 Leave a Comment
Looking back on Tuesdays in October, the broadcast schedule shows that we’ve dealt with several weighty topics, from Half the Sky to the presidential debates and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
So, it’s time we relax a little this Tuesday with a night of comedy when the stars gather to honor Ellen DeGeneres, this year’s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. They prize is awarded to people who, as late-night host Jimmy Kimmel explains in his monologue, have spent one or less seasons as a judge on American Idol – a playful jab at Ellen’s ill-fated year as a judge on the popular music talent show.
In all seriousness, the Mark Twain prize is a pretty big honor and is awarded to the comedy elite. Upon learning she would receive the Mark Twain Prize, Ellen DeGeneres remarked, “It’s such an honor to receive the Mark Twain Prize. To get the same award that has been given to people like Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, it really makes me wonder… why didn’t I get this sooner?”
Expect more of the same irreverence when Ellen DeGeneres accepts the 2012 Mark Twain Prize 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Tune in Tuesday for memorable clips and tributes as well as Ellen’s acceptance speech, which you can preview now.
