WASHINGTON — On Thursday, it was announced that Conan O’Brien, the renowned comedian and talk show host, has been awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy. At 61 years old, O’Brien has navigated an unpredictable career path, evolving from a quirky television newcomer to a respected figure in the comedy world. Notably, he weathered one of television’s most public failures during his stint on “The Tonight Show”, subsequently making a successful comeback that propelled him to new heights.
His travel show, “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” received both popular and critical praise, leading to a highly anticipated second season. Additionally, in March, he is set to host the Academy Awards, three weeks prior to his own Mark Twain Prize ceremony in Washington, D.C. Deborah Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, praised O’Brien in a statement, calling him “a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights.”
O’Brien, known for his self-deprecating humor, humorously remarked in the Kennedy Center’s statement that he might be the first recipient of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for comedy but rather for his work as a riverboat pilot. His award ceremony is scheduled for March 23, where he will receive a bronze bust of Mark Twain, the legendary American author and humorist also known as Samuel Clemens. As part of the celebration, the event will feature testimonials and video tributes, often highlighted by appearances from previous honorees, and will be available to stream on Netflix at a future date.
O’Brien first burst onto the national scene in 1993 when he was selected to replace the iconic David Letterman on “Late Night,” despite lacking significant on-air experience. Before this role, he had honed his writing skills as a contributor for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons”, making only brief appearances as a background character on SNL. O’Brien’s unique, quirky delivery and willingness to poke fun at his own awkwardness juxtaposed Letterman’s more understated style, and he eventually hosted “Late Night” for an impressive 16-year run, the longest of any host.
In 2009, O’Brien’s career took a turning point when he was appointed to host “The Tonight Show,” subsequently overcoming significant challenges. He faced considerable pressure as he followed in Jay Leno’s footsteps, even as Leno expressed reluctance to relinquish control. After just seven months and dwindling ratings, NBC executives decided to reinstate Leno, pushing O’Brien out of the show entirely. O’Brien chose to stand firm against the decision, resulting in a highly publicized dispute that ultimately concluded with a multi-million-dollar settlement for him and his team to depart the network in early 2010.
The fallout had a polarizing impact on the comedy community, identifying Leno as the antagonist while casting O’Brien as an undeserving victim of the circumstances. In an emotional farewell during his last episode of “The Tonight Show,” O’Brien expressed gratitude for the experience rather than bitterness. “Every comedian dreams of hosting ‘The Tonight Show,’ and for seven months I got to do it,” he reflected. “I did it my way with people I love, and I don’t regret one second.” He concluded with a heartfelt message aimed particularly at young viewers, urging them to avoid cynicism and emphasizing the importance of hard work and kindness in achieving extraordinary outcomes.
O’Brien made a triumphant return in late 2010 with a new talk show on TBS. Despite the channel’s more modest profile compared to its competitors, his program thrived for 11 years, allowing him to embark on various other projects, including the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and the travel series “Conan Without Borders,” which laid the groundwork for his current endeavors. Other notable comedians who have received the Mark Twain Prize include David Letterman, Jay Leno, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chappelle. The 2009 honoree, Bill Cosby, had his award revoked in 2019 due to numerous sexual assault allegations.
