Bill Maher Draws 3 Comedians for Mark Twain Prize, Fewest in 28-Year History
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 8
Bill Maher Draws 3 Comedians for Mark Twain Prize, Fewest in 28-Year History
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 8
Summary
Three comedians — Louis C.K., Jay Leno and Whitney Cummings — will headline Bill Maher’s June 28 Mark Twain Prize ceremony, far below the event’s historical average of about eight comic presenters.
That unusually thin comedy roster is filled out by frequent Maher guests and non-comedians including Woody Harrelson, Stephen A. Smith, John Mellencamp and Arianna Huffington, reflecting the broad political and cultural mix of his shows.
The contrast is sharp with recent ceremonies: Conan O’Brien’s 2025 tribute featured a deep bench including David Letterman, Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler, while George Carlin’s 2008 event drew Jon Stewart, Joan Rivers and other comedy heavyweights.
Maher, 70, will accept the prize at the Kennedy Center after Trump had called reports of the honor “fake news” and reportedly tried to block it, extending a long-running public feud between the two.