Conan O’Brien is set to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. However, the celebration may be overshadowed by backstage drama as President Donald Trump recently ousted the leadership of the Kennedy Center. Trump has expressed his desire for a new artistic vision at the center, including booking more Broadway shows and potentially granting Kennedy Center Honors to actor Sylvester Stallone and singer-songwriter Paul Anka.
O’Brien, known for his goofiness and self-deprecation, has never been overtly political in his comedic persona. He rose to fame as the host of “Late Night,” but his stint as host of “The Tonight Show” ended in public failure after a dispute with NBC executives. O’Brien has since found success with his own talk show on TBS, travel series, and podcasts.
In light of the recent changes at the Kennedy Center, some artists have chosen to cancel their appearances at the venue, while others have used their performances to address the controversy. The Mark Twain Prize ceremony, streaming on Netflix later this year, is expected to feature tributes from a star-studded lineup of comedians and celebrities. Given the nature of comedians, it is likely that the uncertain future of the institution may be a topic of discussion during the event.
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