Dave Chappelle Defends Stand-Up While Accepting 2019 Mark Twain Prize

1 minute read

By Riley Jones (@moviemanjones)

Back in October, Dave Chappelle was awarded the 2019 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which is presented to those who have “had an impact on American society in ways similar to” the late great, Mark Twain. Past recipients of the award include legendary comedians such as Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, George Carlin, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, and many more.

During Chappelle’s acceptance speech, the Washington native took some time to express what stand-up means to him, how comedy shaped his childhood, and why he refers to the craft as an“American genre,”

‘There’s something so true about this genre when done correctly, that I will fight anybody that gets in a true practitioner of this art form’s way. Cause I know you’re wrong. This is the truth, and you are obstructing it. I’m not talking about the content; I’m talking about the art form.”

Check out Chappelle’s acceptance speech below, courtesy of The Kennedy Center:

Do you agree with Chappelle’s comments regarding stand-up comedy? Let us know in the comments below.

Riley Jones (@moviemanjones)

Contributor

Riley is the Managing Editor of Goliath. When he's not at the movie theatre or binging some new tv series, he likes to spend his time shooting hoops and play MTG. He doesn't like 'Breaking Bad,' loves 'The Simpsons,' hates mayonnaise, and has been repping the Toronto Raptors since '95. Follow him on IG and Twitter @moviemanjones.