Will Ferrell has been chosen by the Kennedy Center as 2011′s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American humor.

David M. Rubenstein, chairman of the Kennedy Center, said in a statement, “Will Ferrell is clearly one of his generation’s finest comedic performers. He is a worthy successor to the 13 others who have to date received the Mark Twain Prize.”

Past winners include Richard Pryor (1998), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009), and Ferrell’s fellow “Saturday Night Live”castmate Tina Fey, who won the award last year.

Ferrell said in a statement, “I am truly honored to receive this distinction. I will now begin cultivating a Mark Twain-esque moustache in anticipation of the event.”

The comedy actor will receive a bronze Mark Twain portrait bust on October 23 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

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