Bill Cosby honoured with Twain Prize

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Comedian and actor Bill Cosby is getting another entry to put on his resume -- great American humorist.

The Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday named Cosby the recipient of its prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humour.

Cosby will be the 12th recipient of the award, an honour bestowed annually at a black-tie gala televised at the Kennedy Centre and broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service network PBS.

"He is truly one of America's most beloved comedians, a favourite of television audiences around the world," Kennedy Centre Chairman Stephen Schwarzman said in a statement announcing the selection.

Cosby began his career performing in comedy clubs before landing a role in the 1960s television series "I Spy." Two decades later, Cosby produced and starred in "The Cosby Show," which became one of the most popular sitcoms on U.S. television.

The Kennedy Centre is one of the United States' premiere organizations for supporting and promoting the performing arts. Last year's Kennedy Centre honouree was the late George Carlin, the first comedian so honoured posthumously. Richard Pryor received the first Mark Twain prize in 1998.

Other Past Honourees:

*2007 - Billy Crystal

*2006 - playwright Neil Simon