He started off as a caddie from Illinois, but 50 years later, he is receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor for his status as a comedic icon. This man is American actor and comedian Bill Murray.

Murray has been in over 50 movies, most notably the comedies “Groundhog Day,” “Ghostbusters,” “Scrooged,” and “Caddyshack.” His career began on Saturday Night Live in 1977 for which he won his first Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series.

His first major film role was in “Meatballs” in 1979 where he played the lead role of Tripper, a counselor who runs a summer camp called Camp Northstar with the help of his love interest Roxanne.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has been annually awarded in the JFK Center since 1998. It is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to comedy, just as satirist Mark Twain did in the 19th century through his novels and essays.

“I’m honored by this award and by its timing. I believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long, that this news won’t disturb his peace,” Murray said in a statement after he discovered he was going to be the recipient for this year.

This year’s 19th annual show was broadcasted on PBS on Oct. 28. Past recipients include Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Ellen DeGeneres.

“It’s nice to be here and, as much as I dreaded this, I really had to come back to this idea that there is love, and that’s ultimately what we came with and what we go with…I love you and I love you. Let’s try to repeat that to each other, okay?” Murray told the JFK Center audience.