Bob collects top US award

Bob Newhart has picked up the Mark Twain Award For American Humour.

Stars such as Frasier's David Hyde Pierce and stand-up Steven Wright played tribute to the 73-year-old comic at the New York ceremony.

Newhart was the first comedian to have a number one album, in 1960, and starred in his own US sitcoms from 1972 to 1990.

Pierce, referring to Newhart's deadpan style, joked: "No one has done less for comedy."

Newhart is the fifth recipient of the annual prize, awaded by Manhattan's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Others include Richard Pryor and Whoopi Goldberg.

Published: 30 Oct 2002