...and is the youngest ever winner

Tina Fey is to become the youngest person to be given America's top comedy accolade, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Previous winner of the accolade, handed out by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the past 13 years, include Bill Cosby, Steve Martin and Richard Pryor.

The creator of 30 Rock, who won an Emmy last year for her portrayal of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live, is just 40.

Mark Krantz, an executive producer of the award said: ‘A lot of people felt it was a lifetime achievement award for an old person. It never has been. It is a prize, really, about somebody's depth and talent.’

Centre chairman David Rubenstein said: ‘Like Mark Twain, Tina Fey offers her brilliance unconditionally. Throughout her career, she's earned legions of fans for her quick, unapologetic wit and social commentary.’

Published: 25 May 2010