The Beverly Hills Cop star will follow in the footsteps of previous recipients Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, Steve Martin and Billy Crystal when he is presented with the top prize during a ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on 18 October (15).

The 54 year old says, "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award."

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is awarded annually to those "who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist".

The 2014 accolade was given to retired U.S. talk show host Jay Leno.