WASHINGTON - One of the nation's best known comedians was honored Monday night in D.C. Bill Cosby, who created America's top comedy in the 1980s, received the Kennedy Center's top prize for American Humor: the Mark Twain Award.

Comedians Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Carl Reiner and Sinbad were there to honor the man they all look up to.

"He's got one of the greatest comedy minds that was ever invented," said Carl Reiner.

Jerry Seinfield said, "He is the greatest American comedian of all time."

Cosby, who is also known for his push for the nation's young people to be educated and socially responsible, made an entrance on the red carpet before Monday night's ceremony. His co-stars from hit 1980s comedy "the Cosby Show" also came to the District to honor the man they respect and admire

Former co-star Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby's wife on the show, said, "In all of his work, he has clearly demonstrated that human beings are much more alike than could ever be different."

"There's a lot that I've learned from him in terms of integrity is a big thing for example, especially in a business where people are very quick to compromise their integrity, in terms of how I carry myself as a man, how I carry myself living in the public eye 40 that stuff," said Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played son "Theo" on the show.

But perhaps the exchange between Chris Rock and Cosby said it best.

"He's the Hank Aaron of comedy. People talk about Willie Mays but all the numbers show Hank Aaron was the greatest," said Rock.

"I wanted to be Minnie Minoso," said Cosby, followed by laughter.

Cosby called Mark Twain the quintessential American writer because he held his language and his love for words in perfect American form.

 Email To Friend