Whoopi Goldberg gets Kennedy Center humor prize

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Film comedian Whoopi Goldberg has won the fourth annual Mark Twain Prize for humor, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced on Tuesday. <br><br>Her comment: ``Our dear

Wednesday, May 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Film comedian Whoopi Goldberg has won the fourth annual Mark Twain Prize for humor, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced on Tuesday.

Her comment: ``Our dear Mr. Twain put it best when he said 'Humor is the good-natured side of a truth.' ''

Born and raised in New York City, she performed later in the San Diego area. Working with the Lake Street Hawkeyes Theater Group, she created the characters who became ``The Spook Show.'' She has written two books: ``Alice,'' for children, and another simply titled ``Book.'' She has starred in many films, including ``Sister Act'' and ``The Color Purple.'' In 1991, she won an academy award for best supporting actress for her role in the movie ``Ghost.''

The prize will be given Oct. 15 at a gala in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Proceeds will be used for the education of young humorists.

The prize was awarded for the fist time to Richard Pryor, in 1998, and in succeeding years to Jonathan Winters and Carl Reiner.