AceShowbiz - Tina Fey will make history by becoming the youngest recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor later this year. The "Date Night" star, 40, has been chosen by officials at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the 2010 honoree.

The award is primarily in recognition of her work as a writer and comedian on hit U.S. sketch show "Saturday Night Live", where she famously mimicked former U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin during the 2008 elections. Mark Krantz, executive producer of the Mark Twain award, says, "It's that job as a head writer on a show that's been a traditionally male-oriented show. (She) kind of broke the ceiling for many, many women in comedy."

Poking fun at veteran "Golden Girls" star and recent "SNL" guest host Betty White, Fey says, "I am truly thrilled to receive this honor. I assume Betty White was disqualified for steroid use."

Fey also gained critical acclaim for her work on TV comedy "30 Rock" and wrote the screenplay for Lindsay Lohan's hit film "Mean Girls". She will be presented with the accolade on November 9 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., when she will join the ranks of previous recipients Bill Cosby and Steve Martin.