COSBY GETS HIS MARK TWAIN PRIZE: Rock, Seinfeld, Gregory, Michelle Obama and 'Cosby Show' co-stars in attendance.

       When the lights dimmed to begin the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony, a voice in the quiet darkness cried out, "Hellooo?" to audience laughter. It was Cosby.       

       What followed was a heartwarming tribute from fellow comedians Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, as well as two of his co-stars from "The Cosby Show," Phylicia Rashad and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. They hailed Cosby's work breaking down racial barriers and stereotypes and replayed his famous standup routines.      

       Cosby quipped that usually when a man sees his life flash before his eyes, it's for a bad reason. "But this is all right," he said.       

       First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden's wife, were among those in Washington watching clips from Cosby's long career — from his classic standup routine of Noah's chat with God about building an ark to dealing with the stresses of raising a family as a TV dad, reports the Associated Press.      

       Comedian Dick Gregory looked up at his good friend in the balcony and said: "A billion years from now, you will be respected for what you were able to do. You painted words with your mouth, and they will always exist, and they will always last."       

       Of all his accomplishments as a comedian, actor, author and television producer, Cosby said he is most proud of the "Cosby Show." Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable on the series, flew from London, where she is in rehearsal for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," to be part of the show at Cosby's request. On stage, she recalled the chemistry she and Cosby shared as TV parents.       

       "We could complete each other's sentences," she said.       

       Warner, who played Theo on the show, said he has been in touch with his TV dad ever since. Now, he said he is far enough removed to watch himself in reruns and said the show is a testament to Cosby's genius.       

       "He always said in 20 years he wanted the show to still be relevant, and here we are," Warner said.       

       The tribute will air Nov. 4 nationwide on PBS. Cosby insisted the performances be free of profanity and the show reflect his emphasis on education.       

       "The show is very, very important to me," Cosby said in an interview. "It makes me aware that as a monologist and a writer and a performer, I've done some wonderful work."