Chuck Lorre to get comedy award at Banff festival

Chuck Lorre, the writer, producer and creator behind TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Mike & Molly, is to be honoured for his contributions to TV comedy this June in Banff, Alta.

The Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award is to be presented at the Banff World Media Festival, an annual meeting of television producers and professionals.

Lorre has delivered a string of hit comedies, including Grace Under Fire, Dharma & Greg, Cybill and Roseanne, where he began his TV career as a scriptwriter.

Two of his shows currently top the ratings on U.S. TV — Two and a Half Men, co-created with Lee Aronsohn, and The Big Bang Theory, co-created with Bill Prady.

The Ustinov Award has previously been won by comedians such as John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammer, Rick Mercer, Ricky Gervais and James Burrows.

The Banff World Media Festival brings new media and television producers and executives from around the world to the Rockies to share ideas and new technology. The festival runs June 10 to 13 in Banff.