The White House Correspondents' Association has named the entertainer for its centennial dinner on May 3 -- Joel McHale, star of NBC's Community.
“We’re thrilled that Joel will headline the dinner when we celebrate our centennial,” said association president Steven Thomma. “He’s sharp, funny, and just the type of comic who can navigate the unique challenge of our dinner, making fun of Democrats, Republicans and especially the news media. Washington can use a little good-natured ribbing.”
McHale stars in Community, now in its 5th season. He also satirizes pop culture and current events as the host of E!’s “The Soup.” He’s appeared in movies as well, and recently finished work on the forthcoming thriller, Deliver Us From Evil. produced by Jerry Bruckheimer
Founded in 1914 to represent the White House press corps, the association marks its 100th year this year. It works to maintain independent news media coverage of the president, advocating for access, handling logistics for pools of reporters who stay close to the president and those who travel with him, and providing scholarships to journalism students.
The annual dinner is traditionally attended by the President and first lady, as well as many other senior government officials and members of the press corps. Proceeds from the dinner go toward scholarships for aspiring journalists and awards that recognize excellence in the profession.