Kathy Griffin

About

Kathy Griffin is a comedian, actress, and television personality known for her sharp wit, provocative humor, and unfiltered opinions. Over the course of her career, Griffin has built a reputation as a trailblazing performer who fearlessly tackles taboo subjects and pushes the boundaries of comedy.

From her early days as a struggling stand-up comic to her Emmy Award-winning reality show and headline-grabbing controversies, Griffin has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In this profile, we’ll take a closer look at the life, career, and impact of this influential and often controversial figure.

Early Life and Career of Kathy Griffin

Childhood and Family Background

Kathy Griffin was born on November 4, 1960, in Oak Park, Illinois. She was the youngest of five children in her family, and her father was an electronics store manager while her mother was a hospital administrator. As a child, she attended St. Bernadine’s Elementary School and Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Early Career Struggles and Breakthrough

After high school, Griffin moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She struggled to find work initially and took various odd jobs to pay her bills. In the 1980s, she started performing at the Los Angeles improv troupe, The Groundlings. She honed her comedic skills and developed her signature style of blunt humor and celebrity gossip.

In the 1990s, Griffin started appearing on TV shows like “”Seinfeld,”” “”Mad About You,”” and “”Ellen.”” She also starred in several failed TV pilots and appeared in movies like “”Pulp Fiction”” and “”The Cable Guy.””

It wasn’t until 2005 that Griffin broke through with her first Bravo special, “”Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.”” The show showcased Griffin’s personal life and her struggles to move up in Hollywood. The show went on to win two Emmy Awards and helped establish Griffin as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

Griffin’s Rise to Fame and Controversial Comedy Style

Breakthrough Success on TV Shows and Specials

After the success of “”My Life on the D-List,”” Griffin continued to produce successful TV specials for Bravo. She also appeared on several reality shows like “”Celebrity Mole”” and “”Dancing with the Stars.””

But it was her annual hosting of CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage with Anderson Cooper that catapulted Griffin to mainstream fame. Her irreverent humor and willingness to push boundaries on live TV made her a beloved and controversial figure.

Griffin’s Comedy Style and Criticisms Faced

Griffin’s comedy has always been divisive. She’s been criticized for her frequent use of profanity and her willingness to make fun of anyone, including celebrities, politicians, and her own family. Her jokes about religion and sexuality have also landed her in hot water with some viewers.

Despite the criticisms, Griffin has remained unapologetic about her comedy and has continued to push the envelope. She’s defended her jokes as a way to comment on the world around her and has refused to back down.

Kathy Griffin’s Top Performances and Projects

Griffin’s Notable Stand-Up Comedy Shows and Tours

Griffin has released several stand-up comedy specials over the years, including “”Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut a Bitch,”” “”Kathy Griffin’s Gurrl Down!,”” and “”Kathy Griffin: Calm Down Gurrl.”” She’s also gone on several successful tours, including her “”Like a Boss Tour”” and her “”Laugh Your Head Off World Tour.””

Acting Roles and Hosting Gigs

Aside from her comedy work, Griffin has also had several acting roles and hosting gigs. She’s appeared in TV shows like “”Ugly Betty,”” “”Law and Order: SVU,”” and “”Suddenly Susan.”” She’s also hosted awards shows like the Grammy Awards and the Daytime Emmy Awards.

Griffin’s Emmy Award-Winning Reality Show, “”My Life on the D-List””

“”My Life on the D-List”” was a reality show that followed Griffin as she tried to make her way up in Hollywood. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning two Emmy Awards and earning Griffin a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008.

Griffin’s Personal Life and Relationships

Griffin’s Marriage and Divorce from Matt Moline

In 2001, Griffin married her longtime boyfriend, Matt Moline. The two divorced in 2006, and Griffin has been open about the difficulties she faced during their marriage.

Griffin’s Relationship with Randy Bick

Since 2012, Griffin has been in a relationship with marketing executive Randy Bick. The two have been vocal about their love on social media and have attended several high-profile events together.

Kathy Griffin’s Philanthropic Work and Advocacy

Kathy Griffin is not just a comedian and TV personality but also a philanthropist and an advocate for several causes. She has shown her support towards various organizations that promote LGBT rights and cancer research.

Griffin’s Work with LGBT Rights Organizations

Kathy Griffin has been an active supporter of the LGBT community for years. She has participated in several events and donated a significant amount of money to LGBT organizations. In 2009, Griffin released a comedy album titled “”Suckin’ It For The Holidays”” and donated a portion of the album’s sales to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT youth. Griffin has also been a vocal critic of anti-LGBT laws and policies and has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues.

Griffin’s Support for Cancer Research and Patient Care

Griffin has also been a champion of cancer research and patient care. Griffin’s older brother, Gary, passed away from esophageal cancer in 2014, and she has since become a vocal advocate for cancer research and patient care. She has been part of several cancer fundraisers and has donated a portion of her earnings to cancer research organizations. In 2018, Griffin auctioned off her personal belongings to raise money for the UCLA Health Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, which conducts research on brain tumor treatments.

Controversies and Backlash Faced by Kathy Griffin

Despite her philanthropic work, Griffin has also faced several controversies and backlash over the years.

Griffin’s Controversial Photoshoot with a Decapitated Donald Trump Head

One of the most significant controversies Griffin faced was in 2017 when she posed for a photoshoot with a decapitated head resembling then-President Donald Trump. The photoshoot received immense backlash from the public, with many calling it violent and offensive. Griffin later apologized for the photoshoot, but the damage was already done, and she faced many negative consequences, including losing several sponsorships, losing her CNN New Year’s Eve hosting gig, and receiving death threats.

Griffin’s Feud with Anderson Cooper and CNN

Griffin’s photoshoot controversy also led to a public feud with her former friend and CNN co-host Anderson Cooper. Cooper publicly condemned Griffin’s photoshoot, causing her to feel betrayed. Griffin then accused Cooper of not reaching out to her in a time of crisis and being more concerned about his reputation. The two have since mended their relationship, but the controversy caused significant tension between them and damaged their friendship.

Griffin’s Impact on Pop Culture and Comedy Industry

Despite the controversies, Griffin has had a significant impact on pop culture and the comedy industry.

Griffin’s Legacy as a Groundbreaking Female Comedian

Griffin has been a trailblazer for female comedians, often tackling taboo subjects and breaking down barriers for women in the industry. She was the first female comedian to ever receive a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album, and she has continued to inspire and pave the way for other female comedians.

Griffin’s Influence on the Future of Comedy

Griffin’s unapologetic and bold approach to comedy has influenced the future of the industry. Her willingness to push boundaries has opened up new avenues for comedians to explore, and her fearlessness has inspired a new generation of performers. Griffin’s impact on the comedy industry is undeniable, and she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.In conclusion, Kathy Griffin’s career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, but one thing is clear: she has left an undeniable mark on the world of comedy and pop culture. From her fearless approach to taboo subjects, to her advocacy for important causes, Griffin has proven to be a trailblazing figure who is unafraid to speak her mind. With her legacy as a groundbreaking female comedian secure, it will be exciting to see what she has in store next.

FAQ

What is Kathy Griffin known for?

Kathy Griffin is known for her career as a comedian, actress, and television personality. She is known for her provocative humor, unfiltered opinions, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects.

What controversies has Kathy Griffin been involved in?

Kathy Griffin has been involved in several controversies throughout her career. One of the most notable was in 2017, when she posed for a photo holding a fake severed head of President Donald Trump. The photo drew widespread criticism and backlash, and led to Griffin being fired from her New Year’s Eve hosting gig on CNN.

What philanthropic work has Kathy Griffin done?

Kathy Griffin has been involved in philanthropic work throughout her career. She is a strong advocate for LGBT rights, and has worked with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD. She is also a supporter of cancer research and patient care, and has worked with organizations such as the American Cancer Society.

What is Kathy Griffin’s legacy as a comedian?

Kathy Griffin’s legacy as a comedian is that of a trailblazing performer who fearlessly tackled taboo subjects and pushed the boundaries of comedy. She was one of the first women to achieve success in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy, and paved the way for future female comedians to follow in her footsteps.”

Last Updated: 3rd March 2023