Kathy Griffin is known for her signature red hair, which has become synonymous with her comedy over the years. She was born on November 4, 1960, in Oak Park, Illinois. Griffin grew up in a Catholic family and attended the Catholic school, Santa Monica High School. She began her career doing improv comedy with the Los Angeles Groundlings group, which is where she met fellow comedian, Paula Poundstone.
Griffin’s big break came in the early 90s when she landed a supporting role on the NBC sitcom ‘Suddenly Susan’. She played a wisecracking assistant named Vicki Groener, a role that earned her two Emmy nominations. Griffin gained notoriety for her edgy comedy and her willingness to push the boundaries. She has always been unafraid to tackle tough topics, and she often uses her comedy to comment on politics and social issues.
One of the most memorable moments of Griffin’s career came in 2017 when she posed for a controversial photo holding a fake severed head that resembled President Donald Trump. The photo received widespread backlash, and Griffin was fired from her job as a co-host of CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast. The incident also led to an investigation by the Secret Service.
Griffin has always been a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and has been an ally of the community since early in her career. She has hosted the GLAAD Media Awards and has been a vocal supporter of organizations like The Trevor Project and The Human Rights Campaign. In 2020, Griffin announced that she had lung cancer and had to undergo surgery to remove a large portion of her lung. She is now cancer-free and is using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of getting regular check-ups and taking care of your health.
Throughout her career, Griffin has released many comedy specials and albums, including ‘Claiming Jesus’, ‘Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel’, and ‘Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List’. She has also been a frequent guest on talk shows like ‘The View’, ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’, and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
In 2020, Griffin released a documentary titled ‘Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story’, which chronicles her experiences following the controversial photo incident in 2017. The documentary was well-received by fans and showcases Griffin’s resilience and determination to continue doing what she loves despite the backlash she received.
In conclusion, Kathy Griffin is a comedic force to be reckoned with. She has managed to stay relevant and controversial throughout her long career, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her dedication to speaking the truth and speaking out on important issues has earned her a loyal following among fans and activists alike. We can only hope that she continues to push boundaries and make us laugh for many years to come.