Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin 2015 TCA Press Tour (cropped)

Kathy Griffin
Born	Kathleen Mary Griffin Birth date -1st March 1966 Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, actress
Years active	1980–present

Kathleen Mary Griffin (born November 4, 1960) is an American comedian and actress. She has starred in television comedy specials and has released comedy albums. In 2007 and 2008, Griffin won Primetime Emmy Awards for her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. She has also appeared in numerous television shows and films, mainly in supporting roles.

Early life

Griffin was born in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to Mary Margaret "Maggie" Griffin (née Corbally) and John Patrick Griffin. She is the youngest of five children. Griffin has described herself as a "military brat," as her father served in the United States Army.

Career

Stand-up comedy

Griffin began performing in the early 1980s in the Los Angeles improv comedy troupe The Groundlings. She went on to perform stand-up comedy and became known for her conversational style and controversial humor.

Television and film

Griffin's first major break came in the 1990s with her role on the NBC sitcom Suddenly Susan, where she played Vicki Groener. She later starred in her own reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, which aired on Bravo from 2005 to 2010. The show was a critical success and earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Griffin has also made guest appearances on several television shows, including Seinfeld, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Her film credits include Pulp Fiction, The Cable Guy, and Shakes the Clown.

Controversies

Griffin has been involved in several controversies throughout her career, often due to her outspoken nature and provocative humor. In 2017, she faced significant backlash after posing for a photograph holding a mask styled to look like the severed head of Donald Trump. The incident led to widespread criticism and resulted in the cancellation of several of her performances.

Personal life

Griffin has been open about her struggles with substance abuse and her journey to sobriety. She has also been an advocate for various causes, including LGBT rights and free speech.

Awards and nominations

Griffin has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award nomination, and several GLAAD Media Awards.

Bibliography

• Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin (2009)

See also

• List of stand-up comedians
• List of people from Illinois

External links

Kathy Griffin on IMDb