Small in stature but blessed with a big mouth, this feisty redhead started out with the Groundlings improv troupe before launching a career in stand-up comedy. After a handful of small film roles and TV guest spots, Griffin gained national prominence as Brooke Shield's sarcastic sidekick on four seasons of
Suddenly Susan. After the sitcom ended in 2000, she found her niche in reality television. Whether winning on
Celebrity Mole Hawaii, hosting
Average Joe, discussing her extensive plastic surgery and huge gay following, or dishing about celebrities such as Clay Aiken, Nicole Kidman and Whitney Houston on
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, this acid-tongued comedian has been alternately revered and reviled for being herself.
Kathy Griffin Fast Facts:
- Performed with Lisa Kudrow, Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartman in L.A.'s Groundlings improv group.
- Dated Quentin Tarantino, who later included a scene of her stand-up act in his movie Pulp Fiction (1994).
- Appeared as a nurse in Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" video.
- Found an obsession and career niche in reality TV, winning $233,000 on ABC's Celebrity Mole Hawaii, hosting NBC's Average Joe, making a cameo on The Surreal Life and launching Bravo's Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
- After undergoing LASIK surgery in 2003 to correct her vision, she had severe complications. Dr. Robert Maloney of Extreme Makeover presided over the procedure. Griffin has been an outspoken critic of Dr. Maloney and LASIK surgery ever since.
- Was fired as a commentator from E! Entertainment Television after cracking a joke about juvenile actress Dakota Fanning entering rehab at the 2005 Golden Globes.
- During an interview with Larry King in July, 2006, she revealed that she split from her husband, Matt Moline, because he allegedly stole $72,000 from her.
- Kathy Griffin Relationships:
- Gary Griffin - Brother
- John Griffin - Brother
- John Griffin - Father
- Maggie Griffin - Mother
- Matthew Moline - Ex-husband
- Steve Wozniak - Ex-significant Other
- Kathy Griffin Awards:
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Nominee
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Winner
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special - Nominee
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Winner
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special - Nominee
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Nominee