Emmy award-winning Chicago native Kathy Griffin is a multi-faceted performer celebrated for her rapid-fire wit and sharp comedic style. Her career took a significant leap forward with her memorable four-year stint on the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan," where she portrayed the acerbic Vickie Groener, the colleague of Brooke Shields' character. Griffin's journey into comedy began after she moved west to Los Angeles and joined the renowned comedy improvisational troupe, The Groundlings. This experience paved the way for her to guest star on popular television series, including "ER" and "Seinfeld," where she played the recurring role of Sally Weaver.
Building on her growing reputation in television, Griffin transitioned into stand-up comedy, gaining recognition and popularity. Her comedic prowess earned her an "HBO Half Hour Comedy Special," followed by a one-hour special titled "A Hot Cup of Talk" in 1998. Beyond stand-up, Griffin lent her voice to animated series such as "Dilbert" and "The Simpsons" and showcased her versatility with a dual role on "The X-Files." She appeared in Eminem's iconic music video, "The Real Slim Shady," co-directed by Dr. Dre.
Griffin's dynamic presence extended to hosting duties, as she co-hosted The Billboard Music Awards for three consecutive years and made appearances on numerous talk shows, including "Late Night with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Howard Stern," and "The View." Her film credits include roles in "It's Pat" and "Four Rooms," among others.
Her passion for reality TV is well-documented; she won "Celebrity Mole" on ABC and hosted reality series like NBC's "Average Joe" and MTV's "Kathy's So-Called Reality." Starting in 2005, Bravo aired several of her stand-up specials, often releasing more than one per year. Her 2009 special, "She'll Cut A Bitch," was nominated for an Emmy in the "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special" category.
In August 2005, Griffin launched her own reality show, "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List," on Bravo, which provided a humorous glimpse into her life and career. The show earned her two Emmy nominations and helped solidify her status in pop culture.
Adding author to her list of achievements, Griffin penned a memoir titled "Official Book Club Selection" in 2009. Embracing her strategy of declaring success to ensure success, the memoir soared to #1 on the New York Times Non-Fiction list, further cementing her place as a comedy icon and influential voice in entertainment.