Kathy Griffin

In 2005, Kathy Griffin's first comedy special titled 'Kathy Griffin: Allegedly' premiered on Bravo. This marked a significant point in her career as it was the beginning of a successful series of stand-up specials on the network. The special featured her trademark style of satirical humor and observational comedy, mainly focusing on her life, Hollywood, and celebrity culture. The success of this special opened the door for many more specials, establishing her as a major figure in the comedy world.

On March 9, 2009, Kathy Griffin was honored with the Santa Monica Citizen of the Year award in recognition of her contributions to the community. Griffin, who is a long-time resident of Santa Monica, received this accolade for her active involvement in local causes and her efforts to support various charitable organizations. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and involvement in fundraising events were particularly highlighted as reasons for her selection as the recipient of this prestigious award.

In December 2013, Kathy Griffin co-hosted CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper. This event was part of an ongoing stint where Griffin was known for her unpredictable and comedic antics during the live broadcast. Griffin and Cooper's dynamic chemistry and Griffin's willingness to push the boundaries of live broadcasting made the show a hit among viewers. Her comedic style was often controversial but brought high ratings and increased visibility to the annual television event.

On May 30, 2017, Kathy Griffin released a controversial photograph of herself holding a mask styled to look like the severed head of U.S. President Donald Trump. The photo sparked a massive public backlash, leading to her dismissal from several engagements, including her longstanding role with CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast. Griffin faced widespread criticism, but she also garnered support from some quarters that highlighted her right to free expression. The incident significantly impacted her career and public image.

Following the backlash from her controversial photo, Kathy Griffin held a press conference on June 2, 2017, alongside her attorney, Lisa Bloom, to address the situation. During the conference, Griffin expressed her regret over the image but reiterated that she believes in the right to free speech. She discussed the severe personal and professional fallout, including detailed threats and cancellations of shows. Despite the controversy, Griffin vowed to continue pursuing her career in comedy and activism.

Kathy Griffin embarked on her 'Laugh Your Head Off' world tour in 2018 as a response to her controversial photo scandal. Announced on September 29, this tour marked her comeback to the world stage after facing significant backlash in the United States. The tour was intended to address the controversy head-on through comedy and was both a critical and commercial success. Griffin used the tour to reconnect with her audience and rebuild her career, reinforcing her resilience and determination.

In May 2019, Kathy Griffin released her film 'Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story', which premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival. The documentary features Griffin's life on the 'Laugh Your Head Off' world tour and delves into the personal and political ramifications of her controversial 2017 photo. The film was praised for its candidness and Griffin's transparency about the challenges she faced. This documentary helped to further rehabilitate her image within the entertainment industry.

On March 6, 2020, Kathy Griffin launched a mentorship program aimed at supporting aspiring female comedians. This initiative was introduced as a response to the ongoing gender disparities within the comedy industry and society at large. Griffin's program seeks to provide support, guidance, and networking opportunities for women entering the field. Her commitment to uplifting fellow women in comedy reflects her dedication to addressing issues of gender inequality and advocating for greater diversity in the industry.

On March 26, 2020, Kathy Griffin was hospitalized after experiencing severe symptoms she suspected were related to COVID-19. However, Griffin claimed that she was unable to get tested initially due to CDC restrictions at the time. Her illness and the subsequent struggle to get tested were publicly shared by Griffin to highlight issues faced by many during the pandemic. This event also underscored the broader challenges individuals were facing regarding healthcare access in the United States.

In June 2023, Kathy Griffin made a much-anticipated return to stand-up comedy with performances across various venues. This marked her first major tour in several years, highlighting her enduring appeal and resilience in the face of past controversies. Griffin's new material was noted for its insight and humor, touching upon contemporary issues and her personal experiences in recent years. The tour's success demonstrates her continued relevance and ability to engage audiences in the dynamic world of comedy.