KATHY GRIFFIN - You Have to CHANGE WITH THE TIMES

The performer shares her thoughts on comedy, overcoming cancer and that infamous photo

- Lucille Barilla

To call comedian Kathy Griffin a survivor is a vast understatement. The stand-up comedian, Emmywinning star of My Life on the D-list, and actress has bounced back after treatment for lung cancer and a procedure that permanently altered her voice. Earlier this year, she also announced her separation from Randy Bick, her husband since 2020. “I shouldn’t have married that guy,” she confides to Closer. She has also overcome depression, prescription drug addiction, and a scandal that came very close to ending her comedy career. “I was used to working, and next thing you know, I’m a terrorist and no one will hire me,” she says.

With the support of her friends — famous and otherwise — and the love of her fans, Kathy, 63, has turned the corner. She’s back on the road in 2024, bringing her comedy to America on her My Life on the PTSD-List tour.

Who were your comedy inspirations? 

Joan Rivers. Moms Mabley when I was a little kid. Seeing those women alone was revelatory. When Joan would guest-host The Tonight Show, it was an event. She said the things everybody was afraid to say and took a lot of heat. I watched her through the highs and the lows, and she always stayed true to herself. She was a hard worker who earned every damn penny she made. She was my mentor and good friend and I miss her every day.

Anyone else?