Challenges Faced by Kathy Griffin: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kathy Griffin's life and career.

Kathleen Mary Griffin is an American comedian and actress recognized for her stand-up specials, television roles, and comedy albums. She is best known for her reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008. Griffin has also taken on supporting roles in various films throughout her career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1999: Near-Death Experience during Liposuction

In 1999, Kathy Griffin nearly died during a liposuction procedure in Los Angeles. She has also undergone multiple plastic surgeries, including breast augmentation and a nose job.

2009: Disclosure of eating disorder in autobiography

In her 2009 autobiography 'Official Book Club Selection', Kathy Griffin discussed her past struggles with a binge eating disorder.

April 8, 2013: Cancellation of talk show

On April 8, 2013, Kathy Griffin announced that her talk show would not be renewed for a third season.

May 2017: Dropped by Squatty Potty and Fired by CNN

In May 2017, Kathy Griffin was dropped by Squatty Potty as a spokesperson, and CNN fired her from its New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper, due to the controversial photo.

May 30, 2017: Posts Trump Severed Head Video

On May 30, 2017, Kathy Griffin posted a video of herself holding "a mask styled to look like the severed, bloody head" of then U.S. President Donald Trump on her Instagram and Twitter accounts.

June 2, 2017: Lisa Bloom statement

On June 2, 2017, Kathy Griffin's attorney, Lisa Bloom, stated that the Trump severed head photo was never intended as a threat.

November 2017: Takes Back Apology for Trump Photo

In November 2017, Kathy Griffin appeared on Skavlan and retracted her apology for the controversial photo with the model of Donald Trump's severed head.

2017: Controversy over Donald Trump severed head photo

In 2017, Kathy Griffin faced controversy for holding a mask stylized as Donald Trump's severed head.

June 2020: Developed Addiction to Prescription Drugs

By June 2020, Kathy Griffin developed an addiction to prescription drugs.

August 2021: Diagnosed with Lung Cancer and Underwent Surgery

In August 2021, Kathy Griffin announced that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, despite not being a smoker, and needed to have half of her left lung removed. She underwent surgery the same month.