Early Life and Education of Kathy Griffin: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kathy Griffin. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1942: Birth of Kenneth "Kenny" John Griffin

In 1942, Kathy Griffin's eldest brother Kenneth "Kenny" John Griffin was born. He struggled with addiction and homelessness.

November 4, 1960: Kathy Griffin's birth

On November 4, 1960, Kathleen Mary Griffin was born. She is an American comedian and actress.

1978: Move to Los Angeles and study drama

In 1978, Kathy Griffin moved to Los Angeles, where she studied drama at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and became a member of The Groundlings.

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.

2000: End of 'Suddenly Susan' role

In 2000, Kathy Griffin's supporting role on the NBC sitcom 'Suddenly Susan' ended.

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October 2001: Death of Brother Kenny

In October 2001, Kathy Griffin's estranged eldest brother, Kenny, died from a drug overdose.

2001: Married Matt Moline

In 2001, Kathy Griffin married computer administrator Matt Moline.

2001: Death of Kenneth "Kenny" John Griffin

In 2001, Kathy Griffin's eldest brother Kenneth "Kenny" John Griffin passed away.

2004: Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"

In 2004, Janet Jackson experienced a "wardrobe malfunction" in the Super Bowl halftime show, which was later parodied by Kathy Griffin.

2004: Moved to Hollywood Hills

In 2004, Kathy Griffin lived in the Hollywood Hills.

May 2006: Divorced Matt Moline

In May 2006, Kathy Griffin divorced computer administrator Matt Moline. She later accused him of stealing $72,000 from her on Larry King Live.

2006: Says she does not drink alcohol

In 2006, Kathy Griffin mentioned in an interview that she does not drink alcohol despite growing up in a family surrounded by alcoholism, believing she would quickly become an alcoholic if she started drinking.

July 2007: Rumors of Dating Steve Wozniak

In July 2007, rumors circulated that Kathy Griffin was dating Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and they attended the Emmy Awards together.

September 2007: Departure from The View

In September 2007, Kathy Griffin's run as a co-host on The View came to an end.

2007: Death of Father, John Patrick Griffin

In 2007, Kathy Griffin's father, John Patrick Griffin, died of heart failure.

February 6, 2008: Confirmed Relationship with Steve Wozniak

On February 6, 2008, Kathy Griffin confirmed her relationship with Steve Wozniak on Tom Green's House Tonight.

April 5, 2008: Served as King and Queen of Humane Society Fur Ball with Steve Wozniak

On April 5, 2008, Kathy Griffin and Steve Wozniak served as King and Queen of the Humane Society of Silicon Valley Fur Ball in Santa Clara, California.

June 2008: Broke Up with Steve Wozniak

In June 2008, it was confirmed that Kathy Griffin and Steve Wozniak were no longer dating.

2008: Ordained as a Minister

In 2008, Kathy Griffin became an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church to officiate at the wedding of two fans.

August 9, 2009: Attended Teen Choice Awards with Levi Johnston and Interviewed Him

On August 9, 2009, Kathy Griffin attended the Teen Choice Awards with Levi Johnston and then interviewed him on Larry King Live. They joked about being in a serious relationship.

November 2009: AFA Angel Award

In November 2009, Aid For AIDS presented Kathy Griffin with an AFA Angel Award at their silver anniversary celebration. Griffin is a long-time supporter of the Aid for AIDS annual fundraiser Best in Drag Show in Los Angeles, and hosted the opening of the show for more than five years.

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.

March 2010: Organized Rally to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

In March 2010, Kathy Griffin organized a rally in Washington, D.C., advocating for the repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell". She was inspired after meeting closeted gay people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and she also held meetings with members of Congress to encourage the repeal.

2010: 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List' Concludes

In 2010, the reality show 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List' concluded its run on Bravo.

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March 7, 2011: Announced Relationship with Isaiah Mustafa

On March 7, 2011, Kathy Griffin announced on The Howard Stern Show that she was romantically involved with actor Isaiah Mustafa, although he later stated he was single.

2012: Began Relationship with Randy Bick

Kathy Griffin began a relationship with marketing executive Randy Bick in 2012.

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.

2014: Death of Brother Gary

In 2014, Kathy Griffin's brother Gary died of esophageal cancer.

2016: Moved to Bel Air

In 2016, Kathy Griffin moved from Hollywood Hills to Bel Air.

September 2017: Death of Sister Joyce Patricia Griffin

In September 2017, Kathy Griffin's sister, Joyce Patricia Griffin, died from an undisclosed form of cancer. Kathy had shaved her head in solidarity with her in late July.

November 2018: Ended Relationship with Randy Bick

From 2012 until November 2018, Kathy Griffin was in a relationship with marketing executive Randy Bick.

April 2019: Reconciled Relationship with Randy Bick

Kathy Griffin and Randy Bick reconciled in April 2019.

January 1, 2020: Married Randy Bick

On January 1, 2020, Kathy Griffin married Randy Bick at her home in a ceremony officiated by comedian Lily Tomlin.

March 17, 2020: Death of Mother, Maggie Griffin

On March 17, 2020, Kathy Griffin's mother, Maggie, died. Griffin expressed her grief and gratitude for the role her mother played in her life and the lives of her fans, noting that she passed away on St. Patrick's Day.

June 2020: Developed Addiction to Prescription Drugs

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

2020: Hosted Str8Up Gay Porn Awards

In 2020, Kathy Griffin hosted the Str8Up Gay Porn Awards.

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.