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, known professionally as Kathy Griffin, is an American comedian and actress. She's recognized for her stand-up comedy, television series appearances, and numerous comedy specials and albums. Griffin gained wider recognition for her reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, for which she won Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008. In addition to her comedy work, she has played supporting roles in various films.

Sections (5)

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

November 4, 1960: Kathy Griffin's Birth

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

1978: Moves to Los Angeles

In 1978, Kathy Griffin relocated to Los Angeles to study drama at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and joined The Groundlings comedy troupe.

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.

October 2001: Death of brother Kenny

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

2001: Marriage to Matt Moline

In 2001, Kathy Griffin married computer administrator Matt Moline after being introduced by Moline's sister, television producer Rebecca Moline.

2004: Moved to Hollywood Hills

In 2004, Kathy Griffin moved to the Hollywood Hills, where she resided until 2016.

May 2006: Divorce from Matt Moline

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

2006: Discussed not drinking alcohol

In a 2006 interview, Kathy Griffin stated that she does not drink alcohol, even though she grew up in a family surrounded by alcoholism, fearing she would become an alcoholic if she took a drink.

February 17, 2007: Death of father, John Patrick Griffin

On February 17, 2007, Kathy Griffin's father, John Patrick Griffin, died of heart failure.

July 2007: Rumors of relationship with Steve Wozniak

In July 2007, rumors circulated that Kathy Griffin was dating Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

February 6, 2008: Relationship confirmed with Steve Wozniak

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

April 5, 2008: King and Queen of the Humane Society Fur Ball

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: Break 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: Teen Choice Awards with Levi Johnston

On August 9, 2009, Kathy Griffin attended the Teen Choice Awards with Levi Johnston and then interviewed him on Larry King Live, joking that they were in a serious relationship.

2009: Autobiography on Food Issues

In her 2009 autobiography Official Book Club Selection, Kathy Griffin wrote about her struggles with a binge eating disorder, mentioning she still has food issues but has learned to deal with them.

Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin

Check it on Amazon

March 2010: Advocating for the repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell"

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

March 7, 2011: Involved with Isaiah Mustafa

On March 7, 2011, while appearing on The Howard Stern Show, Kathy Griffin announced that she was romantically involved with actor and former NFL practice-squad player Isaiah Mustafa. He later said that he was single.

2012: Relationship with Randy Bick began

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

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 the 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. Prior to her death, Kathy shaved her head in solidarity with her in late July.

November 2018: Relationship with Randy Bick ended

In November 2018, Kathy Griffin's relationship with marketing executive Randy Bick ended.

April 2019: Relationship with Randy Bick reconciled

In April 2019, Kathy Griffin and Randy Bick reconciled their relationship.

January 1, 2020: Marriage to 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 on social media.

June 2020: Developed addiction to prescription drugs

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

August 2021: Lung cancer diagnosis and surgery

In August 2021, Kathy Griffin announced she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, despite being a non-smoker, and needed to have half of her left lung removed. She underwent surgery the same month.