Kathy Griffin, a native of Chicagoland, is the youngest of five children. She has three older brothers and an older sister. When her parents retired to California, Kathy moved west with them after finishing high school and began trying to break into show business. She performed with the Groundlings and then paid her dues doing stand-up at various clubs until she was discovered. According to her brothers, as a kid, Kathy would circulate among the guests at parties and tell jokes. Kathy currently has a regular stand-up engagement at the Laugh Factory in L.A. and is the host of the reality series Average Joe. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Matt Moline, and their dogs.



Appeared in rapper Eminem's music video, "The Real Slim Shady". "Suddenly Susan" (1996) costar Brooke Shields was Kathy's Maid of Honor at her wedding, which was held atop Hollywood's 360-Degrees Restaurant. May 2005 - Having a second surgery for an epithelial ingrowth in her right eye, a rare condition that threatens her eyesight. Is close friends with actor Jonathan Bennett. She does not drink alcoholic beverages. Considered as a possible replacement co-host on "The View" (1997). Auditioned for the part of "Phoebe" on "Friends" (1994). Friend of Catherine Bell.