Much to Kathy Griffin’s surprise, she is now an award recipient. “I’m accustomed to being somewhat of a rebel outsider in Hollywood,” she tells Us regarding her recent accolade from the cancer charity WeSpark. “They presented me with an award centered on resilience. I find it amusing because I’m now the poster child for resilience, having endured so much craziness.”
That’s putting it mildly: After a career-damaging political scandal stemming from a 2017 photograph of her holding a mock decapitated head of President Trump, Griffin has also spent the last few years battling lung cancer, prescription drug addiction, and even a suicide attempt. However, Griffin is managing to find humor even in that. “Who becomes a junkie at 57?” she quips with a wry smile.
In her surprisingly intimate new special, My Life on the PTSD List (which is now available on YouTube), she addresses all of it — and gives a sneak peek of the types of stories she’ll be sharing when she embarks on her New Face, New Tour starting Nov. 8. (Indeed, the title alludes to her facelifts, and she’s just as astonished as Us that they became international news!) “I aspire to be known as a stalwart in comedy; a reliable comedic presence, and now I’m a comedy face that has been redone!”
Amidst the life (and cosmetic) reconstruction, Griffin, currently 64, is also regaling fans with the celebrity encounters that have become her trademark. Regardless of what challenges she faces, she’ll persist in fighting for her position in comedy. “I may not be everyone’s favorite comic, but I’ve produced more specials than any other comedian, living or deceased, male or female,” she states. “And frankly, that means something.”
Your latest special delves into significant subjects like lung cancer and your suicide attempt. When did you decide you were ready to discuss those topics?
My act has always mirrored my life. However, to create my act, I need to be out in the world, living. Following the Trump photo incident and the onset of cancer, I felt as though my world was collapsing. That’s when I developed an addiction to prescription pills. Nevertheless, I’m still able to find humor, because the notion that I recently became a junkie is amusing… The majority of my friends abandoned me, which was the most challenging aspect to cope with.
Joan Rivers and Kathy Griffin. Jesse Grant/WireImage
Tell Us about the lessons you’ve extracted from that entire experience.
I’ve gleaned a wealth of knowledge. I reflected on my cherished, departed friend Joan Rivers and her resilience in the face of adversity, and the invaluable advice she consistently offered me. Sadly, she was no longer with us when the Trump head photograph surfaced, but she possessed a deep understanding of Donald.
Thus, I had Don Rickles, posthumously, urging me to “Get back on stage.” I envisioned Joan Rivers encouraging me to “Take the check,” or offering some other humorous remark. Something transformative occurs the moment my feet touch that stage; it’s now inherent. I’ll forever remember my first show upon my return. I simply stepped onto the stage, and the audience erupted in applause, leaving me thinking, “Whoa, hold on, I haven’t even done anything yet!”
What guidance would you offer to someone navigating a challenging period?
I would suggest persevering with even greater determination… I’m likely the least suitable person to consult for such a question, as I would advocate for doubling down, and my sole regret from that entire ordeal was issuing an apology.
Jimmy Kimmel acknowledged you when he resumed hosting his show last month. What significance did that gesture hold for you?
It was profoundly meaningful because Jimmy never ostracized me, and there remain numerous shows from which I’m still barred, in fact, the majority of them. Therefore, those that extended an invitation for me to appear meant so much, and Jimmy was among the first. I recognize there’s a backlash. Numerous highly celebrated celebrities have confided in me, expressing, “I adore you. I appreciate your work. But frankly, if we were to take a photograph together and it were posted, my comments section would be inundated with Trump supporters, and that’s an experience I’m not accustomed to.”
That presents quite a challenge.
Part of me questions, “Really?” Yet, another part of me comprehends. A renowned, legendary comedian contacted me, saying, “Hey, I just taped my latest special. I included a significant amount of Trump-related material live, which was a hit in the room. The audience loved it, but ultimately, I removed it from the special because I didn’t want to get Kathy Griffined.”
I’ve evolved into a verb. I can’t entirely fault you. I, too, wished to avoid being Kathy Griffined. It entailed substantial legal expenses, and it was unsettling to be placed under oath and interrogated by the Department of Justice, as well as being placed on the no-fly list. These are genuine consequences that incur actual costs, and they can erase years of diligent effort overnight, as occurred in my situation. So, when someone asserts, “I don’t want to get Kathy Griffined,” I genuinely valued their candor.
Who ranks as your favorite celebrity to poke fun at currently?
Where should I even begin? I intend to satirize the most prominent stars, regardless of whether they’re friends or not. I’m now on friendly terms with Paris Hilton; I’m astonished she still speaks to me, considering all the disparaging remarks I’ve made about her over the years, but bless her heart. She possesses a genuine sense of humor, and I adore her catchphrase: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s perpetually 2008.” Darling, I concur wholeheartedly. That year proved to be exceptional for both of us!
The 20th anniversary of My Life on the D-List recently occurred. What are your recollections of that era?
It feels like only yesterday. I don’t receive any royalties, but I’m pleased that people can at least rediscover my hilarious parents. I take immense pride in that show, as it was authentic; there was no script. They would follow me around for six months out of the year, simply hoping I would engage in humorous antics.
What constitutes your greatest challenge at present?
Are you aware of the most significant obstacle I encounter in selling tickets for any tour I’ve undertaken? The fact that I’m a woman. To this day, the archaic stereotype that women aren’t as funny persists in people’s minds. I hold immense respect for the women who came before me because they shattered that glass ceiling. However, it has somehow reappeared. It necessitates being shattered anew each year.
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