
Kathy Griffin (*1960)
A self-proclaimed D-list celebrity, Kathy Griffin nevertheless turned her acerbic commentary on celebrity culture into an Emmy-winning television series. Born in Oak Park, Ill., Griffin moved to Los Angeles in 1978 to study acting and soon joined the improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings. Along with successful turns on television shows, including NBC’s “Suddenly Susan,” Griffin has continued performing stand-up throughout her career. Her first recorded album, “For Your Consideration,” debuted at the top of the Billboard Comedy Albums chart, making her the first female comedian to achieve the honor. The hit reality TV show “Kathy Griffin: My life on the D-List,” debuted in 2005 and ran for six seasons, earning two Emmys for Outstanding Reality Program.