Kathy Griffin, the well-known comedian, has had her fair share of ups and downs in her career over the years. After nearly eight years since the infamous Trump photo scandal that pushed her out of the spotlight, many are left wondering, where is Kathy Griffin now? The talented actress and comedian faced a challenging time in 2017 when a controversial photo she posted nearly ended her career. Let’s delve into what she has been up to and where her life stands today.
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Initially rising to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kathy Griffin’s comedy career was on a steady climb. With successful stand-up performances and appearing in NBC’s sitcom “Suddenly Susan,” she was making a name for herself. However, in 2017, a single photo with a Halloween mask of President Donald Trump, enhanced with ketchup to appear as a severed head, ignited a nationwide controversy that shook her career to its core. Griffin faced severe backlash and challenges, but she remained determined to make a comeback and continue making people laugh.
Despite the fallout from the Trump photo scandal, Kathy Griffin has a long list of accomplishments to her name. She gained fame for her Emmy-winning reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” which aired on Bravo from 2005 to 2010. As of September 2024, she held the Guinness World Record for the most stand-up specials by a comedian. The controversial photo was sparked by Trump’s remarks towards Megyn Kelly, reflecting Griffin’s intention to address sexist comments. However, the image backfired, leading to severe consequences for Griffin’s career trajectory.
The aftermath of the Trump photo scandal had significant repercussions on Kathy Griffin’s professional life. She lost endorsement deals, a comedy tour, and her co-hosting role on CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage with Anderson Cooper. Griffin faced immense scrutiny, receiving death threats not only herself but also extended to her family, leaving her feeling guilty for unintentionally involving them in the turmoil. Despite the challenges, she reflected on the impact through a documentary titled “Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story,” shedding light on the difficult period she endured.
After a six-year hiatus, Kathy Griffin made a resilient comeback to the comedy scene in 2023 with a solo show in Las Vegas and a subsequent tour across the US and Canada titled “Kathy Griffin: My Life On The PTSD-List.” She expressed readiness to return to the stage and prove that she was moving past the controversy. Embracing social media, Griffin dubbed herself the “content queen” in 2025, indicating her re-emergence in the comedic sphere. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she remained determined to reclaim her comedic voice and continue entertaining her audience.
In recent years, Kathy Griffin has also opened up about her health battles, including overcoming stage 1 lung cancer and navigating through PTSD diagnosis. She has undergone surgeries to repair her vocal cords, addressing the physical toll of her health issues. Additionally, Griffin underwent a divorce from her husband Randy Bick in December 2023 after four years of marriage. While navigating personal challenges, she expressed gratitude for regaining her comedic voice and embracing her role as a comedian once again. Griffin’s journey reflects resilience and determination in the face of adversity.