Kathy Griffin, born on November 4, 1960 in Oak Park, Illinois, is an American comedian and actress recognized for her candid, often controversial, observational humor. She spent her early years in the entertainment industry performing improvisational comedy with various troupes in Los Angeles, where she honed her unique style of humor. Her breakthrough came in the late 1990s when she was cast as Vicki Groener in the NBC sitcom Suddenly Susan, which ran from 1996 to 2000. This marked a significant turning point in her career, propelling her into the mainstream spotlight. Griffin's reputation as a fearless comedian was cemented with the launch of her reality television show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, which aired on Bravo from 2005 to 2010. The show, which chronicled her life and struggles in Hollywood, earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Program. Griffin's comedic talents also extended to her stand-up performances, with her first comedy album, For Your Consideration (2008), earning a nomination for a Grammy Award. This was followed by six more Grammy-nominated albums, with Calm Down Gurrl (2013) winning Best Comedy Album, making Griffin one of a select few female comedians to receive this honor. Despite her success, Griffin's career faced significant challenges due to her unapologetic approach to comedy. In 2017, she sparked a national controversy after a photo was released of her holding a prop that resembled the severed head of President Donald Trump. This incident led to severe backlash, causing her to lose several job opportunities and endure widespread criticism. However, Griffin remained undeterred, using the experience as material for her Laugh Your Head Off world tour in 2018, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to pushing the boundaries of comedy. With a career spanning over four decades, Kathy Griffin's impact on the world of comedy is undeniable, showcasing her talent for transforming personal experiences into compelling comedic material.