What Happened to Kathy Griffin?
Kathy Griffin is an Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian known for her unfiltered celebrity satire and stand-up specials. After facing severe backlash and career setbacks following a controversial photo in 2017, she has steadily rebuilt her career while openly battling significant health issues, including lung cancer, vocal cord damage, and Complex PTSD. As of 2026, she continues to tour with her 'New Face, New Tour' and has announced a 2027 residency, demonstrating her resilience and continued presence in comedy.
Quick Answer
Kathy Griffin, 65, is actively touring with her 'New Face, New Tour' and recently announced a 2027 residency in Palm Springs. She has been candid about her ongoing health challenges, including recovering from colonoscopy complications in May 2026, a hysterectomy in 2025, vocal cord surgery in 2023, and lung cancer in 2021. Despite personal and professional setbacks, including a 2025 divorce, Griffin remains a prominent and outspoken figure in stand-up comedy, often incorporating her life experiences into her acts.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Begins Co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve
Kathy Griffin began co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve coverage with Anderson Cooper, a role she held for a decade, significantly raising her public profile.
Donald Trump Photo Controversy
Griffin faced widespread backlash after a photo was released showing her holding a prop resembling the severed, bloody head of President Donald Trump.
Fired from CNN and Lost Endorsements
Following the controversial photo, CNN terminated its agreement with Kathy Griffin, and she lost several endorsement deals, including with Squatty Potty.
Federal Investigation and Death Threats
Griffin became the subject of a federal investigation for conspiracy to assassinate the President and reported receiving numerous death threats, temporarily placing her on a no-fly list.
'Laugh Your Head Off' World Tour
After a period of professional isolation, Griffin launched her 'Laugh Your Head Off' world tour, addressing the controversy and her experiences with 'cancel culture' in her act.
Diagnosed with Stage I Lung Cancer
Griffin announced she was diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer and underwent surgery to have half of her left lung removed, despite never having smoked.
Vocal Cord Surgery and PTSD Treatment
She underwent vocal cord surgery to address damage from her lung cancer operation and began receiving treatment for Complex PTSD.
Filed for Divorce
Griffin filed for divorce from her second husband, marketing executive Randy Bick, after approximately four years of marriage.
Kicks Off 'My Life on the PTSD-List' Tour
Griffin returned to the stage with a new North American stand-up tour, 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the PTSD-List,' incorporating her recent health and personal struggles.
Divorce from Randy Bick Finalized
Her divorce from Randy Bick was finalized, marking the end of her second marriage.
Underwent Hysterectomy
Griffin revealed she underwent an emergency hysterectomy due to a precancerous condition.
Launches 'New Face, New Tour'
Griffin began her 'New Face, New Tour,' a multi-city stand-up tour across North America, which is scheduled to run into 2026 and 2027.
Hard-Launches New Romance
Kathy Griffin went Instagram official with a new boyfriend, marking her first public relationship debut since her divorce.
Hospitalized After Colonoscopy Complications
Griffin was hospitalized overnight due to complications following a routine colonoscopy, sharing the update with fans via Instagram.
Announces Palm Springs Residency
Griffin announced her first-ever residency, 'Can You Handle This Heat? The Kathy Griffin Palm Springs Residency,' at the historic Plaza Theatre, with dates in early 2027.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kathy Griffin's career has been marked by fearless humor and a willingness to push boundaries, leading to both critical acclaim and significant controversy. Rising to prominence with her reality show 'My Life on the D-List' and numerous stand-up specials, she became known for her sharp, often biting, commentary on celebrity culture and politics.
The most significant turning point in Griffin's career occurred in May 2017 when she posed for a photo holding a prop resembling the severed, bloody head of then-President Donald Trump. The image immediately sparked widespread outrage from across the political spectrum, leading to severe professional consequences. She was fired from her long-standing co-hosting gig on CNN's New Year's Eve special, lost endorsement deals, and had her comedy tour canceled. Griffin also faced a federal investigation for conspiracy to assassinate the President and received numerous death threats, temporarily landing her on a no-fly list.
In the years following the controversy, Griffin embarked on a path of professional and personal rebuilding. She launched the 'Laugh Your Head Off' tour in 2018, using her experiences with 'cancel culture' and the backlash as material for her stand-up. Her resilience was further tested by a series of significant health challenges. In 2021, she was diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove half of her left lung. This surgery led to vocal cord damage, requiring further surgery in 2023 to restore her voice.
Griffin has continued to be transparent about her health, revealing in 2025 that she underwent a hysterectomy due to a precancerous condition. She has also openly discussed her struggles with Complex PTSD and addiction to prescription pills, which she battled after her lung cancer surgery. Her personal life also saw changes, with her divorce from marketing executive Randy Bick finalized in January 2025 after roughly four years of marriage.
As of May 2026, Kathy Griffin remains active in comedy. She kicked off her 'My Life on the PTSD-List' tour in early 2024 and followed it with the 'New Face, New Tour,' which began in late 2025 and extends into 2026 and 2027. She recently experienced a health scare, being hospitalized on May 21, 2026, due to complications from a colonoscopy, but is now recovering at home. In May 2026, she also hard-launched a new romance on Instagram and announced her first-ever residency, 'Can You Handle This Heat? The Kathy Griffin Palm Springs Residency,' set for early 2027. Her continued touring and candidness about her life underscore her enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kathy Griffin made different choices?