By Tom Comi
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There are three different camps when it comes to comedian Kathy Griffin: those who love her; those who despise her; and those who find her funny but don’t want to admit it.
It’s probably safe to say that many people fall into the latter group. Griffin is one of those rare humorists who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. And while that can make her extremely controversial, it’s also what sets her apart from many of her comedic counterparts.
For those in the first and third groups, you will definitely want to tune in to Bravo tonight at 9pm ET for her stand-up special Gurrl Down, which was recently recorded in Boston. And make no bones about it — nobody in the public eye is off limits.
Take, for example, Bristol Palin, daughter of conservative political figure Sarah Palin. When Bristol recently admitted she had “corrective surgery” on her chin, she became instant fodder for the sharp-witted Griffin.
“So Bristol Palin has this brand, new chin, and I swear to god she looks just like Jay Leno,” Griffin says. “It’s like she took a picture of Jay Leno, went to the dentist and said, ‘Can I have this?’ ”
Griffin’s critics claim she can be mean-spirited, and there’s probably some validity to that. She’s not afraid to pounce on fellow celebrities, and that fearlessness is what makes her popular with her fans and a lighting rod for her detractors. Even her own mother questioned some of her material when they appeared together on the since-canceled Bravo show My Life on the D-List.
But it’s also fair to ask if there is a double standard when it comes to male and female comedians. In other words, is her lower standard held to a higher standard just because she’s a woman?
That question won’t be answered anytime soon, but one thing we do know is that Griffin is not afraid to cross the line. And while she might miss the mark from time to time, it’s those occasions when she hits the target that makes her one of the funniest comics — male or female — of her generation.
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Credit: Steve Jennings/Bravo
Have to agree with sharrison on indifference. What I’ve seen of her stuff hasn’t swayed me toward the extremes of loving or despising, or even secretly laughing. It has, however, prompted a swift channel change.
At least Kathy works hard for her craft and minor celebrity. What has Kim Kardashian done to deserve magazine covers, besides amateur porn?
Put me down for category #1. I love her and think she’s hilarious! I like her specials, but I miss My Life On the D List. We have a lot in common, like our obsessions with Hoarders and Oprah.
Hey, easy there, sharrison. You can’t just create your own category. Although I’m not sure you are as indifferent as you claim to be (that defense went out the window when you took the time to comment), I’m happy to put you in the “despise her” category. 🙂
I’ll include myself in another category, Tom, when it comes to Kathy Griffin: Complete indifference. Her voice and delivery are grating, and her subject matter is completely uninteresting to me. I think “Seinfeld” was on to something when he cast her as an annoying wannabe comic.