Settling in for another great night with Kathy Griffin and Rosie, I was pleased to see that the candidness kept flowing. I think once they knew they had more time, Rosie was able to get to topics that normally would end up on a cutting room floor. At first we went WAY back to Kathy’s start on the stage in a lot of gay bars which eventually led to her strong support of the gay community. Now before anyone judges, let me tell you as a straight woman who has gone to gay bars before in my life….really they can be great. You get to have fun without all the cheesy guys hitting on you. Just saying people….gays bar are perfect for straight people not looking to meet someone.
When Kathy was getting her start, she’d do anything for a little mic time…sing show tunes or Glen Campbell songs, do monologues from Barefoot in the Park, and eventually tell jokes. After a nudge from Lisa Kudrow, she stopped playing characters and started being herself. Her first night up, she killed it. Unfortunately the next three years, not so much. Learning the craft by sneaking onto lots and doing a little star stalking, Kathy listened to comedy like most people listen to music. It was only time before she came into her own.
Following “D List” and her comedic style where no celebrity is safe, Kathy realized that having famous friends was difficult. I can understand. No one wants to open up and be vulnerable with someone who may end up using their life as shtick. Although Rosie knew she was a comic with virtually no boundaries, she has taken Kathy under her wing at times promising celebs that Kathy will not embarrass or shame them. The line was clear to Kathy but when a gag order was so strong that she couldn’t even mention the names of people she sat around a table with…she respected the wishes but felt that was a little much. For some, it must feel like having Ricky Gervais following them around. No wonder Kathy worried that Oprah wouldn’t have her on the network. For someone who puts her whole life into her act, of course the celebs who surround her will be pulled in time to time. “The audience is the board of directors. That is who I answer to,” she admitted. I started to wonder if Rosie was a little more worried about her friends she made promises to.
It has to be hard meeting people she has made fun of or shamed. It actually makes her quite nervous. She told of us how she was alone with Gwyneth Paltrow on the lot of “Glee” and did her best to win her over despite the uncomfortableness. Well, it didn’t work. After more stories of Whitney Houston waving her finger in her face, I began to think that it must be hard to be Kathy sometimes. BUT I love her and love that she makes no excuses for who she is. Love her or hate her….she is just doing her thing. However it is understandable when she talked about getting lonely on the road but I imagine people aren’t lining up to hang out from fear of becoming fodder.
Depression can be hard for anyone. I imagine the dual-life a celebrity plays makes it even worse with all the highs and lows. Sadly in times like that, people don’t always reach out and it is so important to have good friends that care enough to notice. I have always felt bad for comics especially. Trapped in a life where everyone expects you to be funny ALL THE TIME…it can really get to you. They are human and need balance as much as anyone else does.
Following an incredible story of Jane Fonda making her a quesadilla and helping her through a really rough time, Rosie switched topic to Kathy’s new man in her life. Although they haven’t used the “L” word yet, it is clear that he is a definite high point in her life. A regular guy bringing some much needed normalcy to her world.
For Rosie’s first one-on-one, Kathy Griffin was an incredible choice. I didn’t know much about her and she wasn’t on my list of top people, but I have to tell you…after watching her on Rosie, I’d share a plate of nachos with her any day! Ending with some good news, Kathy is beginning her newest journey this spring on a weekly talk show called “Kathy” on Bravo. I will definitely check it out!