Kathy Griffin is a stand-up comedian and reality star "allegedly" on the D-list. Windy City Times chatted with her about current projects and celebrities galore!
Windy City Times: Hi, Kathy. Last time I talked to you there were three floors of gays at Borders waiting to get their books signed.
Kathy Griffin: You know some of them worked at Harpo. I don't care what anyone says. There is no way that Oprah didn't disperse a small gay spy team. They are not going to come disguised as me that would be too obvious. I could swear that when I was in Chicago, I saw Gayle with a blonde wig and a moustache! I can't confirm that but I really think I did.
WCT: That could be…
KG: I love that Oprah has announced the final season of her show is basically going to be a fucking reality show after she has done countless shows shitting on reality stars and making fun of reality stars. [ Oprah voice ] "I can't stand letting cameras in my house!" And guess what? It's your turn, honey. You are doing it. Give me a call if you want any advice, Oprah. Because I have been doing this shit for five years and about to start season six. I may have some pointers for her.
WCT: Definitely.
KG: She may think she is in an environment where she has to kind of watch what she says. She is being quoted constantly. Believe me she has no idea. Once the cameras are in your house and really following you around. Who knows? She might have a Rielle Hunter of her own tucked away. She better keep her eye on Stedman. There are some people in her scene that she should keep a close eye on.
WCT: I know Reggie, her makeup guy.
KG: I want to read Reggie's book. I am waiting for enough time to pass so that Reggie's confidentiality agreement runs out. I am sure it is like a scientology agreement. It doesn't run just this lifetime but like your next 240 lifetimes. If there is any book that I would get the first day that it comes out it would be his. Reggie: My Story.
WCT: Or it could be called Behind the Makeup! [ Both laugh. ] So I was in the audience one time when Jenna Jameson was on the show.
KG: Who I felt got a free pass from Oprah. That is the fascinating thing about Oprah—there are certain people that she will just gun for. Look, I know Jenna Jameson has been through a lot. That guy beat the fuck out of her with the bruises and she took him back. When I watched that episode, I found it fascinating that she was being buds with her and almost getting tips from her. That was one of the episodes that you think you know your Oprah, and then you don't.
WCT: Well, I write a gay-porn column and wound up in the audience for that show. So after the show, Oprah says, "Let's get a man's opinion" and looks up at me. The microphone is coming over to me in slow motion.
KG: This is your moment!
WCT: So Oprah asks, "Are you married?' And I say, "No, I am gay!" and the whole audience is clapping and laughing. I do this whole Kathy Griffin raise-the-roof thing and say, "Where my peeps at?"
KG: Oh my God! I love it. And keep in mind you are about to be asked advice about blowjobs. I am sure you are much more of an expert than a married man or straight man, anyways. Little did she know that you were the Warren Commission of experts for her. You could probably teach Jenna Jameson a few things.
WCT: Exactly, so I look around and there are no gays in the audience. It is all Middle American women dressed in bright colors. [ Both laugh. ] I say that I just wanted to make a comment on how gay men in porn are more responsible than straight porn and use condoms more frequently in their films.
KG: Nice!
WCT: She then asks for a straight man's opinion and blows me off but [ that ] was my moment.
KG: This was a great moment and, by the way, good for you for getting out that message. There were probably women in that audience who had never laid eyes on a gay man before. That's fine; now they know and that is not even a baby step—that is an adult over step.
WCT: Thanks. I have to tell you that I loved your book Official Book Club Selection!
KG: Oh, I am so glad. I want to thank you because it is such a big deal when you write a book. Some people just look at the cover. I am so excited when someone just reads the damn book. You know what celebrities do? I don't think one celebrity in the book read the entire thing. The most genius idea that Random House had was to make an index. I was like index? It's not a text book! But they were so right because all the celebrities went to the index and read their part, like Tyra Banks and Howard Stern. Thanks for reading it. The paperback [ came ] out June 1.
WCT: Perfect!
KG: You know what's great about the paperback? I did a whole new chapter about people that I am pissed at who didn't express being spoken highly of in the book. There is one time in the new chapter called "Brooke Shields, you should have called me." I am at the point now where I am going to say whatever the fuck I want even more than before.
WCT: That is what we love about you. So you are coming to Milwaukee Pridefest?
KG: Yes, coming to Milwaukee Pride. I just taped my latest Bravo special called Kathy Does the Bible Belt [ that premiered ] June 8 on the Bravo Channel. The following Tuesday, June 15, is the premiere of season six of My Life on the D-List. The special guest star in episode one is Miss Liza fucking Minelli.
WCT: [ Gasps ] Are you kidding?
KG: I need you to spread the word because you know Bravo doesn't promote the show. It is almost like their artsy show compared to the Housewives. So please, please get the word out any way that you can.
Season six of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List starts June 15; check bravotv.com for listings. For information on the paperback and appearances visit KathyGriffin.net and pridefest.com .
Find out Kathy's thoughts about other celebrities, including Lily Tomlin and Sarah Silverman, online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com .
