Reality on Bravo

Kathy Griffin performs June 8 as part of the TV Land Awards.

She gets away with saying the most offensive things on Bravo, and it seems this season will — thankfully — be no different with Kathy Griffin and My Life on the D-List.

In tonight’s episode, the first of the new season, Kathy and her entourage traveled to New York for New Year’s Eve. Kathy co-hosted the CNN live broadcast with Anderson Cooper, who she loving referred to as “Andy” at least five times during the broadcast. The best part? Jessica made a game of it, and she drank a shot for each of those five times.

One of the best parts of D-List has been watching characters develop among Kathy’s staff. Jessica, the first one to join her, provided some added entertainment in tonight’s episode. And, based on the previews alone, we’re in for another season filled with hilarity.

Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List, Anderson Cooper

As part of the NaBloPoMo celebration, I’m posting my list of top 30 Most Fabulous Bravo Personalities. The points of qualification? Only one: be utterly fabulous. “Fabulous can mean intriguing, funny, hot, crazy…or all of the above. Stop back every day during November to see if you favorite star has made the list!

Today’s Fabulous #19 and #20 are Mr. and Mrs. Griffin from Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List.

Why are the Griffins fabulous? Who doesn’t love Mr. and Mrs. Griffin? I mean, Kathy is a sideliner on her own show (self-admittedly). Without her parents, well…she wouldn’t exist.

But going farther than that, Kathy’s mom and dad lit up the screen on Kathy’s show. This past season, John Griffin unfortunately passed away. He was really old and I think it was just time for his body to gracefully end things. His death created some of the most special and heartwarming scenes that I’ve ever seen on My Life on the D-List, or really on Bravo in general. He really was a great man and the show (and the world) will miss him.

And Kathy’s mom is great too. We can’t forget her! What is so damn awesome about Mr. and Mrs. Griffin is that they are “that generation.” You know what I mean. They are everyone’s parents/grandparents. A little bit crazy. A little bit old-fashioned. A lot of love.

Check back tomorrow for #18!

Here’s the list of my 30 Fabulous Bravo Personalities so far:

19 - 20. The Griffins, My Life on the D-List
21. Goil Amornvivat, Top Design
22. Steven Asprinio, Top Chef Season One
23. Andy Cohen, Bravo Exec
24. Marcel Vigneron, Top Chef Season Two
25. Kelly Wearstler, Top Design
26. Chloe Dao, Project Runway Season Two
27. Vicki Gunvalson, The Real Housewives of Orange County
28. Dale Levitski, Top Chef Season Three
29. Carson Kressley, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
30. Jeff Lewis, Flipping Out

Have someone you’d like to nominate? Feel free to email me at allison.boyer - at - yahoo - dot - com today or leave a comment telling us why your nominee is Bravo-fabulous!

Yeah, I know that it is Saturday. I got tied up and didn’t get to post my Friday Fashion Finds yesterday! That said, let’s talk about today’s fashionista - Kathy Griffin. You might be a bit perplexed at that one. Kathy is funny and friendly and great to her employees…but she’s not exactly “best dressed” on the red carpet, ever. I mean, she’s not the worst looking fashion “don’t”, but few people equate Kathy Griffin to a fashion icon.

But I wanted to talk today about what she DOES do really wear - a monochromatic stage outfit.

Ok…that’s not really what I meant…

But when her pants were not around her ankles, Kathy was dressed in all dark brown. And usually, she’s dressed in all black. And hey, that can be really classy if you ask me.

Give it a try. Pick a dark color like black, brown, or navy blue and wear it head to two. This brown looks especially good on Kathy because of her red hair - it gives her a monochromatic look in general. Are you blonde? Go for all white! It can be really striking.

The key here is to look for clothing that is form fitting, but not so tight that you look like your in a bathing suit or pants suit. There has to be a bit of definition to make it work. If you think the outfit looks a bit silly on you, try breaking it up with a belt in a contrasting color or lighter color. Or try some serious bling. I love a good pendent necklace with a one-color outfit.

Kathy Griffin is herself, and even though she’s no fashion statement maker like other celebs, she knows what’s up. Wouldn’t you agree?

Kathy Griffin

People are still talking about it. Oh, Kathy Griffin. I suppose you’ll be making fun of religion more. It definitely is a great way to get press.

In any case, I’ve been passing over the posts and articles about this issue, simply because they all say the same thing. We can all argue until we’re blue in the face, but at the end of the day, no one is going to change sides on the issue. (some) Christians will argue that he remarks were inappropriate and that she’d be in a lot more trouble if she had made the comment about, for example, Moses. (some) Others will say that it was all a joke and people need to lighten up.

Well, I decided to read ONE MORE ARTICLE and finally read an intelligent comment about it:

(more…)

The recent news hitting the Internet is that Kathy Griffin may be engaged to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, her date for the Emmy Awards. The smiling couple hit the red carpet with class after Kathy’s “outrageous” Jesus remarks a bit earlier at the Creative Arts Emmys.

Why the speculation? Well it seems as the Ms. Griffin has been wearing a specious-looking ring her left-hand ring finger, which leaves Us Magazine asking if Woz popped the question.

“I don’t kiss and tell,” Giffin says of the ring. read more here…

Of course, as a true admiring fan of Kathy’s, I have to say that it’s more likely that she’s wearing the ring simply because it will cause speculation. Maybe he even bought her the ring, but I’d say that the recently-divorced couple (Kathy once, Woz twice), probably wouldn’t take the big leap quite so soon. Especially because of the whole Emmy controversy thing. I mean, Kathy’s media smart. She’d at least wait until this press died down before making the next big wave. She knows how to get people talking about her as often as possible - you have to spread the big news stories out a little bit.

So what do you think? Any guesses? Do you think Kathy’s engaged?

Kathy Griffin’s Emmy speech has people everywhere up in arms. Give me a break. Here’s the top ten reasons why you can suck it too:

10. Anyone who watches Bravo at all knows that Kathy was making a joke.

9. Said joke was not at the expense of anyone. It was not slanderous either, as some are claiming. Here’s a reality check: to be slander, you have to say something untrue about someone else and what you said has to have hurt their reputation. Der…..

8. Kathy regularly makes fun of Christianity in her stand up routines, yet no one said anything until now. If you were so concerned about the sanctity of the religion, shouldn’t someone so “anti-religious” be on your radar?

7. And, if Kathy is truly anti-religious and “needs help,” then how is a $100,000 ad in USA Today going to help her? Someone we as Christians be opening our arms to those so “in pain”?

6. I’ve touched on this before, but all the time and money spent denouncing Kathy Griffin could have been spent on charity. I don’t care if you’ve donated millions in the past - a “public statement” about her Emmy remarks is a waste of time and money.

5. Many are saying that the fact it was at the Emmy ceremonies was why this is such a big deal. It was in a really public arena, not in a place where you had to buy a ticket to her show to hear it. Here’s the question I pose to you: when was the last time you were on the offense about your beliefs? Everyone’s quick to argue with Kathy now, but I’ve seen few Christians willing to be in the limelight and publicly make a statement in favor of Christianity without first being felt as though they were attacked. News flash: the world isn’t out to get you.

4. If you had half a brain, you’d understand that Kathy’s remarks were not only funny, but ingenious. She wasn’t poking fun at Christianity, she was poking fun at what I like to call “fair-weather Christians.” You know, the type of Christian who doesn’t pray, doesn’t read the Bible, doesn’t go to church…but is quick to announce their love for God when they’re in the public eye just to look good.

3. No matter what Kathy’s motives, this is EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTS - a huge controversy. If you ever watched even a few minutes of her show, you’d know that, and you’d know that the best thing you could do in defiance of her would be to stop bringing attention to it (I, however, plan to play right into her hand by continuing to blog about how stupid the how situation is - soak it up, baby.)

2. Let’s just say she was being offensive and ugly and un-funny. Let’s just say her whole intent with the comment was to speak out against Christianity. Doesn’t she have a right to do that? If someone has the right to stand up on stage and thank God, Kathy Griffin has the right to stand up on stage and tell Jesus to “suck it.” It’s this little concept called FREEDOM.

1. Don’t you have better things to do? I mean, it was a 30-second speech by a self-proclaimed D-list celebrity. This is Hollywood, and tomorrow some A-lister will have gone to rehab again, and once again, no one will know the difference between Kathy Griffin and Kathy Lee.

Kathy Griffin, Jesus can suck it, Emmy speech

“It made my heart sick to see people in the audience at the Emmy’s laughing at Griffin’s remarks. It should not be acceptable to mock anyone’s faith! We have to start changing the hearts and minds of people on this subject.”

According to reports, a Christian-based theater group has taken out a $100,000 ad in USA Today to condemn Kathy Griffin’s Emmy speech and everyone who laughed at it.

Miracle Theater has noted that they would have forgiven Kathy had she apologized. They called her comments slanderous and a “mockery” of the Christian faith.

Dumbasses.

I’m a Christian. Actually, I’m fairly religious when compared to most - I read my Bible, I pray, and I love talking about religion. What Kathy did was not mocking the Christian faith. It was a humorous comment on all the so-called Christians who thank god for their achievements on stage. I mean, come on. Do you really think that God sits and watches the Emmy’s to determine a winner? Do you really think that half of there people actually thank God on a regular basis for their talents? No and no. They simply want to “look good” by thanking God. So, Kathy did something ingenious - she turned the tables to “look bad” for not thanking god. Either way it’s still press.

Oh, and get a clue, Miracle Theater. You could have spent that $100,000 on those less fortunate–people who really need that money. This is exactly the kind of religion that Kathy speaks out against.

Oh, and here’s the top ten reasons why YOU CAN SUCK IT TOO.

Kathy Griffin, Ellen DeGeneres

Ok, Ok, everyone’s talking about it, so I can’t let it slip by without mentioning it. Apparently Kathy Griffin is the devil incarnate…or at least spreading “messages of hate.” Why the backlash? It has to do with her Emmy award and acceptance speech.

Last year she lost out to Extreme Home Makeover and while they took the stage, she flicked them off, told them to “suck her dick”, and stormed out of the auditorium, high-fiving ushers along the way.

I bet her publicist wishes it were last year.

This year, Kathy won! She totally deserves it, as “My Life on the D-List” is an amazing show, and this season was by far the best. Her speech?

“Can you believe this shit? I guess hell froze over. … a lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. So, all I can say is, ’suck it, Jesus.’ This award is my god now.”

Oh come on, people. It’s funny. That’s not anti-religious hate messages. It’s her brand of shock-value humor. If you’d watch the show, you’d know that. Kathy isn’t about hating Christianity or spreading an atheistic message all over the world. She’s about doing whatever she can to get the media’s attention…which she seems to have done quite brilliantly.

The real question here is how many of you journalists out there would have mentioned Kathy Griffin today had she thanked Jesus and walked offstage?

Kathy Griffin, Jesus, Emmys

During this past season, Kathy Griffin seemed to have rocketed to at least the C- or B-list…but where has she been lately? Has she dropped to the E- or (God forbid) F-list? Tonight, one of her specials was aired on Bravo, and even though I’ve seen it about a bajillion times, I watched it again. And, what did I realize? I miss her.

So now I’m on a campaign. Let’s keep Kathy on the D-List!

This past week, it went under my radar, but Kathy actually won an award for Outstanding Reality Program “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List” at the 2007 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Ok, its no VMA…but it’s still amazing. Here are some pictures from that event. Kathy, if you’re out there, keep rocking on.

kathy griffin, my life on the d-list

It’s time to say goodbye to D-lister Kathy Griffin once again. Last night’s hysterical/emotional episode of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List was painful because it marked the end of yet another great season. This is truly one of my favorite bravo shows, and as sharp-tongued as Ms. Griffin can be, that lady has class. Kathy, from Reality on Bravo to you–we’ll miss you! Come back for a new season soon!

Kathy Griffin, Griffin, D-list, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-list

I’m going to deviate from Tim Gunn week just for a moment to talk about last night’s episode of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. She hosted the Gay Porn Awards, which was a dream come true for her and an eye-opener for me.

I didn’t even know there is a Gay Porn Award ceremony.

And who knew how classy a harness could look, especially on a man as stylish and eloquent as Mr. Monster Dick? In fact, who even knew that there was someone with the screen name Mr. Monster Dick? I wonder if he picked that out himself. It seems like a lot of pressure. I mean, with a name like that, everyone expects certain…attributes. What if you’re having an off-day? And what kind of monster? Loch Ness? Yeti? I think “monster” is a bit too general.

But I digress. That performer’s name was just the first giggle of the night for me. Let’s look at my favorite quote of the night:

“As far as I am concerned, everyone one of you in the gay porn industry is doing God’s work.”

What? God’s work? How so? Ok…I’m not bashing the gay community. I think that if you are a gay man or woman, that is fantastic. It’s great to know who you are. But porn is God’s work? For real. I mean….What? I’m still speechless.

There were some other funny moments of the night as well, especially when one of the winners called for peace in the middle east and when a female won for best non-sex performer. The second half of the show was then devoted to Kathy’s performances at prisons.

Now, I think that it is GREAT that the men and women in these prisons are working toward being better people. I also think that the panel working to improve prison conditions is a great group. That said, I do NOT think that comedians should be performing in prisons. I don’t think they should be allowed television and magazines. MAYBE books, especially those that are educational. Maybe. However, when you have a debt to pay for something you did, I’m a strong believer that you shouldn’t have the conveniences of everyday life, and you definitely shouldn’t have free special performances.

Ok, enough of my rants and gay porn and prisons..back to Tim Gunn week!

Kathy Griffin, female comedians, gay porn awards, gay porn, Tim Gunn, Bravo, My Life on the D-List, D-list, Kathy D-List

Due to the Independence Day holiday, My Life on The D-List did not air a new episode this week. I am sure Kathy Griffin would joke, in her self-depricating fashion, that it is hard enough to get people to pay attention to her during a normal week, let alone one with a major holiday.

Since there is no new episode to recap, I am going to post videos of my favorite moments from this season so far. The first is the touching tribute to Kathy’s father, who died during the filming of the season, which Allison previously wrote about here. The tribute had me in tears as well, as it is clear that John Griffin was a loving and wonderful father and husband.

This second video is far lighter and features a clip where Kathy visits Jackie Warner from Bravo’s Workout to get some tips on what kind of humor lesbians like, in preparation for Kathy’s gig on Rosie O’Donnell’s R Family cruise.

A new episode of My Life on the D-List will air next Tuesday, July 10th at 10/9 central. In that episode, Kathy will be hosting the gay porn awards, which I am sure will make for a hilarious evening.

This has been a guest post by Winnie McCarthy of Watching the View and Chicago, IL.

Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List, Bravo, John Griffin, Jackie Warner, Workout, Rosie O’Donnell

From Kathy’s Blog: “Here’s the thing. My Dad was just a very special man. And when people come up to me and give their condolences so generously, they often say, “I know it’s weird, because I feel like I knew your Dad even though I just saw him on TV.” And I say, “then you did know him,” because the wonderful thing about the Bravo show is that they really captured my Dad exactly the way he was — funny and smart and sarcastic and sweet and gentle and naughty and nice all in one. Read More”

Last night’s episode of D-List was really touching, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only viewer crying. I think Bravo handled his death much more gracefully than Doug’s, but in both cases, I’m glad that Bravo has created such a community with their reality shows that viewers really and truly care about the people playing the parts of themselves on these shows. From Reality on Bravo to the Griffin Family, all our love and best wishes…although I think you have to be more like G-List or M-List to read my blog!

Kathy Griffin, John Griffin, Griffin funeral, D-List, My Life on the D-List, Bravo, reality tv, reality television

Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List is off to a great start, and I’m really looking forward to this week’s episode. Most comedians grate on my nerves, so why do I love Kathy? Here are my top 5 reasons!

5. She is tasteful. For someone who spends her days ripping on other celebrities, she does actually know how to be dignified. Take the Anna Nicole Smith situation. Making fun of Ms. Smith was one of Kathy’s favorite things to do, but since her untimely death and the legal battles ensuing, Kathy has kept her lips sealed, respecting the family and fans.

4. She’s not interested in being someone she’s not. Kathy doesn’t apologize for herself–she’s just Kathy. And as we’ve seen on the show, Kathy is funny in her regular life, not just when she’s doing a stand-up act. Nothing turns me off faster than a comedian who is only funny when on stage.

3. She’s a real person, and we get to see that. With most comedians (celebrities in general actually), you don’t get to see the nitty-gritty of their lives. With Kathy’s show, we do…and she’s had some hard times–her divorce, her father’s death. Kathy is a real person, not just a funny person.

2. She’s a strong, black woman. Lol, ok, not black, like her special says…but I get her concept. She’s a women who is accountable for herself, responsible for a business venture, and strong enough to make it through the hard times and keep going. She doesn’t need a man to take care of her (although having Tom move in for security was not a bad idea!).

1. She’s actually funny. I’m pretty hard to impress when it comes to funny people, but Kathy actually makes me laugh out loud. I never get sick of hearing her stories, and the “funny” factor isn’t forced. I love Kathy!

Kathy Griffin, comedians, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, D-List, My Live on the D-List, Bravo