Are Kathy Griffin And Bette Still Friends?

Kathy Griffin inches toward A list with show
Bruce Fessier
Desert Post Weekly

Getting ripped by Kathy Griffin has almost become as prestigious as being insulted by Don Rickles.

The “Life on the D-List” star is now a ubiquitous pop culture presence with her many speaking gaffes, her regular Bravo comedy specials, a Grammy-nominated comedy CD and her best-selling book, “Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin.”

She made her first dramatic acting appearance this week in an episode of NBC’s “Law and Order SVU,” and generated paparazzi buzz while appearing in public in a shower cap.

Griffin’s also in demand at the McCallum Theatre, where she returns Tuesday and Wednesday following last year’s engagement that saw her arrive 30 minutes late after missing the I-10 Palm Desert turn-off and driving to Indio.

An interview to promote her McCallum show found her bashing celebrities and her interviewer.

DESERT POST WEEKlY: Where are you calling from?

GRIFFIN: I’m calling from one of my favorite gigs. Do you know “The Insider?”

Ah, I’ve heard of it. I haven’t watched it.

Bruce, what’s your normal department at the paper? Sports? It comes on after “Entertainment Tonight.”

Oh! Right. That “Insider.”

It’s a panel show. They have these guests. I’ve actually been here when Jon Gosselin and Michael Lohan (have) run into each other in the hall. That is my A-list. I will certainly have stories (like that) at the McCallum, as well as who knows what celebrity run-ins I will have gotten into, and general commentary on Tiger Woods. I might have to break the news to Palm Desert that I am pregnant with Tiger’s baby.

You’re number 16?

Yes! Thank you. I am mistress number 16. I also thought I was pregnant by John Edwards, but it was just a scare. Anything I can do to stir up any kind of a headline. I might just come out in my popular shower cap.

I was just getting ready to Google that when you called a few minutes early.

Oh, one of my greatest moves. I was doing press in New York because I’m always trying to sell some snake oil or do some dog-and-pony show for my book or getting people to watch “My Life On the D List.” I was actually promoting my very special episode of “Law and Order – SUV,” as my mother calls it – and while I was doing talk shows for my serious acting role, maybe I accidentally saw the paparazzi outside of my hotel and maybe I accidentally thought it would be an interesting picture if I walked out in a shower cap. That is one of the many reasons I’m a genius because I’m sure that picture has run in three of the weekly magazines or books, as I call them. I’m a member of the literati now that I have a book out.

You seem attracted to people you almost idolize.

Oh, absolutely. In my act, I make fun of everybody and at the same time I’m really fans of most of these people. I love to make fun of somebody like Celine Dion, but I have every record. I’m a huge fan. And I’m using the term “record” considering the demographic of your newspaper.

I think I remember that term. But, going back to pushing the envelope with your friendships, that backfires sometimes, doesn’t it?

I’ve had many celebrities get angry with me and – I’m really going to drop a good name here – I had a good conversation with Quentin Tarantino one time. He knows all the A listers. I said, “What do I do? Because, the more I do this, the more I run into these celebrities.” He said, “Look, your act is your act. That’s it. Your act is allowed to be whatever you think is funny.” So, I want to tell you, I have it from an Oscar-nominated director that my act is my act and everybody can suck it.

Are there any celebrities you’re sorry you offended?

No, and that’s much to the chagrin of my mother. My mother would like my act to basically be a two-hour apology. She’d like me to start with Ryan Seacrest and end with Oprah. But that’s not going to happen and I sure as hell am not starting at the McCallum, which has been so very, very good to me.

What happened with your relationship with Bette Midler? She seemed a little testy on your show.

It’s funny. There are a lot of comedians when they’re not on, they’re actually kind of conservative. Bette was telling me her philosophy is, as she got on in life, she thought I should take on a certain level of class, which I’m just not prepared to do. Once you’ve got the Oscar nomination, it’s a very different landscape than my little world.

Did that hurt your relationship with her?

Not at all. In fact, it was truly an honor and a thrill. When the “Divas” episode aired, she called me and said, “That’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and my friends think I’m cool because I was on this sort of edgy show.” She sent me beautiful flowers and, once again, I have this mantastic note from a celebrity. I (collect) that stuff. I have a gift basket from Cher that my friends are making fun of me because I just won’t open. Now I have this great photo of Liza and I have a great picture with Bette. I just love that stuff.

I just did an interview with Lily Tomlin, who said she thinks of you as her naughty little sister.

That’s what’s so funny. I have these secret celebrity friends you wouldn’t think I’d be friends with. I’m clearly the friend they’re embarrassed to know. I know I shock them and whatever, but we all have our naughty friends. Mine is Maggie Griffin, she’s my 89-year-old mother.

The last time you were talking about Liza Minnelli (at the McCallum) you were talking about going to bed with her, weren’t you?

Yes. I’m involved in a scandalous sexual relationship with Liza Minnelli, as well as Levi Johnston. You might want to Google Kathy Griffin and Levi Johnston. You’re going to get quite a little photo on your hand.

So, do you think you’ll be able to find the McCallum Theatre this year?

I got so lost that night! I’ve never been that late for a show in my life. I was (bleeping) bricks.

But it made for some funny material.

It was funny. When I finally described to the audience the route and how lost I was, in no other market would I get a huge laugh by saying, “10 minutes ago, I was in Indio.”

Additional Facts
Kathy’s back
What: Kathy Griffin in concert

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday

Where: The McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert

Tickets: $55-$95

Information: (760) 340-2787