Kathy Griffin, the Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian known for her sharp wit and unfiltered commentary, has navigated a romantic life as public and eventful as her career. Her relationships, often candidly discussed in her stand-up and reality shows, have ranged from brief encounters with fellow celebrities to two significant marriages, each marked by unique challenges and public scrutiny. Griffin's romantic journey reflects a persistent search for connection amidst the demanding landscape of Hollywood fame.
In the early 1990s, before her widespread fame, Griffin had several notable, albeit brief, romantic entanglements. She dated actor Jack Black in 1992, a short-lived romance she later recounted in her 2009 memoir, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin. Griffin humorously noted that they went out "two or three times," joking, "I'm not ashamed, but I'm not proud" of their brief connection.
Around the same period in 1992, Griffin was also linked to comedian Fred Stoller. Their encounter, as she has described, was unconventional, with Griffin reportedly asking to hit him in the face for comedic effect. Later in 1995, Griffin briefly dated acclaimed film director Quentin Tarantino, adding another high-profile name to her early romantic history. Another reported relationship from 1999 was with singer Leif Garrett, further showcasing her diverse dating experiences during her rise in the entertainment industry.
Griffin's first marriage was to software entrepreneur Matthew Moline. The couple met around 1999 through Moline's sister, film producer Rebecca Moline, and dated for approximately two years before tying the knot. They exchanged vows on February 18, 2001, in a ceremony held on the rooftop of the 360 Degree Restaurant in Hollywood.
Their relationship, including Moline's appearances, was often featured on Griffin's reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. However, the marriage faced significant challenges, culminating in Griffin filing for divorce in September 2005. The divorce was finalized in May 2006, bringing an end to their five-year union.
The separation was particularly acrimonious, with Griffin publicly accusing Moline of stealing $72,000 from her over an 18-month period by using her ATM cards while she slept. In a 2006 interview on Larry King Live, Griffin detailed the alleged theft, stating, "My ex-husband, without my knowledge, was sneaking into my wallet when I was asleep in the mornings and taking my ATM cards." Moline, in a statement read on the show, responded, > "Since our divorce, I have not made any public comments about my ex-wife or our marriage. It saddens me that she would choose to make such accusations at this time. I have no intention of engaging in a public debate over private matters."
Following her divorce from Moline, Griffin's dating life continued to capture public interest. From 2007 to 2008, she dated Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a relationship that garnered considerable media attention due to Wozniak's iconic status. She also went on a memorable date with musician Andrew W.K. as part of an episode for Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
This date, which took place at one of Andrew W.K.'s gigs, was famously described by Griffin as a "disaster" due to the lack of paparazzi present, highlighting her self-aware humor about her "D-list" celebrity status. In 2011, rumors circulated about a romance with actor Isaiah Mustafa, known as the "Old Spice Guy," though Mustafa remained coy about the nature of their relationship, only stating that he found Griffin "amazing."
Griffin's most recent significant relationship and second marriage was to marketing executive Randy Bick. The couple first met at a food and wine festival in 2011 and embarked on a relationship despite an 18-year age difference, with Bick being younger than Griffin. They dated for seven years before briefly splitting in November 2018.
However, their separation was short-lived, as they reconciled in April 2019. The couple then surprised fans by getting married on New Year's Day 2020, in an intimate ceremony officiated by actress Lily Tomlin at Griffin's home in California. Griffin wore a dress she had previously worn on their first formal date in 2011, a sentimental nod to their enduring connection.
During their nearly four-year marriage, Bick was a supportive presence, notably standing by Griffin during her lung cancer diagnosis in 2021. The couple frequently shared their life together on social media, presenting a united front. However, on December 28, 2023, Griffin filed for divorce from Bick, citing "irreconcilable differences."
Griffin's decision to end her second marriage came just days before their fourth wedding anniversary. In the divorce filings, she requested that the court's ability to award spousal support be terminated and that their premarital agreement, dated December 23, 2019, be enforced. The divorce was finalized, with Griffin agreeing to pay Bick $75,000 and facilitate the return of his belongings.
Kathy Griffin's romantic history, from her early public dates to her two marriages, showcases a journey marked by both public affection and private challenges. Her candid approach to discussing her relationships, even the difficult ones, has remained a hallmark of her public persona. As of early 2024, Griffin is single, openly joking about her dating prospects while continuing to navigate life in the public eye with her characteristic humor and resilience.