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Kathy Does The Garden

Executive Producer Danny Salles marvels at Kathy's process before performing at MSG.

Jul 20, 2010

While shooting this episode, I had the chance to watch Kathy prepare for and perform a big stand-up show at Madison Square Garden. All I can tell you is that Kathy’s process is unbelievable. I don’t mean unbelievable as in great, I mean unbelievable as in I can’t believe that someone, anyone can do what she does. It’s remarkable.

Imagine for a moment that you were going to perform for 4,000 people with nothing but a microphone and a bottle of water to back you up. No orchestra, no musical numbers, no lead-in act, no sketches. Just you. Terrifying, right? I know that Kathy has been at this for a while, but I still thought that the day of a big concert was going to filled with anxiety. I envisioned her furiously writing out her set, practicing her stories in the mirror or using Tom and Tiffany as a practice audience. Nope. Here’s what I saw…

On the day of the concert, we followed Kathy around with cameras for a day of hijinks on the D-List. Two hours before concert time, she asked for a bit of downtime to go back to the hotel to change. Then, at 7 p.m., she was driven to the theater where she met with her booking agent in her dressing room to review her upcoming tour as she was having her make-up touched up. At some point, she scanned a list of story bits — which I swear was shorter than a grocery list — as the audience started to fill the house.

Then Kathy walked upstairs to the wings of the stage – our cameras trailing her – but giving her breathing room. I was still expecting a “holy s---” moment out of her when she would realize that she was about to play the Garden – but it never came. Instead, she started joking around with tour manager Tom and just glanced at her list, as a video of classic Kathy moments played for the sold out crowd on a movie screen. Then a Lady Gaga tune blasted the crowd and she started dancing around backstage like Muhammad Ali in a fight. She was playfully joking around as a voice announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen, here she is, the hilarious Kathy Griffin!”

Next:
Mrs. Kathy Goes to Washington
Mrs. Kathy Goes to Washington Even for Kathy Griffin, sometimes a good cause trumps all. By Danny Salles, Executive Producer | July 20, 2010 Kathy Griffin My Life on the D List Season 6 / Episode 5 / Producers
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love, love, love kathy griffin. makes me laugh and laugh. have seen her live shows and they are the best entertainment. makes you forget all your cares and woes.

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard you refer to Trickatilamania on your show. My son has suffered with this since 2nd grade. He is a Sophomore in high school now. I feel so bad when he has an episode and before you know it there is a bald spot on his head and we have to shave it all off. Does your assistant have any tricks he uses to help him through this? If you want to bring attention to something bring attention to Trickaltilamania,. I sure wish more people knew about it and would understand my son and not think he is a freak because he pulls his hair out. Sometimes it is his eyelashes and eyebrows..mostly his hair on his head.,sometimes he will pull the hair on his legs to keep his hands out of his head. Again...so surprised to hear you mention it on your show.

Hi Kathy,

I laughed to hard at last nights episode that I thought I was going to wake up the boss. I get u so much, you crazy bitch. You have a huge fan in East Troy, Wisconsin.

Love you love your show!

HELLLLLOOOOOOO Love you so much!! I am reading your Mom's book right now and I can just hear her voice as I read, I really am enjoying it. Love your show too. Keep up the great work! Much admiration from Toledo Ohio!

OMG!!! the Tom waxing show, I thought I was going to die!! I have not laughed that hard in forever, I had tears rolling down my face. Keep up the great work, you all crack me up. Love your show! I've never seen you live - but will next time you come to town --SO FUNNY--

I'll unabashedly gush over Kathy, too!! I think she's brilliant, on the same scale as some of the old greats of Hollywood's golden era, in the company of the likes of Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Foster Brooks, Don Rickles, Charlie Chaplin, Carol Burnett, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Fanny Brice, Carol Channing...

And, while throngs of people think she's hilarious, I don't think most people realize how calculated and honed her schtick really is. Her wit is lightning-quick, her mind never stops, and qualities such as these enable her to continue to expand the persona we see when she's in front of a camera, an audience, or in the presence of "Hollywood bullsh**".

It's a persona. She does it because it's her job, and she's the best at it. She's not awful nor insensitive. She's not any of those other negative things some dullards think of her. In fact, she's quite sensitive, sometimes fragile, and in my mind, she deserves the best.

I laughed so hard @ Tuesday's episode I cried!! Tom getting a wax job was HYSTERICAL! Keep the show more about your inner circle and less about your A-list friends...much more entertaining!

I have to admit I haven't really been watching your show, i am not crazy abut the format. However, I have been watching you on the talk show circuit and loving you! I was taken aback to learn you had to pay for your own advertising on your emmy nomination. I have to say with all the hit reality shows Bravo is airing they don't have any money to help you out!! Shame on you Bravo!!

Luv you immensely Kathy. I love the way you can inject humor into simple, horrible, everyday things. I have been a fan for many years and will continue for many more (I hope). Get more interaction between you and Cher. That seems to be some of the funnier stuff except when you're just being YOU! I've all but given up on the "Housewives", so I guess Kathy, Rachel, Jeff, Tabitha, and Tom & Padma will have to be my viewing schedule. I hate it when you go on hiatus, but still love to watch the re-airings. YOU GO GIRL!!! Hugs to Team Griffin which keep you going, and to all your gays that assist you in so many ways.

Kathy LOVE LOVE LOVE you (: i'm Team Griffin tooo . lol (: your like 1 of my favorite person ever , i wanna meet yu one day in person, & get your autograph (: i love your show to you ROCK . i love you ieshaa

Well Kathy this who U R take or leave it U can do what ever U want the longest U not hurtineng any one one i fell sorry about u for levi but he is not for u he is is to laid back u need sambady strong and .........................u fell the blnackes, love u bertha

kathy, I just heard that Chance died. I am so, so sorry for you. It is THE WORST feeling ever. The hole is so big and hard to fill. Our cat Sophia died of the same thing in January. My husband never loved anything before (I don't even think my death would affect him that much). I almost had to take him to Hoag Hospital (in orange county) one Sunday until he got up off the couch, went for a walk and found a cat tied to a tree. He brought him home and we are convinced God sent the cat to fill the hole in his heart. To see you cry, made me cry. Chance will send you another dog, but in the meantime, know that Chance is in Rainbow Bridge waiting for you.

I want to express my sympathy for your incredible loss. I can relate with losing an animal that was the love of your life as I lost My molly after 13 years. I wish you peace in your happy memories of Chance and the incredible life you shared.All my best Keith

Hi Kathy,

I'm a big fan of your show, and your work, but my reason for the comment is that I just watched tonight's episode that talks about the passing of your dog, Chance. This hits very close to home, because a few days ago I lost my beloved dog, Misha, who I had for 15 years. She was like my child, and both my husband and I are grieving our loss. We shared such a special bond, that I know will never be replaced. I just wanted to say that I know what you're going through, hang in there, and thanks for the laughs.

Dear Kathy---- May i say that my son and I watch you religiously. We find you to be a comedic genius--- a wit that is both quick and intelligent and interwoven flawlessly with a story line. I adore the way you banter with your mother as it reminds me of the manner in which my son and I convey our love to one another-- with laughter and sarcasm. My best to Tom and Tiffany as well. Team Griffin all the way. My son has Optic Nerve Atrophy which makes it very difficult to read. We will be ordering your new book on audio disc if available.

I wish to send you our most sincere sympathy for your loss of Chance. Our hearts go out to you. We are happy, however, and so thrilled that you are giving Larry a home and an opportunity to become a part of your heart.

Thank you for making us laugh, making us cry, and for being such a giving entertainer. You are "A LIST" in our book!!!!!!!

P.S.----- You were brilliant in Law and Order SVU. Here's hoping for an Emmy

I've grown to love your work and understand your amazing humor but when I watched the show where you spoke of the loss of your dog Chance, well I grew to love you. To love you for your love of animals. I am so sorry that Chance had to leave, its something one never gets over, losing a loved one. It help to remember that your companion had a good life, being with you and knowing you loved him and gave to him all that you could, and would have given him more, if only he had more time with you. I wish all people knew what we know, then no animal, no dog no cat, no horse, No Animal would ever be without a loving home. They always give more than we could ever give back.

I think you should leave Tom alone and let him do his job. You are ruining his life.