Comedian Kathy Griffin Announces She Has Lung Cancer: ‘I’ve Never Smoked’

Aug 03, 2021

Comedian and actress Kathy Griffin has had a long career in Hollywood — from her boundary-pushing stand-up to roles in the sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and her Emmy-winning reality show "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," the performer has made a living off of making other people smile and laugh. So it's extra heartbreaking to learn that Griffin, 60, has just revealed that she has lung cancer.

Posting to her Twitter, the star updated her fans on her diagnosis and revealed that she was about to undergo surgery to remove half of her left lung. Thankfully the cancer is in its first stage and Griffin explained that hopefully, she might not even have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation once the surgery is done. 

What's more, she admitted that she's never been a smoker, so her lung cancer diagnosis feels even more unexpected. Nevertheless, it's a wake-up call that one can never be too sure and that health checks are incredibly important. She used the moment to remind her fans to get regular health checks while she explained that she's fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, she did mention that things could have been much worse if she weren't. Griffin noted that if all goes well with her surgery she could be back running around in one month or less. 

Known for her edgy sense of humor and willingness to touch on controversial topics, Griffin has brought laughs and happiness to many out there, and while revealing her diagnosis she made mention of the fact that she hopes to be back in action to continue entertaining the public as soon as possible.   

Announcing her diagnosis via Twitter, Kathy Griffin posted a picture of a long note yesterday. It begins:

"I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have half of my left lung removed. Yes, I have lung cancer even though I’ve never smoked!"

The directness of her revelation is in line with how Griffin has been upfront throughout her career but nevertheless, it's difficult to hear. However, she follows this by explaining that the cancer is still in its early stages and doctors are hopeful she'll make a full recovery. She goes on:

"The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and contained to my left lung. Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing. I should be up and running around as usual in a month or less. It’s been a helluva 4 years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I’m gonna be just fine."

She ends her message with a health PSA for her fans, stating:

"Of course I am fully vaccinated for Covid. The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious. Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It'll save your life. XXOO, KG"

A few days before she revealed the news to the public, the actor and comedian posted a photo of her on set while filming a new project with the caption, "Back at work on a TV set, where I belong DAMMIT."  

Speaking with "Nightline," Griffin revealed that while she's come to terms with her diagnosis, it's still a surprise that this is her reality. She stated:

"I was definitely in shock. I'm still a little bit in shock. Not denial ..."

In the interview, she also opens up about struggles she's endured in the last few years, ever since her career hit a wall after a controversial joke she made in 2017. Since then she's battled addiction, mental health struggles and even a suicide attempt. 

But despite the hardships she faced in the last few years, Griffin is a comedian at heart and has still managed to see the humor in everything. She said in the "Nightline" interview, "Whether I like it or not, I think I’m a resilient survivor." She even makes light of everything she's faced by stating that at one point in the future it will all become part of her comedy routine:

"... by the way, someday, this will all be comedy. Trust me …"

But one beacon of light among all of the darkness is her romantic life. Last year, Griffin married her longtime boyfriend Randy Bick in an intimate ceremony that was officiated by another actress/comedian, Lily Tomlin. When announcing her nuptials, Griffin tweeted a short video of the start of the ceremony, writing:

"The entire ceremony was just under 14 minutes but I have to give you guys the uncut first 75 seconds. LOVE IT! We promised you atypical. We are in love and we cannot stop laughing."

We wish Griffin the best in her road to recovery. 

Are you a fan of Kathy Griffin? Send her your best wishes, then be sure to pass this on so others can stay up to date.