COMEDY

Kathy Griffin tells all!

'D List' star talks about fellow reality stars, Austin taco joint.

By Brian T. Atkinson
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Thursday, July 02, 2009

Kathy Griffin relentlessly skewers celebrity, but an activist's heart beats underneath the razor barbs. The 48-year-old reality television star, twice an Emmy winner for 'My Life on the D List,' fights most passionately for gay rights. 'We do a whole episode this season where we go to Prop 8 rallies and talk to Melissa Etheridge and her wife,' Griffin says. 'Rev. Al Sharpton explains why he believes it's unconstitutional to maintain that gay marriage is illegal.' Griffin, whose 'My Life on the D List' airs Mondays on cable's Bravo channel, performs July 9 at the Long Center.

Kathy Griffin: Is it exciting to be talking to me?

American-Statesman: Very. So, you were on Larry King recently starting rumors about you and Kate Gosselin.

Yeah, I'm trying to start a rumor that I'm having an affair with Kate. This is in no way a scheme for publicity or to sell tickets to my Austin show, nor to get people to watch 'My Life on the D List' on Mondays at 9 p.m. on Bravo. It's that I have a connection with her in a lesbian way. If you could make that the headline, I'd really appreciate it.

Explain this connection with Kate.

Well, I was going to start a rumor that I'm sleeping with Jon Gosselin, but even I'm not willing to go there with his free Ed Hardy hoodie and his tiger pants. Clearly, Jon and Kate have gotten everything free, including their house, I think. They kicked my (butt) in the getting-free-(stuff) department.

Do you think theirs is a reality show that's gone too far?

I think it's gone too far, and that's what I love about it. Why is this a Jon and Kate interview? Let's talk Austin. What's the name of that taqueria I have to go to?

Maria's?

Yes! The other night — I'm going to name drop — I went to Rachael Ray's apartment. It was very A-List. When she's in Austin, Rachael goes to Maria's, too. I love that place. When I tour, which is constantly, I do it for two reasons: To make people laugh at inappropriate jokes and to find good places to eat. And, no joke, Austin is notorious for having fantastic audiences. Where is W living now?

Dallas.

Oh, good. I wouldn't want to think of him polluting Austin.

How's 'D List' going?

We're in season five of the double Emmy award-winning show, which premiered with its highest ratings. We have so many guest stars it's ridiculous. Only on 'The D List' will you see guests from Bette Midler to Paris Hilton to author Salman Rushdie to rapper T.I. to Gloria Estefan to comedian Katt Williams to author Jackie Collins.

Salman Rushdie?

Well, I'm writing a book. I'm becoming a serious author. My memoir is called 'Official Book Club Selection,' because I'm trying to convince you that it's in the Oprah book club.

You and Oprah both support gay rights. How's President Obama doing?

Well, we're not thrilled with how he's dealing with the issue right now, but my guess is that polling is telling him that the American people by and large are more concerned about the economy. He probably doesn't want to take on a hot social issue like this, but I think the memorandum he signed is a baby step. Legalizing gay marriage is inevitable.

Kathy Griffin performs at 8 p.m. July 9 at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. Advance tickets are $59-$89. 457-5110, thelongcenter.org.