Comedian has come a long way from small D.C. clubs

It's hard to believe fiery comedian Kathy Griffin's first Washington, D.C., gig was just three years ago. The outspoken funny woman played a string of shows at the 300-seat D.C. Improv during the first week her reality program, "My Life on the D-list," aired on Bravo.

Four seasons of "D-list" and two Emmy awards later, Griffin's whirlwind suc-cess has taken her from the Improv, to Warner Theatre, to the Kennedy

Center, and now three shows at DAR Constitution Hall. Griffin, 47, kicks off her D.C. return Sept. 25 at the historical 3,000-seat arena.

"D.C. is the dream audience because you have a combo of smart people, gay people, people who like to see live performances -- you don't get that in Los Angeles," said the Chicago native, jokingly adding, "OK, you get the gay people."

Griffin attributes much of her increased fan base to the success of "D-List."

"I truly had no idea that the show would be received so well," she said. What started out as a quirky series about life on the outside of Hollywood's elite, "D-List" has managed to strike a balance between lighthearted fun and real life drama. The series docu-ments Griffin's ups and downs, from hosting a gay porn awards ceremony in San Fran-cisco to performing for U.S. troops in Iraq.

Her divorce, subsequent dating life with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and death of her father have also been featured on past episodes.

"Never in a million years" did Griffin expect such high praise for the show. On Saturday she won the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program for the second year in a row.

Griffin made headlines last year with a controversial acceptance speech where she told Jesus to "suck it." This time at the podium she took a slightly less biting approach.

"Well, well, well! Here we go again, f***ers… I'm not going to tell anyone to suck it. I would make love to this thing if I could," she said.

Though thrilled with her Emmys, Griffin has her eye on another golden statue. In June Griffin released her first comedy CD, "For Your Consideration," in what she calls a "shameless attempt at getting a Grammy."

"I just thought it would be funny to try to be nominated," Griffin said. Her journey from recording the comedy special in Tracy, Calif., meeting with Sony record execs, and shooting the CD cover were all part of a recent "D-list" episode.

The disc contains stories about her love/hate relationship with Oprah, her mother's mad dash at stealing restaurant condiments, and an uncomfortable run in with Steven Spielberg backstage at a Jerry Seinfeld show.

In a section titled "My First Rebanning," Griffin dishes on how she was once again banned from ABC's "The View" after spilling the beans on a conversation she and Barbara Walters had about personal lubricants. Last year Griffin was in the running to re-place Star Jones on the daytime talk show. Comedian Sherri Shepherd ultimately landed the gig, a decision Griffin feels was best.

"It would not be an appropriate job," she said. "I just couldn't take a job where I would be in trouble every day… that's the beauty of live touring.

Griffin is no stranger to life on the road. Her itinerary is booked through February '09 and includes shows at some of the nation's most renowned venues, including New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Griffin said she is grateful to have such a strong following considering comedy is a male dominated industry.

"The level of profound sexism in stand up is so extreme and so high," she said. "Not only is it not 50/50 in the comedy world… it's like 90/10."

Griffin said she is inspired by fellow female comics, including Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller and Janeane Garofalo, who attended her first ever stand up gig.

"I wanted to be Rhoda (from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show') when I was growing up," said Griffin.

Her dream of being a sidekick came true in 1996 when she landed the role of Vicki on NBC's "Suddenly Susan." The show aired 93 episodes and ended in 2000 after four seasons.

Though an experienced actress, Griffin recalled a conversation where former "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow encouraged her to stick with stand up. The two had worked together in Los Angeles' famous improvisational troupe, The Groundlings, and even auditioned for "Saturday Night Live" together -- a gig they lost to Julia Sweeney.

Kudrow told Griffin she "shouldn't be trying to be a chameleon," and she was funniest as herself. With Griffin's ever growing audience packing seats night after night, it seems that most agree.

WANT TO GO?

What's up: Comedian Kathy Griffin performs

When: Sept. 25, 26 & 28 at 8 p.m.

Where: DAR Constitution Hall- 1776 D Street, NW Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $48.50- $55.50 on ticketmaster.com

Info: Kathygriffin.net