Kathy Griffin recently opened up about her journey back into dating after a difficult divorce, and her story is refreshingly honest about love, sex, and self-worth in her 60s.
The comedian hit a significant milestone in December: two years of no contact with her ex-husband.
She didn’t sugarcoat the pain.
Griffin kept the divorce secret during that first holiday season, making up excuses at friends’ gatherings before finally confiding in singer Sia, who helped her through those early, devastating days.
Friends Pushed Her Into Modern Dating
Griffin’s return to romance didn’t happen organically. It took a dare from Sia and screenwriter Nia Vardalos to get her on dating apps.
Nobody scares me! I’ll do anything. I’m Kathy Griffin.
Her friends set up profiles on Raya, Hinge, Bumble, and her personal favorite, EliteSingles. Griffin found the names hilarious given her emotional state—feeling “unhinged” and “bumbling” in matters of the heart.
Sia and Vardalos took control, filling out her Hinge profile themselves. They highlighted her extroverted nature, love of hosting parties, and interests in pop culture, news, politics, and history.
The “Man Storm” Arrived Quickly
The response was overwhelming. Griffin received over 100 replies almost immediately.
Her approach became methodical: first a FaceTime call to avoid catfishing, then coffee dates, followed by lunch for those who passed, and finally dinner for the most promising candidates.
She went on three dates total. While none sparked romantic feelings, the experience taught her valuable lessons—including her surprise that many men no longer pick up the tab.
I have financially taken care of so many men in my life, and I’m not picking up the fucking tab anymore.
Financial Independence Matters
Griffin opened up about being worth $50 million and owning a paid-off Malibu home. She shared these details not to boast, but to normalize women discussing financial success.
Her wealth came from decades of grinding. She booked one commercial at 18, then didn’t get another paid acting gig until age 34. Those 16 years were spent working for free in theater, competitions, and dramatic readings.
That financial discipline saved her during difficult times—her lung cancer diagnosis in 2021 and the fallout from her controversial 2017 photo, which cost her work for seven years.
Griffin noted that being the breadwinner remains challenging in relationships. Most men she’s dated seemed uncomfortable with this dynamic, revealing how sexism, misogyny, and ageism still pervade modern dating.
An Unexpected Connection With Someone Younger
Then Griffin fell for a 23-year-old.
She acknowledged the relationship couldn’t last but valued what it taught her. The young man lacked the typical biases men her age carry and made her feel seen, sexy, and respected.
It was nice to know that my heart could still feel like that in my 60s.
When he claimed he’d never want kids and could be with her forever, she knew it was time to end things. She refused to let him make life-altering decisions at such a young age.
The relationship showed her that good men exist and that meaningful connections remain possible despite age differences and personal baggage.
The “Cougar” Label Doesn’t Bother Her
Griffin hasn’t dated someone her age since her 30s. Her ex-husband was 18 years younger, and she’s primarily attracted younger men since then.
She embraces being called a cougar, defining it as having the freedom to choose partners based on connection rather than society’s age expectations. Every man who contacted her through dating apps was at least 20 years younger—and they approached her first.
Stand-Up Comedy Remains Her Best Relationship
Looking back, Griffin realized stand-up comedy has been her most reliable partner. It’s been there through cancellations, presidential attacks, and personal crises.
Stand-up comedy is always there for me. It knows exactly what I need and takes care of me while also keeping me disciplined and in line.
Her career has made her happier than any romantic relationship ever did.
Sex Drive Stayed Strong After 60
Unlike some women who lose interest in sex after 50, Griffin’s sex drive remained healthy and active. She keeps condoms and lube readily available and even bought what she calls a “party pack” of different sizes at CVS.
She’s adamant about safe sex practices, noting that UTIs are a real concern that many men don’t understand.
Communication Is Essential
Griffin emphasized the importance of explicit sexual communication before intimacy. She wants both parties to discuss preferences openly.
She’s encountered troubling trends, like men spitting in women’s mouths during kissing, which she firmly rejects. Griffin prefers romantic, movie-style kisses over dominance-driven acts.
Every man she’s had these conversations with has been relieved, and the discussions themselves can serve as foreplay.
Younger Partners Bring Better Experiences
Griffin found younger men to be more attentive and skilled lovers. When she asked one particularly talented partner how he got so good, his answer was simple but profound.
I pay attention.
That attentiveness, she says, is the golden ticket to satisfying intimacy.
Moving Forward With Clarity
Griffin remains ambivalent about serious dating. She considers herself a “partner person” but recognizes she can’t repeat past relationship patterns.
She’s learned valuable lessons about self-worth, financial independence, and the importance of choosing partners who truly see her. While she hopes her ex-husband is happy wherever he is, she’s clear about what she will and won’t accept moving forward.
At 64, Griffin is embracing her sexuality, maintaining her standards, and refusing to settle for relationships that don’t serve her. Her journey proves that love, desire, and meaningful connections don’t disappear with age—they simply evolve.