Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Edward Rubin Griffin (Eddie Griffen) |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Marriages | 4 |
| Children | 11 |
Early Life and Background
Edward Rubin Griffin was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 15, 1968, to telephone operator Doris Thomas and Eddie Griffin Sr.He left Jehovah’s Witnesses at 14 after growing up in the faith. After his brother Luther committed suicide in 1994, his adolescence was marred by instability and a move to Compton, California, to live with cousins at 16. His brief U.S. stay. Navy ended with an honorable discharge for marijuana use and six months in jail for assault. He began dancing and painting houses after his release, acquiring the toughness and stage presence that would define his career.
Family and Personal Relationships
| Marriage Number | Spouse | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carla | 1984 (age 16) | 1997 |
| 2 | Rochelle Lyn | 2002 | 2009 |
| 3 | Nia Rivers | Sep 8, 2011 | Oct 2011 (2012) |
| 4 | Ko Lee Griffin | July 27, 2017 | – |
Griffen has had four marriages over 30 years. He has eleven children, including Eddie Jr., Elexa, Tennyson, Elijah, and Meko-Lee, via his marriages and relationships. Wilbert Griffin and Luther Griffin, whose terrible demise affected Eddie’s mental health transparency, are his siblings. Despite many marriages and a huge, blended family, each relationship helped the comedian comprehend human dynamics and write observational comedy.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Eddie Griffen went from small-club musician to household celebrity through important milestones:
- Stand‑Up Debut and Rise (1989–1995)
- 1989: Impromptu stand‑up debut earned a standing ovation and led to regular bookings.
- Early 1990s: Developed a reputation for raw, unfiltered commentary on race, religion, and politics.
- Television Breakthrough (1996–2000)
Series Year(s) Role Recognition Malcolm & Eddie 1996–2000 Eddie Sherman NAACP Image Award nom. (1996); win (2000)
Griffen’s Eddie Sherman role earned him NAACP Image Award accolades and national exposure.
- Film Success and Iconic Roles (1999–2007)
Film Year Role Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo 1999 T.J. Hicks Undercover Brother 2002 Anton Jackson John Q. 2002 Lester Matthews Scary Movie 3 2003 Orpheus Norbit 2007 Pope Sweet Jesus
Combining physical comedy and social commentary in his films led to box-office success and established his versatility as an actor.
- Stand‑Up Specials and Ongoing Tours
- Voodoo Child (HBO, 1997)
- Freedom of Speech (Comedy Central, 2008)
- You Can Tell ’Em I Said It (Comedy Central, 2011)
- Undeniable (Showtime, 2018)
- E‑Niggma (2019)
- The Eddie Griffin Experience (2022)
These specials demonstrate his boldness in tackling sensitive issues and prove his durability in stand-up.
- Industry Recognition
- Ranked No. 62 on Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Stand‑Ups of All Time.”
- Multiple sold‑out residencies at the Saxe Theatre in Las Vegas.
Public Image & Social Media
Eddie Griffen maintains a robust digital presence that amplifies his comedic brand:
| Platform | Handle | Followers/Likes |
|---|---|---|
| @eddiegriffin | 2 million | |
| Eddie Griffin Official | 2.9 million likes | |
| X/Twitter | @EddieGriffinCom | 238.7 K followers |
| YouTube | EddieGriffinTV | – |
His social media accounts showcase behind-the-scenes content, personal comments, and promotions for his Las Vegas residency and live tours. He remains relevant across demographics by addressing world issues with gravitas and sarcasm.
Recent Activity & News
- On July 21, 2025, I posted “My heart is heavy today…” on Instagram, receiving 95K likes and numerous sympathies.
- In July 2025, guested on The Breakfast Club (via TikTok) to analyze the Diddy trial with humor.
- In late 2025, he announced live pay-per-view performances and extended his residency at Planet Hollywood’s Saxe Theatre, solidifying his status as a top live artist.
FAQ
Who is Eddie Griffen?
Eddie Griffen, a comedian and actor, is identified for his brutal stand-up and performances in Malcolm & Eddie, Undercover Brother, and Norbit.
How did he begin his comedy career?
He began his stand-up career in 1989 following a standing ovation for an impromptu performance.
How many times has he been married?
He has been married four times, with unions spanning from 1984 to the present.
How many children does he have?
Eddie Griffen is father to eleven children from various relationships and marriages.
What are his most notable film roles?
His memorable roles include Anton Jackson in Undercover Brother (2002) and Pope Sweet Jesus in Norbit (2007).
What major awards has he won?
He won the NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 2000 for Malcolm & Eddie.
What is his social‑media presence like?
Millions of fans follow his Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts.
What recent events has he been involved in?
In July 2025, he shared a touching Instagram message, appeared on The Breakfast Club via TikTok, and announced a late-year tour and Vegas residency.
