You remember the red carpet. It was the mid-2000s, Kathy Griffin was winning Emmys for My Life on the D-List, and she never showed up alone. Usually, she had a cocktail in one hand and a tall, witty man on each arm. Those men were Dennis Hensley and Tony Tripoli. If you watched Bravo back then, you didn't just know their names—you felt like they were your actual friends.
The dynamic was lightning in a bottle. Kathy, the self-proclaimed "D-List" queen, surrounded herself with a "squad" long before that was a marketing term. Dennis and Tony weren't just background actors or paid assistants; they were the comedic engine behind some of her best bits. Honestly, the show worked because it felt like a real-life Will & Grace episode, only with more swearing and better gossip.
Who Exactly are Dennis and Tony?
Let’s get the facts straight. Dennis Hensley and Tony Tripoli weren't just "guys Kathy hung out with." They were—and are—highly accomplished writers and performers in their own right.
Dennis Hensley was the more laid-back of the duo. A journalist and author, he brought a certain intellectual snark to the group. He’s written novels like Misadventures in the (213) and worked as a staff writer on shows like Fashion Police. He wasn't there to fetch coffee; he was there to punch up the jokes.
Tony Tripoli, on the other hand, was the firecracker. If Kathy said something outrageous, Tony was usually the one doubling down on it. He eventually became the head writer for Fashion Police with Joan Rivers. Think about that for a second. The legendary Joan Rivers trusted Tony to help her write her most biting one-liners. That's a massive level of respect in the comedy world.
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The "Main Gays" tag—a term Kathy used lovingly—defined an era of Bravo. It showcased a specific kind of friendship: the comedy-obsessed, pop-culture-fluent bond that feels like home to anyone who grew up feeling like an outsider.
The Chemistry That Made "My Life on the D-List" Work
Reality TV today is so scripted it hurts. Back in 2005, My Life on the D-List felt messy. It felt authentic. Dennis and Tony were a huge part of that. They weren't fighting for "screen time" in the way modern reality stars do. They were just... there.
- The Travel: Whether they were in Iraq or a local pride parade, they were the sounding boards for Kathy’s anxiety.
- The Writing: Fans often forget that Kathy's stand-up specials didn't just happen. While she is the genius on stage, having people like Dennis and Tony to bounce ideas off was crucial.
- The Support: When Kathy went through her divorce from Matt Moline during the show's run, Dennis and Tony weren't just "cast members." They were the support system.
People often ask why they aren't on her current tours. Life happens. Careers move. Tony went on to dominate the writing rooms at E!, and Dennis continued his own creative path with podcasts and hosting gigs like The MisMatch Game.
What Really Happened with the Trio?
Here is the thing about Hollywood: relationships are complicated. For years, rumors swirled about whether there was a "falling out." Kathy is known for being demanding—she admits it herself. She expects excellence from the people around her.
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In some interviews, Tony has hinted that the "D-List" era was a wild ride, but one that eventually had to end. It’s not necessarily a dramatic feud. It’s more like that friend you used to work with every day. You love them, you’d take a bullet for them, but you don't necessarily want to spend 14 hours a day in a van with them anymore.
Dennis and Tony have both spoken about the "Main Gays" label with a mix of pride and a "been there, done that" attitude. It gave them a platform, but they are both creative forces who wanted to be known for more than just being "Kathy's friends."
Why the Fans Still Care in 2026
It’s 2026, and we are still talking about them. Why? Because the trio of Kathy, Dennis, and Tony represented a specific kind of "chosen family."
Before every celebrity had a curated "glam squad" on Instagram, Kathy had these two guys who genuinely seemed to like her (and her mother, Maggie). They were the bridge between Kathy's frantic celebrity life and the audience's desire for a witty best friend.
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The Legacy of the "Main Gays"
- Visibility: They were unapologetically themselves on national television at a time when that was still relatively rare.
- Professionalism: They proved that "funny friends" are actually hard-working writers who keep the industry moving.
- The Joan Rivers Connection: Both men transitioned from Kathy’s world to Joan Rivers’ world, which is the ultimate "seal of approval" in the comedy industry.
Where Are They Now?
If you're looking for Dennis Hensley today, he’s still a staple of the LA creative scene. He hosts The MisMatch Game at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which is a cult-favorite parody of the old Match Game. It’s hilarious, and if you're ever in West Hollywood, it’s a must-see.
Tony Tripoli continues to be a force in comedy writing. He’s been involved in various production projects and remains one of the sharpest tongues in the business. He occasionally shares throwbacks to the Fashion Police days, reminding everyone that he was the brain behind the curtain for some of the most iconic roasts in TV history.
As for Kathy? She’s been through the ringer—cancer, the 2017 photo controversy, a second divorce—and she’s still standing. While Dennis and Tony aren't side-by-side with her on her latest specials, the DNA of their shared comedy remains.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Follow their current work: Don't just re-watch old Bravo clips. Check out Dennis Hensley’s podcast Lifepod or see his live shows.
- Support Comedy Writers: Remember that behind every great stand-up is often a "Dennis" or a "Tony" helping craft the narrative.
- Appreciate the "D-List" Era: If you have Peacock, go back and watch the early seasons. Notice how Dennis and Tony’s timing often sets up Kathy’s biggest laughs.
The era of Dennis and Tony Kathy Griffin collaborations might be in the rearview mirror, but it set the blueprint for how comedians interact with their inner circle on screen. They weren't just accessories; they were the heart of the show.
Next Steps to Explore This Topic:
- Search for "The MisMatch Game" schedule to see Dennis Hensley live in Los Angeles.
- Check out Tony Tripoli's social media for insights into his work with the Joan Rivers estate.
- Re-watch Season 2 of My Life on the D-List to see the trio at their peak comedic chemistry.