Griff was born on the 6th November, 1953, in Cardiff. A bit of a clever lad, he got into Cambridge University and that's where his interest in performing really began and flourished. He belonged to the famous thespian Cambridge Footlights Club, even becoming Vice-President. He has gone on to achieve huge success with his own unique style and brand of comedy.

He's one of Britain's best loved comedians, and made his name in first-class, ground-breaking shows such as Smith and Jones and Not the Nine O'clock News. Also a 'serious' actor, he's kept up his love for treading the boards and has appeared in countless stage productions including The Alchemist and Charlie's Aunt at The Lyric, Hammersmith; The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Queens Theatre; Trumpets and Raspberries at The Phoenix Theatre, to mention but a few.

Also a shrewd businessman he set up his own production company, Talkback, in 1981 with Mel Smith. Talkback is now one of the UK's leading independent production companies and has made many award-winning shows, including The Day Today and They Think It's all Over.

Griff works as an actor, director, writer and producer. Despite the fame, the power, the money and glory he remains a thoroughly decent bloke and every year he raises huge sums of money for comic relief, as well as working for other charities.