Gene Simmons - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Birth name: Gene Klein Gene Klein was born on August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel. He later changed his name to Gene Simmons after moving to the United States.
- 2. Early life and childhood Simmons was born in Israel to Hungarian Jewish parents. He moved to the United States with his mother when he was eight years old, settling in New York City.
- 3. Education Simmons attended Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, New York, where he earned an Associate Degree in Education. He later transferred to Richmond College in Staten Island, New York, where he graduated with a degree in English Literature.
- 4. Music career Simmons is best known as the co-founder, bassist, and co-lead singer of the rock band KISS. The band was formed in 1973 and became known for their elaborate live performances and iconic makeup. Simmons is also a prolific songwriter, having written many of KISS's most popular songs.
- 5. Business ventures In addition to his music career, Simmons has been involved in various business ventures. He has his own record label, Simmons Records, and has also launched a clothing line, a line of comic books, and a chain of restaurants called Rock & Brews.
- 6. Acting career Simmons has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films and television shows over the years. Some of his notable acting credits include roles in movies such as "Runaway" and "Extract," as well as guest appearances on TV shows like "Castle" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
- 7. Personal life Simmons has been in a long-term relationship with actress Shannon Tweed since 1983. The couple has two children together, Nick and Sophie, who have also pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
- 8. Controversies Simmons has been known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions. He has been criticized for his comments on various topics, including his views on women, marriage, and drug addiction. He has also faced backlash for his views on immigration and political issues.
- 9. Philanthropy Despite his controversial reputation, Simmons has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He has supported numerous charities over the years, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
- 10. Legacy Gene Simmons is considered a rock icon and has left a lasting impact on the music industry. His larger-than-life persona, iconic makeup, and memorable songs have solidified his place in rock history. He continues to tour and perform with KISS, keeping the band's legacy alive for new generations of fans.