Gene Simmons was born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel, in 1949, but was raised in Queens, New York. He co-founded Kiss in the early '70s and has since become the group's most visible and most outspoken member. Along with Paul Stanley, bassist and singer Simmons has steered Kiss through several member changes over the years, and he's always quick to share his opinion on his ex-bandmates (among other things). In addition to music, Simmons has spread his entertainment empire to include movies (like 'Runaway' and 'Trick or Treat') and television ('Gene Simmons Family Jewels').