Gene Simmons, born Chaim Witz, is an Israeli-American musician, singer, and songwriter, most famously known as the co-founder, bassist, and co-lead singer of the rock band Kiss. Recognizable by his stage persona "The Demon," he became a rock icon in the 1970s with his demonic makeup, long tongue, and on-stage fire-breathing antics. Beyond his music career, Simmons is a shrewd entrepreneur, having launched numerous ventures including a record label, a film production company, and extensive merchandising for the Kiss brand. He has also authored several books and appeared in various films and reality television shows, solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainment personality.