Gene Simmons Reality Show

From LoveToKnow Reality-TV

Gene Simmons' reality show, aptly named Gene Simmons Family Jewels, documents the adventures of the KISS rocker as he makes his mark on swanky Beverly Hills.

Gene Simmons and family rock Beverly Hills.

About Gene Simmons Family Jewels

No one could have predicted what a huge hit Gene Simmons Family Jewels would be for A&E. The reality show debuted on the cable network in March 2007, and as of June 2009, it remains the second highest rated show on A&E, only behind Dog the Bounty Hunter.

The series follows Simmons -- the legendary, face-painted, blood spitting, tongue wagging hellion of the rock band KISS -- and his family, including his life partner, actress/model Shannon Tweed, and their kids, Nick and Sophie. Gene Simmons' reality show has been compared to The Osbournes in that it follows an aging rock star and his family as they navigate their way through life. However, Simmons is no Ozzy Osbourne. Rather, he is a surprisingly charming gentleman, a loving dad and an extremely savvy businessman.

The series is designed to show how the multi-millionaire dollar rock star and renowned ladies man is truly a softie at heart. Simmons' edgy stage persona is stripped away to reveal a doting dad, who brings Gatorade to his daughter's soccer games and proudly stands in the front row to cheer on his son's rock band. Each episode reveals another layer of Simmons' private life as a devoted family man.

The Family

Gene Simmons' and his Playboy Playmate of the Year partner, Shannon Tweed, have been happily unmarried for more than 20 years. The couple has two children, who also appear on the reality TV show. Together, the close-knit clan deals with the trials and tribulations that come when you stick four different personalities under the same roof.

Gene Simmons

See how Simmons went from rock star to all-star dad.

Simmons was born in Israel in 1949, but grew up in the United States. The rocker’s mom is a German Nazi Concentration Camp survivor, who he credits for providing him with the perseverance to pursue his dream of becoming a singer.

Simmons’ road to musical fame was not easy. After graduating from college in New York he taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem for years. He then became the Assistant to the Director of the Puerto Rican InterAgency Council, a government funded research and demonstration project before getting his feet wet in the field of entertainment by securing jobs at Glamour and then at Vogue.

It wasn't until the early 1970s that Simmons formed KISS. The band released its self-titled debut album in 1974, and went on to break worldwide box office records set by Elvis and the Beatles. KISS’ legendary success has led to the creation of 2,500 licensed and merchandised products, from KISS VISA cards to KISS condoms.

On the personal front, Simmons has scored as well. He has had live-in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross, and has spent the past two decades with Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two children.

Shannon Tweed

Canadian born Shannon Tweed is best known for her stint as Hugh Hefner's lover. The blonde beauty was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 1982. Tweed later parlayed her modeling success into a career in acting. She was a regular on CBS’ Falcon Crest, NBC's Days of Our Lives, HBO's First and Ten and, more recently, WB's Tom Arnold Show and My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star with Oliver Hudson. These days Tweed spends more time writing (her autobiography, Kiss and Tell was published in 2006), running a fitness club and keeping the family's hectic schedule straight.

Nick Tweed-Simmons

Nick is the only son in the Tweed-Simmons household. Born in 1989, the self-professed "music fiend" is following in his father’s footsteps. Nick’s band plays smaller venues in the L.A. area. In addition to playing music, Simmons’ first born is a creative writer and illustrator, who recently designed his own comic book titled Nick Simmons' Incarnate. When he is not singing or drawing, Nick spends time pursuing acting jobs.

Sophie Tweed-Simmons

Born in 1992, Sophie Tweed-Simmons is the good-looking daughter of Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. Along with inheriting her mother’s beauty, she was also gifted with smarts. Sophie is an outstanding student and athlete. She excels at volleyball, plays soccer and runs track. The ambitious teen also likes to act, dance, sing, swim, snowboard, and ride horses.

Gene Simmons Reality Show Memorable Moments

Season four of Gene Simmons Family Jewels premiered on June 7, 2009. Seasons one, two, and three have been released on DVD. Each episode of the popular reality TV series is filled with hilarious moments, including:

Sophie's Sweet 16: Gene throws his daughter an elaborate Sweet 16 party, which she doesn't want.

Gene's Hook-up: Gene sets up his daughter with a boy he thinks is an upstanding individual, then he tries to find a love match for Shannon’s single sister.