Quick Links
Being born into a wealthy household does not give children the right to be entitled to their parent's fortune. Well, that's according to the co-founder of the rock band, Kiss, Gene Simmons.
The Kiss Band has been around for almost 5 decades since 1973 when it was first founded, and from its foundation until now, Gene Simmons has been able to accumulate so much wealth for himself through so many deals and projects that have been tied to his popularity to the band and beyond.
The legendary rock star Gene Simmons was born Chaim Witz on August 25th, 1949, and he is of Jewish descent.
Gene Simmons got married to his wife Shannon Tweed on October 1st, 2011 after 28 years of being together with 2 children, namely Sophie Simmons and Nick Simmons.
So why doesn't Gene believe in passing down his wealth to his children because let's be honest, his net worth is enormous.
Gene Simmons Thinks That Money Buys Happiness
Most people say money does not buy happiness, but Gene Simmons has a different opinion concerning that theory.
According to CNBC Make It, Gene released a book on November 2017 titled, 'On Power: My Journey Through The Corridors Of Power And How You Can Get More Money' and he was talking about the importance of money to him and how he loves money.
In this book, he goes ahead to say that power and money increase the chances of making you and those around you healthier and happier.
While speaking to CNBC Make It, he also said, "Money absolutely buys happiness, without money you are f*****." He added, "If you cure your mother, or give to charity, or feed your child, or protect your family -- it is only money that can do that."
With a net worth of $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, we do understand why he stands by his word that money is everything to him.
According to People, Gene started to paint during the pandemic, and through that, he got to sell his paintings for $245,000 upwards at the Vegas Gallery. He then said he wasn't doing it for the money.
"No, I have money." Gene said and continued, "It is interesting. Money, for me, has become what champions in the Olympics do. They want to keep improving because they want the judges to hold up a higher number. That's what it becomes when you don't have enough food in your belly. You don't think of it that way because you just want to feed yourself."
Gene went on to add, "It's a different thing. Once you have enough, a roof over your head, and food in your belly and stuff, It's how much better can I do this? How much more can I do this? More like a contest. It's different."
Why Won't Gene Simmons Leave His Children His Inheritance?
Gene Simmons already told his two children Sophie and Nick early in life that he will not leave them any inheritance.
Gene also told the press that his kids will never be rich with his money. He wanted to make sure that his children are living off their hard work and success, so they should never expect anything financially from him.
According to Us Weekly, during an episode that aired in 2007 on Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Gene said, "They will never be rich off my money. Because every year they should be forced to get up out of bed and go out and work and make their own money... I don't want them to say, 'Thanks, dad, for making me rich.' No, you wanna be able to stand on your own two feet and say, 'I did that'"
And with that measurement put in place, Gene's children have done so much for themselves. Gene's daughter Sophie launched a clothing line in 2014 that promotes body positivity. She is also a Canadian actress and model who has appeared in shows such as Gene Simmons Family Jewels ever since she was 14, and a Hallmark Movie called Country Crush among others.
Nick on the other hand has also been featured on their family television show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, and he has also done voice-over for Cartoon Network's show Robot Chicken.
Nick Simmons is also into writing as he has written for The Huffington Post and also Comic Books.
Nick together with his sister Sophie managed to purchase a house worth $2.3 million located in the Hollywood Hills, so it seems like they are doing quite well for themselves.
This Is Where Gene Simmons Would Rather Spend His Wealth
Gene may be outspoken and a collector of wealth, but he has a softer side connected to him. According to Billboard, Gene loves giving out to charity.
When he was asked what he looks for in charities to work with, he said that the most important thing is most of the money he gives helps to make a difference. He also said that children are his soft spot and his donations usually target organizations that don't have high target means.