Long before he was known as "The Demon," Gene Simmons was born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel, in 1949.

His early childhood was shaped by the modest, hardworking environment of the newly established state of Israel. This setting instilled a relentless drive in him that would define his future career.

Gene's mother, Flora Klein, was a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of concentration camps during World War II.

Her immense strength and survival instincts deeply influenced her son's worldview. He credited her with teaching him the value of hard work and determination.

Growing up in the town of Tirat Carmel, the young family faced severe financial struggles. Gene recalled living in a home without running water or electricity during his earliest years.

This early deprivation fueled his lifelong obsession with achieving financial security and success.

When Gene was still a young boy, his parents decided to divorce. His father, Feri Witz, chose to remain behind in Israel while his mother sought a fresh start elsewhere.

This separation left a lasting emotional impact on the future rock star.

At the age of eight, Gene and his mother immigrated to the United States, settling in Queens, New York.

He quickly changed his name to Gene Klein to fit in and learned English by reading comic books and watching television. This transition marked his first major reinvention.

Before finding fame on stage, Gene earned a degree in education and worked as a sixth-grade teacher in Spanish Harlem.

He used creative methods, like bringing comic books into the classroom, to keep his students engaged. However, his true passion lay in the world of rock music.

In the early 1970s, Gene teamed up with Paul Stanley to form a band that would change the face of rock music forever.

They wanted to create a highly theatrical, larger-than-life show that they had never seen before. With the addition of Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, KISS was officially born.

To stand out in the crowded music scene, Gene adopted the persona of "The Demon," complete with black-and-white face paint and bat-wing armor.

His stage antics, including spitting fire and fake blood, became legendary staples of the band's live shows. This theatrical alter ego captivated millions of fans worldwide.

Gene quickly realized that music was only one part of the equation, turning KISS into a massive global brand.

From action figures and comic books to branded coffins, the band licensed thousands of unique products. His sharp business acumen proved that rock and roll could be a highly lucrative industry.

Despite the notorious "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll" lifestyle of the 1970s and 80s, Gene famously chose to remain completely sober.

He avoided drugs and alcohol throughout his entire career, attributing this choice to a promise he made to his mother. This discipline helped him maintain his focus on building his empire.

Gene's personal life often made headlines, including high-profile relationships with superstars like Cher and Diana Ross.

He eventually found long-term partnership with actress Shannon Tweed, whom he married after nearly three decades together. Their family life was later showcased on their popular reality television show.

From a penniless immigrant child in Israel to one of the most recognizable rock icons in history, Gene Simmons' life is a testament to self-determination.

He proved that with relentless drive and a sharp eye for business, one could conquer the world. His legacy remains a blueprint for theatrical rock and roll.