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Shannon Tweed has not taken on any acting roles for almost a decade now. The last time she was seen in a dramatic role on screen was all the way back in 2014, when she featured as Dr. Margo Hunt in an episode of 13 Nights of Elvira. In the same year, she also played a character called Margaret in the movie Sex, Marriage and Infidelity. Although she never officially retired from acting, the Canadian star appears to be more focused on her family life these days.
Tweed is married to Gene Simmons, her husband of 12 years. While that automatically places them in the list of Hollywood stars with relatively long-lasting marriages, their relationship has not been all smooth sailing. In fact, there are those who believe that the eccentric bassist and lead singer of the hard rock band Kiss is responsible for the apparent destruction of her movie career.
Tweed and Simmons also have two children together: first-born son Nick and their younger daughter Sophie. The former has followed in the footsteps of their father as a musician, while the latter — like her mother — is an actress and model. Not many would have foreseen such stability from this family, especially taking into consideration Simmons’ very odd lifestyle.
How Did Gene Simmons And Shannon Tweed Meet?
Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed first met at the Playboy Mansion in the early 1980s, while she was the reigning PlayMate of the Year. According to Simmons, he was immediately struck by Tweed’s beauty and asked her out on a date. Tweed, who was initially hesitant to go out with Simmons due to his reputation as a notorious womanizer, eventually agreed to the date and the two hit it off.
Their son Nick was born in January 1989, with daughter Sophie arriving in July 1992. Simmons and Tweed did not get married until 2011, after having been together for 28 years. The decision to finally tie the knot was largely inspired by their children, who had expressed a desire to see their parents married.
In the years since their marriage, Simmons and Tweed have continued to work through their relationship, and collaborate on multiple professional projects. They appeared together on the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which chronicled their lives as a family, and have been open about the challenges they have faced as a couple.
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Why Has Shannon Tweed Persisted With Her Relationship With Gene Simmons?
While Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed were planning their nuptials, the musician spoke about the crucial role that he felt his partner played in his life. “I need Shannon in my life,” he said. “Not just because of love and family but because she holds me accountable.” About three years later, Tweed was interviewed by the Edmonton Journal, who asked her how she had managed to “tame” the previously wild Simmons.
“I didn’t make him do anything he didn’t want to do, obviously,” Tweed responded. “It took him 28 years. You can’t make people change. That’s not to say I didn’t give an ultimatum… It was the day my daughter went into college. I said, ‘This is where I get off unless the train is changing directions because I’ve been on this ride too long.’ He realized I was right and he was being selfish.”
Tweed also explained why the relationship has been worth it for her, despite the ups and downs. “He gave me two beautiful children [and] he’s a great provider… when he’s around,” she said. “And when I do have something to complain about, I take it up with him.”
Gene Simmons Is A Controversial Figure In Hollywood
As well as his successful music career, Gene Simmons is also known as a controversial figure in the entertainment industry with a rockstar persona, outlandish stage performances, and a very unconventional lifestyle. Born Chaim Witz in Israel in 1949, Simmons’ lifestyle has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny over the years.
He has been known to make controversial statements about women, sex, drugs, and suicide, and has been accused of objectifying women and engaging in exploitative behavior. In a 2002 interview on the National Public Radio talk show Fresh Air, Simmons said: “If you want to welcome me with open arms, I’m afraid you’re also going to have to welcome me with open legs.”
The singer was also interviewed by Song Facts in 2014, in a conversation where he ended up making some very controversial comments about suicide and depression. “I never understand, because I always call them on their bluff,” Simmons said.
“I’m the guy who says ‘Jump!’ when there’s a guy on top of a building who says, ‘That’s it, I can’t take it anymore, I’m going to jump.’ Are you kidding? Why are you announcing it? Shut the fuck up, have some dignity and jump! You’ve got the crowd.”
