Peter Criss Net Worth

What Is Peter Criss' Net Worth?

Peter Criss, an American rock star and actor, boasts a net worth of $5 million. Best known as one of the original members of the band Kiss, Criss formed the iconic group after posting a work-seeking ad in "Rolling Stone," to which both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley responded. He played a pivotal role in Kiss for 14 albums.

Criss took a hiatus from the band in 1980 to embark on a solo career, during which he released two albums and collaborated with various bands until rejoining Kiss for the 1996-1997 reunion tour. Though he appeared on the 1998 Kiss album, his minimal contribution drew criticism. He left the band again in 2000 after smashing his drums on stage and had a brief return in 2002 before his final departure in 2004. Criss made another solo attempt with the 2007 release of "One for All." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Kiss in 2014.

Early Life

Peter Criss was born Peter George John Criscoula on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. He is the eldest of five children born to Loretta and Joseph Criscoula, a middle-class family who owned an antique shop in Brooklyn.

Criss showed little interest in formal education, preferring music and art from an early age, with a particular fondness for painting and swing music.

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Kiss

In the early 1970s, Criss was drumming for small bands in New York but remained unsatisfied with his success. In a bid to form a new group, he placed an ad in "Rolling Stone" magazine, which caught the attention of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. After hearing Criss perform, they were convinced he was the missing piece they needed.

The trio founded Kiss in 1973, a rock band known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and theatrical performances featuring fire, lights, and extensive audience interaction. That same year, they became the first band signed to Casablanca Records. Despite initial lukewarm success, their live performances gained a substantial following, leading to the 1975 release of the live album "Alive!," which reached Gold status.

1976 saw the release of "Destroyer," featuring major hits like "Shout It Out Loud," "Rock and Roll All Nite," and "Detroit Rock City." The ballad "Beth," written and sung by Criss, became their highest-rated single, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a People's Choice Award in 1977.

Kiss released six more albums before 1980. However, their success strained personal relationships, exacerbated by Criss's and guitarist Ace Frehley's battles with drug and alcohol addiction. Though Criss claimed he left the band voluntarily, rumors persisted that his addiction issues led to his dismissal.

After leaving Kiss, Criss worked on solo projects, music production, and made various guest appearances on albums. While he reunited with Kiss multiple times for performances, his turbulent relationships with band members prevented a lasting reunion. Criss retired from touring in 2017.

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Acting

Beyond portraying himself in the 1978 TV movie "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park," Criss has had guest appearances on Fox's "Millennium" and HBO's "Oz."

Imposter

In 1991, "Star" magazine published an interview with a man impersonating Criss, claiming he was broke and homeless. The impersonator, Christopher Dickinson, later admitted he did the interview in exchange for $500 and a motel room. Criss confronted Dickinson on "The Phil Donahue Show." Dickinson confessed to the ruse, attributing it to his alcoholism. Criss discovered that Dickinson had been misrepresenting himself as Criss for quite some time.

Health

Criss battled drug and alcohol addiction during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly with cocaine. His issues with substances reportedly caused tensions within the band and contributed to his departure. Criss claims he has been clean since 1984.

In 2008, Criss was diagnosed with male breast cancer after noticing a lump in his chest. He underwent a lumpectomy, removing the affected area and surrounding tissue, and as of this writing, he remains cancer-free.

Personal Life

Criss has been married three times. He first married Lydia Di Leonardy in 1970, with their marriage ending in 1979. He then married former Playboy Playmate Debra Jensen, with whom he was married until 1994. Criss has been married to Gigi Criss since 1998. He has one daughter, Jenilee, born in 1981.