Net Worth Ranker
What Is Peter Criss’ Net Worth?
Peter Criss, the iconic American rock star and actor, boasts a net worth of $5 million. This financial standing reflects his multifaceted career, primarily recognized for his pivotal role as an original member of the legendary band Kiss. His journey with Kiss, marked by significant album releases and extensive touring, laid the foundation for his wealth. Beyond Kiss, his solo endeavors, acting roles, and strategic music production ventures have also contributed to his overall financial success. Peter Criss’s net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Peter George John Criscoula, who we all know as Peter Criss, was born on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a middle-class family, with parents Loretta and Joseph Criscoula who owned an antique shop, he developed a strong inclination toward art and music. Criss’s passion for drumming led him to play in various small bands in New York during the early 1970s. In his search for like-minded musicians, he placed an ad in “Rolling Stone” magazine, a move that would ultimately lead to the formation of Kiss. Gene Simmons recalled that upon hearing Criss perform, they knew he was the missing piece they needed. In 1973, Peter Criss, alongside Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, formed Kiss.
Kiss: A Launchpad for Peter Criss’s Net Worth
In 1973, Kiss signed with Casablanca Records. Despite initial lukewarm album sales, their live performances garnered a strong reputation. The 1975 release of “Alive!,” a live album recorded at Detroit’s Cobo Arena, catapulted them to Gold record status. “Destroyer,” released in 1976, featured hits like “Shout It Out Loud,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Detroit Rock City.” Notably, the ballad “Beth,” written and sung by Criss, became their biggest commercial success, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a People’s Choice award in 1977. These achievements significantly boosted the band’s revenue, including Peter Criss’s earnings. Kiss released six more albums before 1980, solidifying their status and contributing to the band members’ financial success.
The success of Kiss was not without its challenges. Strained relationships and addiction issues affected the band members, including Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley. In 1980, Criss left Kiss, though the circumstances surrounding his departure are debated. Regardless, his time with Kiss had already secured his financial future. Since leaving Kiss, Criss has periodically reunited with the band for performances, recordings, and tours, each time adding to his financial portfolio. In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss, further solidifying his legacy and financial stability.
Solo Career and Other Ventures
After his initial departure from Kiss in 1980, Peter Criss embarked on a solo career. He released two albums and traveled from band to band. He released an album in 1998, though Criss drew criticism for only drumming on “Into the Void.” In 2007, he released “One for All.” These solo projects, along with music production and guest appearances, added to his income. Criss also made appearances on television shows such as Fox’s “Millennium” and HBO’s “Oz.” His acting stints, while not his primary source of income, contributed to his overall earnings. Criss retired from touring in 2017, marking a shift in his career but not an end to his financial endeavors.
In 1991, an incident involving an imposter claiming to be Peter Criss occurred, highlighting Criss’s fame and public interest in his life. This event, though not directly impacting his net worth, underscores his enduring recognition. The impostor, Christopher Dickinson, falsely depicted Criss as broke and homeless, living on the streets of Los Angeles. Criss confronted Dickinson on “The Phil Donahue Show,” revealing the extent of the impersonation and its potential impact on his reputation.
Health and Personal Life
Criss has openly discussed his struggles with drugs and alcohol in the 1970s and 1980s. He claims he has been clean since 1984. In 2008, he was diagnosed with male breast cancer after noticing a lump in his chest. He underwent a lumpectomy and remains cancer-free. Peter has been married three times. He married Lydia Di Leonardy in 1970, divorcing in 1979. He then married Debra Jensen, divorcing in 1994. He has been married to Gigi Criss since 1998. Criss has one daughter, Jenilee, who was born in 1981. These personal milestones, while not directly related to his net worth, provide context to his life and career.
Real Estate and Assets
Peter Criss owns a large house in Wall Township, New Jersey. While the specific address and purchase details are not publicly available, owning a property of this nature contributes to his overall asset portfolio. Details regarding other real estate investments or significant personal assets, such as private planes or luxury cars, are not publicly disclosed. However, his primary residence in New Jersey remains a tangible representation of his financial success. Further details regarding other potential real estate holdings or personal assets are not available in the public domain, maintaining a degree of privacy regarding his financial affairs.
