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Is the breakup on 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' for real?

But the real question is whether or not it matters

"Gene Simmons Family Jewels"

Nick Simmons, Sophie Simmons, Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons of A&E's "Gene Simmons Family Jewels"

Credit: A&E

When it comes to celebrity reality TV, I’ve always had a soft spot for A&E’s “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” Even when the guiding hands of the show’s producers were clearly dictating the so-called plot, it hardly mattered. Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons (and their kids Nick and Sophie) were consistently funny, charming and infinitely watchable. You’d assume the antics of a rock star and his former Playmate significant other would be the stuff of a bad VH1 show – lots of screaming, drunken parties and ridiculous drama. But Tweed and Simmons defied expectations. They’ve had twenty-eight years of an unconventional commitment. They seemed to genuinely like each other. And ultimately they appeared to be well matched. Their trials were the stuff of any middle-aged couple with kids. It was only the superficial stuff (dragon boots, flunkies and a whole lot of money) that was different.

But the season 6 premiere suggests that Tweed has finally had it with Simmons’ taste for floozies. TV appearances to promote the show have been as uncomfortable to watch as divorce proceedings. First they visited “Today” and made Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb squirm in their seats, inspiring Gifford to comment on the tension in the studio. Then, Tweed walked out in the middle of an interview with Simmons for Joy Behar’s show on HLN. The interview, what their was of it, rattled even the usually unflappable Behar, who declared that their troubles weren’t “the usual reality bull----“ but were, in fact, real.
 
But are they?
 
If this is all a big show to garner more ratings, I’m sure it will be successful. It also makes me wish Tweed had gotten a chance to do better films than crap like “Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death.” The season premiere certainly feels like the real thing, as does Tweed’s final straw moment. As Simmons stumbles along, blindly maintaining that his way (which includes having sex with 5,000 women over the course of his lifetime) is the right way, we see Tweed transition from wounded to angry and finally, distant. If it’s just acting (and I’m not saying it is), she’s got chops.
 
Ultimately, though, I don’t want to spend a lot of time looking for traces of fakery. Regardless of where the truth lies (and I’m inclined to think things are just as rough as they seem to be), it ultimately doesn’t change the fact that this is a story that happens in real life every day. And as usual, the superficial elements are different (multiple floozies, no wedding ring, a stubborn multimillionaire) here, but the scenes of a marriage falling apart are heartbreakingly familiar.
 
And what A&E has managed to do is make, yes, some really great television. Old home movies of happier days when Nick and Sophie were small are used to great effect, and the final moments of the episode – a combination of home video of Tweed and Simmons in love played against Simmons, stolid and shell shocked alone on the sofa – are surprisingly moving. After almost thirty years, there’s a lot of history between Tweed and Simmons – and, not surprisingly, a lot of old wounds to dig up. This season promises to take a good, hard look at what happens when a long relationship falls apart. We'll have a window into both the female and male perspective that we don't often get in real life or in fiction. Whether or not this is the real deal seems besides the point.
 
While I won’t be casting my vote in the “real or not” poll (I guess we’ll have a better idea as the season goes along in any case), I will be watching. Will you?
 

 

Liane-bonin-starr-sm
Liane Bonin Starr is an author, screenwriter and former writer for EW.com. Her byline has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Variety and a lot of other places. Her last book was called "a scandalously catty, guilty pleasure" by Jane magazine. Expect the same from Starr Raving.

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    unknown

    I dont think Shannon should leave after 20+ years, because she knew what he was to start with. You were right telling him how you feel though. Gene you are the stupidest smart man, you have a beautiful blonde at home so stop being a 61 year pig. Yes, your not cheating, but MONEY is not everything, LOVE is. She is getting old and lonely for you, give her you and marry her, stop being chicken shit and do it. Did you ever thought she had her own fears to, but she stuck by you though alot of shit, dont let her down when she needs you most.

    June 15, 2011 at 7:18PM EST Reply to Comment
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      no name all for the cameras!

      June 15, 2011 at 7:43PM EST
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      Moudsie I have say --he is making a freaking fool of himself -- he's arrogant, over-bearing and thinks he can get away with anything. She should leave and sue him for palimony -- she's entitled. I never could figure out what she saw in him in the first place -- he disgusts me. And, his kids are also disgusted with him - -that has to hurt and rightly so.

      July 20, 2011 at 1:46PM EST
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    no name

    all for the cameras!

    June 15, 2011 at 7:44PM EST Reply to Comment
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    jw

    I hope gene & shannon work thru it. Both have faults. Shannon needs professional help too. Empty nest syndrome menopause. Whatever! Gene does really love her! Both have issues--what relationship doesn't!

    June 15, 2011 at 8:51PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Anonymous Agreeeeed. They both have things to work on. Its not just one person's fault. They just need to work it out, and whatever happens from there on, happens.

      July 30, 2011 at 4:34PM EST
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    Suzy

    I will be watching. And after the first episode left me in tears tonight, I'm sure hoping the final episode is a happy one... and that means having Shannon and Gene sitting arm in arm on the couch together as the credits roll.

    June 15, 2011 at 9:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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      NICSMOM Girl I was in tears the first 5 mintues!! I can so relate to her....i know alot of people say oh well she knew what he was about but really when is enough enough??? Either get your crap together Mr. Simmons or you are going to b a lonely old man..and who cares about $$$ cause in the long run i believe in the son I DON'T CARE TO MUCH FOR MONEY MONEY CAN'T BUY ME LOVE!!!

      June 17, 2011 at 9:52AM EST
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      Patty K. I've only been watching the show for 3 seasons and was hooked instantly. I was always a fan of KISS but never thought I'd see a side of Gene I did on Family Jewels...that being, him as a great father. The way Nick gets embarrassed by his parents kissing or their antics to make Nick blush or how weak Gene is when it comes to Sophie like when he saw her dressed up maturely or her on a stripper pole. As far as their break-up, it does look serious and I think it's time he marry Shannon and get her a 28 karat diamond engagement ring, if not bigger because she deserves it!! She has dedicated her life to Gene and their kids and was faithful too!! I'm sure she has gotten MANY MANY offers to leave Gene but no, she stayed. The least she deserves is marriage but at this point in her life, she is a free agent, her kids are grown, Gene still thinks he's 28 and refuses to see the real picture. It's hard to say, we know she loves Gene and her family very much. Shannon...many women support you in whatever decision you decide and are praying for you. ~Patty in Youngstown, Ohio.

      June 18, 2011 at 1:24AM EST
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    Surfside Annie

    I stumbled onto the show and got hooked. What I find so refreshing is that shannon has raised two responsible, level-headed, kind children, and as a mother of three, I know how much time and attention that takes. Shannon deserves to have a real partner at this time of her life because she is the one who did the real work. It's time for Gene to grow up and learn to gain his self worth from what's on the inside, not the adulation of strangers.

    June 15, 2011 at 10:41PM EST Reply to Comment
    • Well put!

      June 16, 2011 at 2:51AM EST
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      margo Extremely well put Annie.I have always thought that these kids were brought up well.Since Gene was gone so much of the time we can give the credit to Shannon.She is beautiful,sexy,smart,a great mom and a faithful wife.Gene means well with the money making but he's addicted to it.How much money do they need?Gene is going to have to really appreciate this woman or lose her.The men will be lined up down the block for this one...

      June 16, 2011 at 9:18PM EST
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      Hillery I agree about how well the children/adults have been brought up. They were not kept "sheltered" but were brought up realistically but it is so disturbing to see just how upset they are and I don't think it is "for the cameras" as people are saying - these children are in pain!

      July 21, 2011 at 10:54AM EST
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    Billy

    The thing is a work, They were in Winnipeg today and were accepted a key to the city. The whole day they were all smiles and happy as could be

    June 15, 2011 at 10:42PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Madster the taping was weeks ago ya know, not yesterday

      June 17, 2011 at 3:12PM EST
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    elsa

    I don't think this is a genuine "break-up". Tweed just said she was up to doing another 5 years of this show. So, she either needs money, or isn't as hurt as she would like viewers to think.

    June 15, 2011 at 10:57PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Nurseweezie

    It's seems very fake to me. Shannon has always seemed to be funny and very supportive of Gene and his life for 28years no less). Now all of a sudden she's "had it"?! Why are they doing tv interviews and why are they even filming this season? I hope it's not real, but it seems staged.

    June 15, 2011 at 11:01PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Sheri I ''had it'' after 18 yrs, but it wasn't like turning off a light blub. I agree, this is just too sudden, I'm not buying this show AT ALL! They are trying to keep the gravy train rolling. They are both has beens and look like crap. They need to retire, they're ridiculous.

      June 15, 2011 at 11:37PM EST
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      val It's called keeping up appearances for the sake of the kids. Many people are very good at keeping a happy front up to keep the family together. If it's fake....he's making himself look really bad just for a good ratings show.

      July 21, 2011 at 12:10PM EST
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      Caryl I agree. It's fake.

      August 16, 2011 at 5:08PM EST
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      Jaycee I think that there is a big difference between being a 21 year old model and falling for a rocker hard enough to put up with his BS and being a 42 year old mom, still married to the same rocker, and realizing that your life hasn't changed in 20 years and the father of your children will never change and can never give you the love and commitment you need. My guess is that she grew up and he didn't.

      September 3, 2011 at 8:42PM EST
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      Jaycee Oh.. and add the fact that he's banging girls his daughter's age. (She's 18 and so are the groupies).

      September 3, 2011 at 8:45PM EST
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    KK

    She probably googled the pic of him in bed with the groupie. Ugh...an old guy doin a young chick. He didnt even take off his T-shirt. Blecch.

    June 15, 2011 at 11:50PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Family Jewel

    I hope they work things out. It takes two. I know how she feels after your kids leave for college. She raised those adorable kids well. Money is not everything, LOVE is. He is getting old and being old and alone will kill you.

    June 16, 2011 at 12:22AM EST Reply to Comment
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    jordan04n

    I am sick to my self over this situtation that this couple poses. Real or not...I watch for the reason of entertainment....this gut wrenching 1st episode is not for entertainment purposes only to see in the end shreds of lives or a whole family...I will not..can not subject myself to this kind of heart break...yes it happens... not in my face...I like this lovable family regardless of Mr. Simmons macho status . How she has dealt with him this long...the children....I am out of here.... I can't take the drama a whole season...I want to see love and laughter...not reality...after seeing 1st show I was just sick and have prayed that I am never as heart broken as she appears. I can't take it.

    June 16, 2011 at 12:47AM EST Reply to Comment
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    bonnie

    Write a comment...I enjoyed your article. I felt it was well written. I couldn't have said it any better. I also feel a little heart broken. He better change his ways or she's going to be out the door. And who could blame her? It should be her time now. She deserves it
    Wake up Henry before it's to late.

    June 16, 2011 at 1:00AM EST Reply to Comment
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      Bonnie Reply to comment...OMG I wrote typos stupid keyboard

      June 16, 2011 at 1:06AM EST
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    kerry

    Gene Simmons is an idiot when it comes to woman!

    June 16, 2011 at 4:11AM EST Reply to Comment
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    LLove

    Assuming this is real, and I think for the most part it is, Shannon's reactions are timely. She and many other wives/life partners are riding the crest of a huge tidal wave of reaction to our culture's acceptance and promotion of male sexual selfishness. Enough with the bimbos guys. Really. You WILL lose your homelife and emotional security. You WILL grow old alone. Women could be out running around,too, but for the most part, they have more class. Is this streak of sexual freedom in men an abreaction to feminism? A kind of "up yours" to women's rights? Have women demonstrated their equality only to be pushed down in this humiliating way? If cheating is some kind of re-empowerment trip for men, the only way for it to stop, is for the women to WALK AWAY. Don't "stand by your man". Leave him on the couch/podium/stage ALONE and then he will get the message. I hope our culture stops supporting permanent male adolescence. And soon.

    June 16, 2011 at 7:39AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Moe

    hahah. Like they will really split up. She's been with Gene forever and knows his lifestyle. Just a ratings gimmick to save the show but it's too late for that. Family Jewels has already jumped the shark.

    June 16, 2011 at 11:35AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jcb

    I do not follow reality tv must; however, with one exception this show because it was positive. They were not crazy shallow people but rather a eccentric mix of money and bohemian values. I do not think this drama was a publicity stunt just years of repressed emotion and missteps. Yes Gene is who Gene is but at 61 with children and a hot wife he should be begin to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I am Jewish and sort of appalled that he does not believe he has any obligations except monetary, obligations, tradition, rules are what shape our character. His refusal to think he owes no one anything is not only sad but going against tradition. Marriage is not the end all be all to everything but by not marrying her he has demeaned her position as the mother and rock that she is. Shame on him, with all his smarts he is foolish, and really should seek out a Rabbi and end the show unless this is a publicity stunt to pay for their kids college tuition in which case its sort of silly to think this is a reality show!

    June 16, 2011 at 3:00PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jcb

    I do not follow reality tv must; however, with one exception this show because it was positive. They were not crazy shallow people but rather a eccentric mix of money and bohemian values. I do not think this drama was a publicity stunt just years of repressed emotion and missteps. Yes Gene is who Gene is but at 61 with children and a hot wife he should be begin to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I am Jewish and sort of appalled that he does not believe he has any obligations except monetary, obligations, tradition, rules are what shape our character. His refusal to think he owes no one anything is not only sad but going against tradition. Marriage is not the end all be all to everything but by not marrying her he has demeaned her position as the mother and rock that she is. Shame on him, with all his smarts he is foolish, and really should seek out a Rabbi and end the tc

    June 16, 2011 at 3:00PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Josie

    quote: wound, anger...distance...whoa, only in Hollywood, normal people try improving communication and get to work on fixing their issues. After all, look at the 28 years invested in this relationship! And two children!

    Communication is key otherwise you've opened a big bag of denial, narcissism, self love, immaturity, have to win at all costs and a lot of other traits that a good psychologist would come up with.

    But this being entertainment, the normal way will not be taken because it will not be entertaining. Viewers are looking for loss, tragedy, lots of conflict! And there's probably lots of Gene Simons types out there...sad.

    Oh, and look at the newspaper headlines, Weiner for example, narcissism is the in thing.

    During those 28 yrs, was Shannon a conflict avoidance personality?

    I agree with those who said fake.....strictly TV entertainment!

    June 16, 2011 at 3:02PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Allison Definitely for ratings. Its always been a good show for entertainment purposes, however some very heavy acting is.obvious. ..they're basically playing out all aspects of an older couple's normal problems (empty nest syndrome, the wife who has grown tired of the husband's philandering ways) they're playing it up bigger and better for the cameras though. My money's on this being a set up for the "changing and growing " and realization for Gene who will end the season by FINALLY proposing to Shannon..this is all just build up to keep people watching...Then next season will be Wedding Planning.

      June 16, 2011 at 5:15PM EST
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    Deb Purcell

    I will be watching as I always do. I think it takes a lot of courage to put your personal issues out there for the world to see. I admire and respect them for being brave. The show is extremely well done and I for one will be glued to the tv every Tuesday night.

    Deb Purcell

    June 16, 2011 at 7:41PM EST Reply to Comment
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    nickjames

    "The interview, what their was of it" oops! should be there

    June 16, 2011 at 8:01PM EST Reply to Comment
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    G

    If it is for real, Shannon Tweed should talk because all former PlayBoy Playmate are floozies.

    June 16, 2011 at 8:05PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Tara Ya spreading your legs for a magazine is any better than Gene and if I recall she made him take a lie detector test which proved he had been faithful to only her and had not had sexual relations since they have been together,Shannon seems like the type to have a stick in her ass remember when she had that breast cancer scare well Gene dropped everything he was doing for her and the lengths he went to to help his kids.....enough said the whole thing is fake fake fake

      June 16, 2011 at 8:51PM EST
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      Get real Let's see.....aging has-been second rate porn star with really bad plastic surgery living in unmarried sin with a rich, egotistical, immature, third rate bassist with equally bad plastic surgery. This is reality tv?? Show me someone struggling to pay their mortgage or feed a family on one income in this economy. THAT'S REALITY! This show is the biggest waste of time there is.

      July 28, 2011 at 1:26PM EST
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    A Friend Who Knows

    Reality TV has taken over. Unfortunately, it does effect families, like, the Simmon's family all too often. Money does matter!! For example, The REAL HOUSEWIVES SHOWS, ORANGE COUNTY in particular, has a family that is in extreme turmoil. See if you can't find some similarties between Gene and another Narcissist who POSED for the cameras who firmly holds to the standard "MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY" toward his own kids!

    I admire Shannon for being so open and candid, as I do Gene. It would be wonderful to see this Reality show Ex wife have an opportunity to find Peace, Justice. http://tinyurl.com/43fe8lt

    June 16, 2011 at 8:52PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Ramon Quiles

    Sorry !! ):

    June 16, 2011 at 8:53PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Ramon Quiles

    Sorry !!

    June 16, 2011 at 8:55PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Ramon Quiles

    I hope they work things out !! From Hormigueros Puerto Rico !! Love all you family !!

    June 16, 2011 at 8:59PM EST Reply to Comment
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    guest

    Anyone that has been following gene & shannon's twitter pages for the last month or 2 know the truth .

    Fact is most of season 6 is in the can or editing room now .

    They have already shot a episode where they go back to gene's hometown in israel , meet gene's unknown brother & sisters which will air later in season 6 .

    Genes long lost brother & sisters recently visited gene at his home in LA .

    This all happened after the season premier episode which was taped long ago , so i would say its fake .

    Gene & Shannon might want to stay off twitter or social networking sites & not post pictures when trying to boost ratings by deceiving their viewers .

    June 16, 2011 at 9:22PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Danielle baird

    These episodes were filmed months ago... And only going on shows now showing the problems.. Seriously and they tie in with season premiere.. Uncut episodes show bloopers and repeating lines.. Think it's horrible to draw nick and Sophie into this plot...

    June 16, 2011 at 10:29PM EST Reply to Comment
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    guest

    http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/simmons-makes-family-connections-in-israel_1209950

    Link taken from shannonleetweeds twitter account . Just scroll back 3 months or so & you will see for yourself .

    June 16, 2011 at 11:07PM EST Reply to Comment
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    winnipeg

    Shannon should put Gene in his place by separating & make him realize that you don't miss what you got until it is gone.

    She deserves much more respect than what he gives her.

    He will be a very lonely 61 year old man in his castle by himself.

    June 17, 2011 at 1:37AM EST Reply to Comment
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    alphonse

    Shannon Tweed is a great actress, just look at all the sex she acted out in how many movies along with keeping the plot going too, so we'll probably never know for sure. Who knows what they are doing? Does it really matter?

    June 17, 2011 at 3:02AM EST Reply to Comment
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