Profile of Paul Stanley on Famous Like Me

Stanley Harvey Eisen (born January 20, 1952) aka Paul Stanley, is an American rock guitarist and vocalist for the rock band KISS. His persona in the band (when they are wearing makeup) is the "Starchild."

Biography

Stanley joined the rock band Wicked Lester, formed by Gene Simmons, in the early 1970s. The band recorded an album in 1971, but as of 2005 it has never been officially released (although songs from the album appeared on KISS's 2001 box set). Wicked Lester broke up not long after, but Stanley and Simmons - along with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, would re-form as KISS shortly thereafter. KISS released their self-titled debut in February 1974.

Paul was arguably the driving force for KISS during the 1980s, while Simmons was attempting to launch a film career.

In 1999 Stanley starred in a Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera, in which he played the role of The Phantom. He appeared in the musical from May 25 to August 1, and again that year from September 30 to October 31. His performance received generally positive reviews.

While in Toronto, Stanley was contacted by AboutFace, an organization that provides support and information to individuals with facial differences, and asked to help raise awareness for them. Although he was approached due to his role as The Phantom, Stanley was in fact born with microtia, a congential deformity of the pinna (outer ear). He has appeared at fundraising events and in videos for the organization.

In 2001 Stanley's wife, Dallas native Pamela Bowen, filed for divorce. They have one son, Evan Shane Stanley.

Stanley is not, as urban legend has it, the son of Al Eisen (inventor and commercial spokesman for "2000 Flushes"). His parents (William and Eve) have appeared in a number of KISS documentaries.

Stanley had hip replacement surgery in October 2004, but complications from the surgery required a second in December of that year. In 2005 Stanley made his debut as a painter, exhibiting and selling original works of art. He is currently recording a solo album, the first since his 1978 KISS solo album, and planning a solo tour. He also has three signature guitars made by Silvertone. His former signature guitars include the Ibanez Iceman and the Washburn Black Diamond.

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