Peter Criss Is Turning 72, So Let's Take A Moment To Look Back At The Catman’s Life!

latest
December 18, 2017

Peter Criss is one of the founding members of what could arguably be considered one of the greatest bands in United States history. While you may not recognize him on the street or notice his name right off the bat, you’ll surely recognize him in costume. Peter Criss was the original “Catman” in the band, Kiss!

1. He picked the “Catman” persona for himself. When fans asked him later how he settled on the Catman persona, he explained that while growing up in Brooklyn, he believed that he had required nine lives to survive the rough times. He later added that he even hoped to someday open up his own recording studio, that he would call Catman Records.

2. In 2007, Peter was working out when he noticed a rather unusual and painful lump on his chest! When he went to the doctor to get it checked out (since his wife was battling another form of cancer) he was rather surprised to learn he had breast cancer. He was one of the 2,000 men who are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year. After two surgeries in early 2008, he was officially declared cancer-free and didn’t have to suffer through chemotherapy!

3. In 2014, he was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame alongside Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Paul Stanley. Although the original members of the band have been on bad terms since 2000, when they made their last public appearance together as part of their ‘Farewell Tour’ they managed to get along nicely. They did not perform for the audience, but the fans were nonetheless pleased to see them all together, one last time.

4. Since his rise to fame, he’s even acted in a few movies and shows! His first acting experience was in 1978’s "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park," where he played himself. He also appeared as himself in 1999’s "Detroit Rock City." Next, he had minor roles on two television shows, "Millennium" and "Oz." Most recently, he acted in "Frame of Mind," a movie about the JFK Assassination.

5. Peter is a complete gun enthusiast! On October 31, 1979, he was interviewed by Tom Snyder on The Tomorrow Show, alongside the other Kiss members, and he told Tom all about his favorite hobby. He loves to go target-shooting whenever he can, but he isn’t a big fan of hunting!