New York Post Interviews Gene SimmonsKyle Smith - New York Post
Musician, TV star, bestselling author and "Extract" co-star Gene Simmons has mastered just about everything except humility. He waxed philosophical to The Post about Beavis, Butt-head and the meaning of life.
How did you get involved with "Extract"?
"They called up and said, 'You play an a - - hole LA lawyer.' I said, 'I'm in.' They said, 'Do you want to see a script?' I said, 'No.' "
What do you think of lawyers?
"I'm pro- our lawyers, but I hate your lawyers. I don't like ambulance chasers very much. I tried to be as big of an a - - hole as I could be because this guy is an ambulance chaser."
What's your philosophy of life?
"My mother is actually the most sound existential philosopher I've ever met. Her point of view is more profound than Kierkegaard or Nietzsche. She says, 'Every day you're above ground is a good day.' "
Are you a Mike Judge fan?
"Of course. 'Beavis and Butthead' was a game changer. You actually saw a cartoon of people I've seen all my life. It's not the highest life form on planet Earth, but they are who they are. They're profoundly honest in their skin. They can be stupid and racist and all of that, but the animal resembles the skin he's in."
Your next album is being released through Wal-Mart.
"They're terrific. They give 2 1/2 million people jobs. It's like America. Not everybody loves America. Say, 'America,' and see what happens. Nobody loves it like immigrants, and I am one [from Israel]. You don't know what you've got till it's gone. My mother was in a concentration camp at age 14. That's a big perspective. That'll stop all the bulls - - t."
What do you think of the current political leadership?
"Means well, lacks experience. And that's dangerous. I voted for President Obama, but his healthcare plan is a complete disaster. When I was growing up, it was 'Make Love, Not War,' and that's great, but what if the other side wants to make war?"
Speaking of war, you must have friends in Israel who are worried about Iran.
"I'm not worried, and neither are they. If it ever came to it, they'd know what to do."
What movie role would you most like to do?
"God. Like in the George Burns movie. I should have been God. I don't mean the son of God. That tends to be too Jewish. It gets to be like, 'I'm dying, I'm coming back.' You can't make up your mind. Too Jewish."
Seen anything good at the movies?
"I absolutely loved that the critics hated 'G.I. Joe.' In every roller coaster there's always someone who says, 'Yes, but what is the meaning?' I'm here to eat popcorn."
But you're an intellectual, aren't you?
"Well, sure, but you have to let go sometime."
