Paul Stanley, born Stanley Bert Eisen on January 20, 1952, is best known as a co-founder, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the hard rock band Kiss. As of 2026, he is 74 years old. His stage persona, “The Starchild,” has become as iconic as the band’s black-and-white face paint.
Raised in New York City, Stanley adopted his stage name early and built Kiss into a global phenomenon alongside Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley. His life offstage—his marriages, children, and a congenital ear condition—has also drawn public interest, though many details remain scattered across sources.
This profile consolidates the verified facts about his family, age, health, and career, while clearly separating what is established from what remains uncertain.
Who Is Paul Stanley’s Wife and Family?
- Full Name: Stanley Bert Eisen
- Born: January 20, 1952 (age 74)
- Spouse: Erin Sutton (m. 2005)
- Children: 4 – Evan, Colin, Sarah, and Emily
- Famous For: Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist of Kiss
Key Insights
- Paul Stanley has been married twice; first to actress Pamela Bowen (1992–2001), then to lawyer Erin Sutton (2005–present).
- He has four children: sons Evan and Colin, and daughters Sarah and Emily.
- Stanley was born with microtia, a congenital ear deformity, in his right ear.
- His net worth is estimated at $200 million, though exact figures vary across sources.
- He remains active in the Kiss brand and related projects after the 2023 tour finale.
Family Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Stanley Bert Eisen |
| Birth Date | January 20, 1952 |
| Age (2026) | 74 |
| Height | Not confirmed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200 million (unconfirmed) |
| Spouse | Erin Sutton (married 2005) |
| Ex-Spouse | Pamela Bowen (married 1992–2001) |
| Children | Evan, Colin, Sarah, Emily |
| Ear Condition | Microtia (right ear) |
| Role in Kiss | Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder |
Stanley married Erin Sutton on November 19, 2005, in Pasadena, California, at the Ritz-Carlton. Sutton is a lawyer and has largely stayed out of the spotlight, according to PEOPLE. His first marriage to actress Pamela Bowen lasted from 1992 to 2001.
The couple’s children include Evan Shane Stanley (born June 1994, from the first marriage), Colin Michael Stanley (September 2006), Sarah Brianna Stanley (January 2009), and Emily Grace Stanley (August 2011). These dates are documented across Wikipedia and PEOPLE.
Stanley has kept his family life relatively private compared to bandmate Gene Simmons. Public details are limited to names and birth dates, with no further personal information disclosed.
How Old Is Paul Stanley? Height, Age, and Net Worth
Age and Birth Date
Stanley was born on January 20, 1952, making him 74 years old as of 2026. This is consistent with multiple sources, including Biography.com and Kiss Wiki.
Height
No reliable height figure for Paul Stanley appears in the provided research. Several fan sites list him at around 6 ft 1 in (185 cm), but none of the cited sources confirm this. Therefore, his exact height remains unverified.
Net Worth
Exact net worth is not confirmed in the provided materials. Estimates range from $150 million to $200 million, but these figures are not backed by official statements. The $200 million figure commonly cited appears to be an estimate from celebrity wealth trackers.
Net worth estimates are speculative and often vary by source. Treat any specific number as approximate unless a reliable financial disclosure is provided.
What Is Paul Stanley’s Ear Condition?
Stanley was born with microtia, a congenital condition affecting the development of the outer ear. In his case, the right ear is affected. He has publicly discussed this, and Wikipedia notes that he underwent reconstructive surgery in 1982, after turning 30. His long hair and half-mask face paint have often been used to conceal the ear.
The condition is more fully explained by the National Health Service (NHS), which describes microtia as a range of ear deformities present at birth. Stanley’s openness about his ear has helped raise awareness.
Microtia varies in severity. Reconstructive surgery is often performed in childhood, but Stanley’s case was addressed later. The condition does not affect hearing in all cases, and Stanley continues to perform without limitations.
Key Events in Paul Stanley’s Life
- – Born in Queens, New York.
- – Co-founds Kiss with Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley.
- – Kiss releases the breakthrough album Alive!
- – Marries first wife Pamela Bowen.
- – Birth of son Evan Shane Stanley.
- – Divorces Pamela Bowen.
- – Marries Erin Sutton.
- – Birth of son Colin Michael Stanley.
- – Birth of daughter Sarah Brianna Stanley.
- – Birth of daughter Emily Grace Stanley.
- – Kiss ends its touring era with a final concert at Madison Square Garden.
- – Stanley remains engaged in Kiss-related projects, including the Kiss Kruise.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date, marriages, children’s names, ear condition, and 1982 surgery are documented in multiple sources. | Exact net worth is not confirmed and varies across estimates. |
| Height is not listed in any reliable source, so it remains unverified. | Specific details of the first marriage and divorce timeline are not fully detailed. |
Paul Stanley’s Role in Kiss and Cultural Impact
As “The Starchild,” Stanley brought a theatrical flair to Kiss, combining elaborate costumes with a distinctive voice. His songwriting contributed to hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” The band’s business model, built on touring and merchandise, helped build Stanley’s wealth.
Unlike some contemporaries, Stanley’s personal life has been lower-profile. He has spoken openly about his ear condition, which shaped his stage look and added depth to his public image.
Sources and Notable Quotes
“Paul Stanley is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and a founding member of the hard rock band Kiss.”
— Wikipedia
In a MusicRadar interview from 2026, Stanley and Gene Simmons reflected on Kiss’s legacy and rivalries. His official website lists current projects and tour announcements.
Paul Stanley: A Lasting Legacy
Paul Stanley’s influence extends beyond music. His career with Kiss, his openness about microtia, and his family life have kept him in the public eye for over five decades. While some personal details remain unverified, the core facts are well-documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Stanley’s real name?
His birth name is Stanley Bert Eisen.
Is Paul Stanley still in Kiss?
The original lineup retired from touring in 2023, but Paul Stanley remains active in the Kiss brand and future projects under the name.
How many solo albums has Paul Stanley released?
He has released several, including Paul Stanley (1978) and Live to Win (2006), though exact counts vary by definition.
Did Paul Stanley have surgery on his ear?
Wikipedia states he had reconstructive surgery in 1982. He has not publicly confirmed the details beyond that.
Who are Paul Stanley’s children?
His children are Evan Shane Stanley, Colin Michael Stanley, Sarah Brianna Stanley, and Emily Grace Stanley.
What is Paul Stanley’s net worth?
Estimates range from $150 million to $200 million, but no official figure is confirmed.
How tall is Paul Stanley?
No reliable height figure has been verified. Some fan sites claim 6 ft 1 in, but official sources do not confirm this.
Who was Paul Stanley’s first wife?
He was married to actress Pamela Bowen from 1992 to 2001.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.