Jewish Celebrities

Today’s Jewish birthday: Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons (August 25, 1949), also known by his stage persona “the Demon”, is an Israeli and American musician and songwriter. He was the bassist and co-lead singer of the hard rock band Kiss, which he co-founded with Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss in 1973. Simmons, alongside Stanley, remained a constant member of the band until their dissolution in 2023. [Wikipedia]

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Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Wikipedia

Recipients of legacy franchises such as Star Trek should render honor to those who came before

Asked which Roddenberry principle should be carried into the franchise’s next 60 years, Takei chose IDIC, Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. He explained that diversity includes the histories people carry, the ways they respond, and what they learn from one another. (Shor M. Masori)

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Business & Finance, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

What did Marilyn Monroe read?

Monroe’s trove is a spellbinder with opportunities for many discoveries about intellectual growth, social connections, political views and the literary milieu between author, publisher, and reader. Monroe, an autodidact, self-directed her education aided by purchases, gifts from authors and friends, and World Literature extension courses at UCLA. She visited Powell Library before it was called the Powell Library. Marilyn did not graduate high school, she wanted to “better” herself. [Oliver Pollak]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Oliver Pollak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

JFest brings Leonard Cohen’s music, stories, and spirit to The Conrad

Batalla noted that in 2026, Yom Kippur falls on Cohen’s birthday. The following song, “Who by Fire,” was based on the prayer Unetanneh Tokef. He wrote it after the improvised concerts he gave IDF soldiers during the Yom Kippur War. For “Who By Fire,” Batalla introduced the udu, an African water drum, and the guitar-like Middle Eastern oud played by Dimitris Jimmy Mahlis, who toured with her and Cohen. Batalla said Cohen’s touring band always had an oud player and said in the hands of a master it has been called a direct line to God. {Shor M. Masori]

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Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish American Heritage Month nears conclusion

Jewish Heritage Month is ending in a few days. I was pleased to see a display on my way out of an event at La Mesa Arts Academy honoring famous Jewish Americans. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Comedian Alex Edelman jokes about different streams of Judaism at JFEST opener

After greeting the audience Edelman, who grew up Orthodox, opened with a groaner. “What’s the difference between a reform Rabbi and Donald Trump?” He asked. The answer, “Donald Trump has Jewish grandchildren.” As the crowd groaned in unison, he noted that yes, it was a bad joke, and yes, everyone would be repeating it.  He wasn’t wrong on either count. [Sandi Masori]

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Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Today’s Jewish birthday: Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld (April 29, 1954) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker, and television producer specializing in observational comedy. Seinfeld gained stardom playing a fictionalized version of himself in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998), which he co-created and wrote with Larry David. [Wikipedia]

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Today’s Jewish birthday: James Franco

James Franco (April 19, 1978) is an American actor and filmmaker. He has starred in numerous films, including Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007), Milk (2008), Eat Pray Love (2010), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Spring Breakers (2012), and Oz the Great and Powerful (2013). [Wikipedia]

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Jewish Celebrities, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Hollywood celebrity gifting suite is about more than just swag

However, after spending time at Heather Marianna’s pre-Oscar’s celebrity gifting suite, “A Toast to Hollywood,” I came away with the sense that the event is also very much about connection, strategy, and giving brands a shot at being seen in a crowded world. [Sandi Masori]

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Business & Finance, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Rob Reiner

Robert Reiner (March 6, 1947 – December 14, 2025) was an American filmmaker and actor. He directed a series of acclaimed studio films in a career that spanned comedy, drama, romance, and documentary. Reiner received numerous accolades, including winning two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Hugo Award, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and nine Golden Globe Awards. [Wikipedia]

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