Rae Dawn Chong is one of those actresses whose career reflects both Hollywood glamour and the unique heritage she brings from her diverse family background. Known for her roles in Commando (1985), The Color Purple (1985), and Quest for Fire (1981), she has left an indelible mark on the film industry. But who is Rae Dawn Chong beyond her movie credits? In this article, we will explore Rae Dawn Chong’s age, family ties, net worth, movies, personal relationships, and more, giving a comprehensive view of her life and career.
Who is Rae Dawn Chong?
Rae Dawn Chong is a Canadian-American actress born on February 28, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is the daughter of Tommy Chong, the legendary comedian, actor, and musician who became famous as one half of the duo Cheech & Chong, and Maxine Sneed, a Black Canadian editor.
Growing up in a multicultural household shaped Rae Dawn’s worldview and career. Her mixed ancestry includes Chinese and Scots-Irish heritage from her father and Black Canadian and Cherokee ancestry from her mother. This diverse lineage is one of the aspects that makes Rae Dawn Chong stand out as a unique figure in Hollywood.
From her teenage years, Rae Dawn showed a passion for acting and storytelling. She landed her first roles in television and film during the late 1970s and quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s with performances that balanced charm, emotional depth, and strength.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Age
Born in 1961, Rae Dawn Chong is currently 64 years old (as of 2025). Her career spans nearly five decades, during which she has moved fluidly between cinema, television, and independent projects. Despite age being a limiting factor for many actresses in Hollywood, Rae Dawn has managed to stay relevant by taking diverse roles and embracing both mainstream and independent productions.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Net Worth
Over her long career, Rae Dawn Chong has accumulated wealth primarily from her acting work in films and television. Various celebrity finance websites estimate her net worth between $2 million and $4 million.
Her breakout roles in big-budget films like Commando and The Color Purple in the 1980s cemented her financial stability. Over time, recurring roles in television series such as Mysterious Ways and appearances in critically acclaimed productions like Impeachment: American Crime Story also contributed to her income.
In addition to acting, Rae Dawn Chong has also done some directing and writing work, further diversifying her career and financial base. While she may not be among the wealthiest Hollywood stars, her financial success reflects a steady and respected presence in the entertainment industry.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Movies and Career Highlights
Rae Dawn Chong’s career is marked by a wide variety of roles, ranging from mainstream action to thought-provoking dramas. Below is an overview of her most notable movies and television appearances:
Early Career and Breakthrough
- Stony Island (1978): Her first credited movie role.
- Quest for Fire (1981): A critically acclaimed prehistoric adventure film where she played Ika. This role earned her the Genie Award for Best Actress.
Iconic 1980s Roles
- Beat Street (1984): A hip-hop drama film where she played Tracy Carlson.
- Choose Me (1984): She portrayed Pearl Antoine in this romantic drama.
- Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers (1984): Appeared alongside her father, Tommy Chong.
- Commando (1985): One of her most famous roles, starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger as Cindy, a flight attendant caught up in the chaos.
- The Color Purple (1985): Rae Dawn played “Squeak,” a supporting but memorable character in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel.
- Soul Man (1986): She portrayed Sarah Walker, a law student, in this controversial comedy.
- The Principal (1987): Starred as Hilary Orozco alongside James Belushi.
1990s and Beyond
- Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990): Played Carola in one of the anthology segments.
- Time Runner (1993): A science fiction movie starring Mark Hamill, where Rae Dawn played Karen Donaldson.
- Boulevard (1994): She starred alongside Lou Diamond Phillips in this drama.
- Cursed Part 3 (2000s): Part of her lesser-known film appearances.
Television Work
- Melrose Place (1990s): Guest appearances.
- Mysterious Ways (2000–2002): Played Dr. Peggy Fowler in this science fiction series, earning a new generation of fans.
- Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021): Played Betty Currie, Bill Clinton’s secretary, in the FX anthology series.
- Interview with the Vampire (2022): Appeared in AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s classic novel.
Through these roles, Rae Dawn Chong showcased her ability to embody a range of characters — from vulnerable and earnest to strong and fearless.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Father and Family Relations
Rae Dawn Chong is the daughter of Tommy Chong, a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and musician. Tommy Chong is most famous for his comedy duo Cheech & Chong, which rose to fame in the 1970s with a series of stoner comedy films and albums. His humor and cultural influence made him a counterculture icon.
Her mother, Maxine Sneed, was the editor of Black Radio Magazine. Though she stayed out of the Hollywood limelight, she was an important influence on Rae Dawn’s upbringing.
Rae Dawn’s siblings and extended family connections include:
- Robbi Chong: Younger sister, an actress and model.
- Marcus Chong: Adopted brother, best known for his role as Tank in The Matrix (1999).
- Paris, Gilbran, and Precious Chong: Half-siblings from Tommy Chong’s later marriage.
This extended family connection to entertainment and activism has given Rae Dawn both inspiration and a unique support system.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Marriages and Relationships
Over the years, Rae Dawn Chong has been married three times:
- Owen Baylis (1982–?): A stockbroker and her first husband. Together, they had one son, Morgan.
- C. Thomas Howell (1989–1990): Her co-star from Soul Man. The marriage was short-lived.
- Nathan Ulrich (2011–2014): A later marriage that also ended in divorce.
She has also been linked romantically to other well-known figures, including a brief association with musician Mick Jagger in her younger years.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Children
Rae Dawn Chong has one son, Morgan Baylis, from her first marriage to Owen Baylis. Through him, she is also a grandmother. According to some sources, Rae Dawn has two grandchildren, a boy and a girl. Despite her Hollywood career, Rae Dawn has often emphasized the importance of family and personal relationships in interviews.
Rae Dawn Chong’s Legacy
Rae Dawn Chong is more than just a film actress. She is part of a Hollywood dynasty thanks to her father, Tommy Chong, but she carved out her own path by choosing diverse roles and proving her versatility.
Her career highlights not only Hollywood’s evolving landscape but also the challenges faced by women of mixed heritage in the entertainment industry. Whether through her award-winning performance in Quest for Fire or her action-hero sidekick role in Commando, Rae Dawn Chong remains a significant figure in film and television history.
As of today, she continues to inspire audiences and aspiring actors alike.
Conclusion
Rae Dawn Chong’s journey through Hollywood is one filled with resilience, talent, and cultural importance. From her unique family background as the daughter of Tommy Chong, to her standout roles in films such as Commando and The Color Purple, Rae Dawn’s career represents both struggle and success.
At 64 years old, with a net worth estimated between $2 million and $4 million, Rae Dawn Chong has built a legacy that will outlast trends and industry shifts. Beyond her marriages, children, and personal life, she stands as a role model for diversity and longevity in the film industry.
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