Few entertainers embody counterculture like Tommy Chong. From his rise to stoner comedy fame with Cheech & Chong to his more recent appearances on hit TV shows, Chong’s life has been as colorful and unconventional as the characters he plays. Today, fans remain fascinated by his wealth, career longevity, family, and personal life. In this detailed article, we explore Tommy Chong’s net worth, age, biography, movies, TV shows, relationships, and family.
Who is Tommy Chong?
Tommy Chong (full name Thomas B. Kin Chong) was born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The son of a Chinese father and a Scottish-Irish mother, Chong grew up in Calgary and discovered a love for music early on.
Before becoming a comedy icon, he was a guitarist in a rhythm and blues band, Little Daddy and the Bachelors. It was during this time he developed his stage presence and sense of humor, eventually meeting Cheech Marin in the late 1960s. Their partnership would become one of the most successful comedy duos in history.
Chong is not only a comedian but also an actor, director, writer, and cannabis activist. He has remained in the spotlight for over five decades, adapting to new generations of fans.
Tommy Chong’s Age
As of 2025, Tommy Chong is 87 years old. Despite his age, he continues to make appearances in film, television, and podcasts, proving his enduring relevance. His longevity is often credited to his lifestyle changes, family support, and positive outlook—even after battling prostate and colorectal cancer in past years.
Tommy Chong’s Net Worth
Celebrity finance estimates place Tommy Chong’s net worth around $20 million.
This wealth comes from:
- Cheech & Chong movies and albums (late 1970s–1980s).
- Television appearances, especially on That ’70s Show.
- Endorsements and cannabis business ventures, particularly after legalization.
- Live comedy tours and music performances.
It’s worth noting that Chong’s earnings suffered during his nine-month federal prison sentence in 2003 for selling bongs online, but he rebounded financially thanks to renewed fame and the cannabis legalization movement.
Tommy Chong’s Movies
Chong’s filmography spans cult classics and mainstream roles. His most famous works include:
- Cheech & Chong films:
- Up in Smoke (1978) – their breakthrough, considered the first stoner comedy.
- Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980).
- Nice Dreams (1981).
- Still Smokin (1983).
- Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers (1984).
- Later films:
- Far Out Man (1990).
- Half Baked (1998), alongside Dave Chappelle.
- Zootopia (2016), as the voice of Yax the yak.
- Color Out of Space (2019), a sci-fi horror with Nicolas Cage.
The Cheech & Chong era defined his career, but his later works proved his versatility as both a comedic and character actor.
Tommy Chong’s TV Shows
Beyond movies, Chong has had a long television career:
- That ’70s Show (1999–2006): He played Leo Chingkwake, the lovable, spaced-out hippie, a role that won him new generations of fans.
- That ’90s Show (2023–present): Reprising Leo in the Netflix revival.
- Dancing with the Stars (2014): Made it to the semifinals at age 76, partnered with Peta Murgatroyd.
- The Masked Singer (2019): Revealed as “Pineapple.”
- Guest appearances in shows like Nash Bridges, The George Lopez Show, and MADtv.
Chong has proven his comedic timing works across multiple formats—from sitcoms to reality TV.
Tommy Chong’s Relationships
Tommy Chong and Maxine Sneed
Chong’s first marriage was to Maxine Sneed in 1960. The couple had two daughters: Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong. They divorced in 1970 but remained co-parents.
Tommy Chong Married to Shelby Chong
In 1975, Chong married Shelby Chong, a comedian and producer. The couple often worked together, with Shelby appearing in Cheech & Chong films and later producing shows. They share four children: Paris, Gilbran, Precious, and Marcus (adopted). Their marriage has lasted nearly 50 years, one of the rare long-lasting unions in Hollywood.
Other Notable Connections
Through his daughter Rae Dawn, Chong is connected to actor C. Thomas Howell, who was once her husband. His family ties extend deep into the entertainment industry.
Tommy Chong’s Kids
Tommy Chong is the father of six children:
- Rae Dawn Chong (with Maxine Sneed) – Actress, known for films like Quest for Fire (1981) and Commando (1985).
- Robbi Chong (with Maxine Sneed) – Actress and former model.
- Paris Chong – Worked with Chong on live tours.
- Gilbran Chong – Artist and designer.
- Precious Chong – Actress, comedian, and writer.
- Marcus Chong (adopted) – Actor, known for The Matrix (1999).
The Chong family is deeply rooted in the arts, with several members pursuing careers in film, comedy, or performance.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Chong’s influence extends beyond entertainment. He is a symbol of cannabis culture, fighting for legalization and promoting its medical benefits. His comedy shaped the stoner genre, inspiring countless movies and performers.
Even after legal troubles and health battles, Chong remains admired for his resilience, humor, and contributions to counterculture comedy. His longevity in Hollywood, his family legacy, and his connection with multiple generations of fans cement his place in pop culture history.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings in Edmonton to becoming a comedy legend and cannabis activist, Tommy Chong’s journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, a career spanning over 50 years, and a strong family foundation, Chong continues to thrive.
Whether fans remember him from Up in Smoke, That ’70s Show, or The Masked Singer, his cultural impact is undeniable. And as he enters his late 80s, Tommy Chong proves that age is just a number when passion and creativity drive you.
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