Thomas B. Kin Chong, known professionally as Tommy Chong, is a Canadian-born musician, director, writer, activist, and comedian. He was born at Edmonton’s University Hospital in Alberta, Canada. His mother, Lorna Jean, was a waitress of Scottish-Irish ancestry, and his father, Stanley Chong, was a Chinese immigrant and truck driver.
Chong began playing guitar at age 16, shortly after dropping out of Crescent Heights High School. He eventually joined a rhythm and blues band called The Shades, which later became known as Little Daddy and the Bachelors. They achieved moderate success with their single "Does Your Mama Know About Me," which reached No. 29 on the U.S. Billboard charts. The band also opened for high-profile acts, including the Jackson 5.
Chong rose to prominence as half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong, known for their marijuana-themed humor and countercultural appeal. He co-wrote and starred in a series of successful films with Cheech Marin, beginning in the late 1970s, with hits such as "Up in Smoke," which became cult classics within the stoner comedy genre. Contrary to a misleading mention, Chong did not appear in a "Cheech and Marin" series; rather, he collaborated consistently with Cheech Marin under the Cheech & Chong brand.
In the 1980s, Chong became a naturalized citizen of the United States while continuing his career in entertainment and music. His work with Cheech & Chong earned them several accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
Chong married Maxine Sneed in 1960. Together, they had two daughters before divorcing in 1970. He later married Shelby Fiddis, with whom he has three children and one adopted child. Several of his children have pursued careers in acting, following in their father's footsteps.
A vocal marijuana activist, Tommy Chong has long supported the legalization of cannabis. He has used his platform to advocate for drug policy reform and natural treatments. In 2012, Chong publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and claimed that he treated the condition using hemp oil. He later reported being cancer-free, attributing his recovery to alternative medicinal practices.
| Birth Date: | 24 May, 1938 |
| Age: | 81 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America Canada |
| Birth Place: | Edmonton |
| Education: | Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Canadian-American comedian, actor, writer, director, activist and musician |
| Twitter Id: | Tommychong |
| Net Worth 2021: | 20 million |
