When it comes to counterculture legends, few names resonate as loudly as Tommy Chong. Born on May 24, 1938, Chong is a Canadian-American actor, director, musician, writer, and comedian best known for redefining stoner comedy with his partner Cheech Marin. But behind the joint jokes and laid-back persona lies a life rich in artistry, reinvention, controversy—and even unexpected resilience.
In this long-read, we’ll explore Tommy Chong’s life and legacy in depth: from Tommy Chong movies that shaped pop culture to his net worth, health battles, early years, and whether the comedy icon is still alive today.
🎭 Tommy Chong Young: From Calgary Streets to Comedy Stardom
Before he became the face of cannabis comedy, Tommy Chong was simply a young man from Canada searching for purpose. Born to a Chinese father and Scottish-Irish mother in Edmonton and raised in Calgary, Chong faced a world that wasn’t always accepting of his mixed heritage.
He dropped out of high school at age 16 but quickly found his groove in music. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, Chong played guitar for the R&B band Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. The band even scored a Motown deal and opened for legendary acts like The Supremes.
It was music that took him to Vancouver nightclubs—and comedy that kept him there. During the late ’60s, Chong formed an improvisational comedy group where he met Richard “Cheech” Marin, a Mexican-American artist and activist. Together, they would go on to create history.
🎥 Tommy Chong Movies: Lighting Up Hollywood
Few comedy duos have left a bigger mark on Hollywood than Cheech & Chong. Their debut film “Up in Smoke” (1978) wasn’t just a cult hit; it launched the entire stoner comedy genre. Made on a shoestring budget, the film raked in over $104 million and remains a fan favorite to this day.
Other classic Tommy Chong movies include:
- “Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie” (1980)
- “Nice Dreams” (1981)
- “Things Are Tough All Over” (1982)
- “Still Smokin” (1983)
- “Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers” (1984)
- “Get Out of My Room” (1985)
Beyond the duo’s signature films, Chong found success in television. Fans know and love him as Leo Chingkwake in the sitcom “That ’70s Show,” where he played the hilariously spaced-out hippie boss.
In animation, he lent his unmistakable voice to Yax the Yak in Disney’s Zootopia (2016), showing new generations that humor—and that trademark drawl—never goes out of style.
💰 Tommy Chong Net Worth: How the Comedy Legend Built His Fortune
So, how much is Tommy Chong worth today?
Estimates place his net worth at around $20 million, thanks to:
- Profits from Cheech & Chong films and albums
- Stand-up tours and reunion shows
- TV roles and guest appearances
- Voice work in films like Zootopia
- Cannabis business ventures, including branded products
Despite legal setbacks—including serving nine months in prison in 2003 for selling bongs—Chong turned controversy into currency. His autobiography, “The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint,” offered fans a candid look into prison life and personal growth.
⏳ How Old Is Tommy Chong Today?
Born May 24, 1938, Tommy Chong is currently 87 years old.
Age hasn’t slowed him down. He continues touring, podcasting, and speaking openly about cannabis legalization and alternative health.
✅ Is Tommy Chong Still Alive?
Yes—Tommy Chong is alive, vibrant, and as outspoken as ever!
Even after health scares—including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012 and colorectal cancer in 2016—Chong remains in remission. His daily routine? Light exercise, tango dancing, and healthy eating.
In recent interviews, he’s shared that humor, family, and passion for cannabis advocacy keep him going strong into his late 80s.
📅 Tommy Chong Age, Birthday & Legacy
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Birthday | May 24, 1938 |
| Current Age | 87 years old |
| Heritage | Chinese father, Scottish-Irish mother |
| Citizenship | Became U.S. citizen in late 1980s |
🌱 Tommy Chong’s Cannabis Advocacy
Tommy Chong’s name is practically synonymous with cannabis culture. But it goes deeper than jokes:
- He has long campaigned for legalization and criminal justice reform.
- Post-prison, he launched cannabis brands that promote medical and recreational products.
- In interviews, Chong credits cannabis for pain relief and stress management during cancer treatment.
His approach blends humor with activism—turning decades of counterculture into cultural conversation.
🎤 Beyond the Movies: Stand-Up, Music & Books
Beyond Tommy Chong movies, the comedian is also:
- A seasoned stand-up performer, often touring with Cheech Marin in reunion shows.
- A musician who still jams and records.
- A writer, having penned multiple books blending memoir, humor, and reflections on fame and aging.
In 2024, Cheech & Chong even released a documentary: “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie”—a behind-the-scenes look at their journey, creative clashes, and enduring brotherhood.
👨👩👧 Tommy Chong’s Family
Tommy has been married twice:
- First to Maxine Sneed (1960–1970); they had two daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi.
- Since 1975, to Shelby Chong, with whom he has four children: Paris, Precious, Marcus, and Gilbran.
Many of his kids have followed creative paths in acting, writing, or production.
🏆 A Cultural Icon
Tommy Chong isn’t just a comedian; he’s a trailblazer:
- Helped destigmatize cannabis use through humor.
- Inspired generations of comics, musicians, and filmmakers.
- Brought multicultural identity into mainstream comedy.
His work continues to influence podcasts, memes, and modern stoner comedies.
🔄 Tommy Chong Today: Legacy & Reflections
At 87, Chong remains an icon who:
- Stays fit through dance and weights.
- Advocates for health, humor, and harmony.
- Engages fans via social media and podcasts.
He sums it up best: “I don’t worry about age. I worry about not living fully.”
📝 Conclusion
From Tommy Chong young in smoky nightclubs to Tommy Chong movies that redefined comedy, his story is more than just laughs—it’s resilience, reinvention, and radical honesty. At 87, Tommy Chong is still alive, still laughing, and still teaching us to take life a little less seriously.
For more deep dives on pop culture legends, visit my blog at infory.co.uk.