Thomas B. Kin Chong is an American actor and comedian. He makes most of his income through his marijuana empire, Tommy Chong’s Cannabis.
Chong has been a marijuana advocate for over 50 years, recently collaborating with Paradise Seeds. His products include exclusive hybrid, autoflower, sativa, and indica seeds that combine high-quality Californian and Dutch genetics.
The actor is an avid believer in marijuana’s medicinal properties. He claims that the herb helped him fight cancer twice. Chong believes in using high-quality weeds such as Jack Herer strain seeds for effective treatment and good highs.
As of May 2023, Tommy Cheng’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Keep reading to learn about the life and career of this cannabis legend.
Table of Contents
Biography
Born in 1938 to a Scottish-Canadian mother and a Chinese-Canadian father, Chong also had an older brother, Stan. The family lived a humble life in a conservative neighborhood called “Dog Patch.”
Dropping out of school at 16, Chong discovered the art of music, playing in the streets to make ends meet.
By the early 1960s, the actor had formed a band, Little Daddy and The Bachelors, for which he played the guitar. After finding a fair amount of success, the band signed with a record label in 1965.
Learn more about the star and how to get your hands on Tommy Chong products.
| Full Name | Thomas B. Kin Chong |
| Nickname(s) | Tommy Chong |
| Place of Birth | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Birthdate | May 24th, 1938 |
| Partner | Shelby Chong |
| Children | Rae Dawn Robbi Chong Paris Chong Gilbran Chong Precious Chong Marcus Wyatt |
| Achievements | Movie and television roles Musician Activist |
| Occupation | Actor, activist, comedian, entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $20 million (December 2022) |
Career and Achievements
In 1971, the world met the cannabis-loving duo Cheech and Chong. The actor co-wrote all seven albums and starred in all franchise adaptations.
Tommy Chong and Marin Cheech won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1973, finding fame as weed-loving friends. In 1978, the first official “Cheech and Chong” film, Up in Smoke, debuted and became a generational classic.
By 1985, Chong and Cheech went their separate ways stating creative differences. This move ultimately ended the franchise, forcing the actor to pursue other paths.
After a failed sitcom written by Chong, the marijuana enthusiast starred in several movies and reality shows.
In 2014, the actor participated in Dancing with the Stars, making it to the semifinals with partner Petra Murgatroyd. Chong didn’t win the trophy, but he earned the title of oldest ever contestant to make it as far as he did.
The actor was initially given the part of Shenzi in The Lion King but lost the role when producers opted for Whoopi Goldberg. In 2016, Chong lent his voice to the character Yax in Zootopia.
He continued to take roles in TV and reality shows like The Masked Singer and That 70s Show. His Tommy Chong Cannabis brand continued thriving while he advocated for marijuana legalization.
In 2015, the activist spoke at the “Hash Bash” event in Michigan and shared his views on lawful cannabis use.
The actor extended his brand by working with the fashion label, Slicks. The team has a range of Tommy Chong-inspired apparel. From caps to t-shirts, the clothing boasts weed-themed art and taglines.
In December 2020, the entrepreneur appeared in The Green Fund interview to discuss his plan to launch branded dispensaries.
Paradise Seeds formed a partnership with the celebrity, producing and selling products under Chong’s choice weed brand.
In 2021, the company announced it would change its original name to Tommy Chong’s Collection. Most of the entrepreneur’s earnings come from his apparel and cannabis businesses, contributing to his $20 million net worth.
Family
In 1960, Chong married Maxine Sneed, and they had their son Robbi. The couple also raised the actor’s eldest daughter, Rae Dawn, from his previous relationship with Gail Lewis. They lived in Canada for most of their marriage, divorcing in 1970.
Chong married Shelby Fiddis in 1975 in Los Angeles. The couple has three children, Paris, Gilbran, and Precious, and in 1978 adopted a son, Marcus Wyatt.
Five of his six children have pursued acting careers. Daughter Precious produced a well-known play in Toronto in 2015.
Chong and his eldest daughter, Rae Dawn, became naturalized U.S. citizens in the late 1980s.
Legal Woes
Like most celebrities who smoke cannabis, the activist is no stranger to legal battles. In 2003, an investigation into drug trafficking and use traced online stores selling drug paraphernalia, particularly bongs.
Nice Dreams was a company run by Chong’s son, Paris. Due to the business nature, the operation investigated the establishment for its involvement in selling bongs and water pipes.
Chong was prosecuted and sentenced as a financial backer and business promoter. He admitted to selling over 75,000 bongs and pipes via the online business.
The entrepreneur served a nine-month prison sentence and received a $20,000 fine. His son Paris was not prosecuted and served no time in jail.
In 2006, the cannabis entrepreneur released a memoir, The I Chong: Meditations From The Joint, documenting his prison time.
Living the High Life
The Tommy Chong weed range is a popular go-to guide for tokers. Enthusiasts enjoy the expert-approved herbs, rallying in support of the cannabis legend.
Tommy Chong advocates for the federal government to legalize cannabis. He publicly declared that the herb is the reason he was cancer free in 2019. The actor fought two forms of the disease between 2012 and 2019.
He said, “Legalizing marijuana means a lot more to me than just being able to smoke a joint without being arrested.”
Tommy Chong Net Worth 2023
As of May 2023, Tommy Cheng’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Most of his fortune is attributed to his comedic career and cannabis-related businesses.
The actor has appeared in advertisements for his Tommy Chong Cannabis brand and Paradise Seeds. He also earns royalties from movies, TV shows, and other ventures such as Slick’s apparel.
He has undoubtedly earned a revered place in the marijuana hall of fame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ethnicity is Tommy Chong?
He was born to a Scots-Irish mother Lorna Jean Gilchrist and Stanley Chong, an immigrant from China, and the family moved to a neighborhood near Calgary when Tommy Chong was young.
Who has Tommy Chong smoked with?
In an interview, Tommy Chong shared that he smoked with Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his bodybuilding buddies. He has also smoked with all the Beatles except Paul McCartney.
Are Tommy Chong and Cheech still friends?
They became stoner icons and released more films, but Cheech says that after a few years, Chong wanted sole control of their material. This request led to the end of their friendship.
Key Takeaways
Diversify Your Lifestyle
Tommy Chong is a true hustler. Not only has he created sustainable businesses in the cannabis industry, but he also continues entertaining us with his comedy.
His success has proven that you can diversify your lifestyle and still be successful, even if it means going against the mainstream.
Take Your Health Seriously
Tommy Chong has been a strong advocate for cannabis, declaring the herb as the reason he was cancer-free in 2019. He has highlighted the importance of taking your health seriously and being proactive in finding treatments that suit individual needs.