Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tommy Chong

How Tommy Chong built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tommy Chong, born Thomas B. Kin Chong, is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, musician, and activist, best known for his marijuana-themed Cheech & Chong comedy act with Cheech Marin. Their albums and movies gained significant popularity. Chong also played the character Leo on the television show *That '70s Show*. He's an advocate in the marijuana industry. Chong became a naturalized United States citizen in the late 1980s.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1965: Signing with Gordy Records

In 1965, the Vancouvers, including Tommy Chong, signed with Gordy Records, a subsidiary of Motown Records. The band recorded their debut album and released the single "Does Your Mama Know About Me," co-written by Chong, which peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later in 1965, Chong was fired for lateness after missing a gig while trying to get green cards.

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1973: Grammy Award

In 1973, Cheech & Chong shared the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Los Cochinos.

1985: Cheech & Chong Split

In 1985, Cheech & Chong split due to creative differences, marking a difficult period for Tommy Chong as Cheech Marin pursued a mainstream acting career.

1988: Pilot for CBS

In 1988, Tommy Chong developed an unsold pilot for CBS called The Martinez Family, which was redeveloped as the sitcom Trial and Error.

1990: Far Out Man Movie

In 1990, Tommy Chong directed, wrote, and starred in the movie Far Out Man.

2000: South Park Appearance

In 2000, Tommy Chong appeared with Cheech Marin in the South Park episode "Cherokee Hair Tampons".

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September 2005: a/k/a Tommy Chong Premiere

In September 2005, the documentary a/k/a Tommy Chong premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film chronicles Tommy Chong's comedic and personal history and includes material related to his prosecution and imprisonment.

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2006: Publication of The I Chong

In 2006, Tommy Chong published his memoir, The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint, about his experiences in jail and his exploration of meditation.

The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint

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2006: a/k/a Tommy Chong Documentary

In 2006, the documentary a/k/a Tommy Chong by Josh Gilbert was released, chronicling the events surrounding Tommy Chong's prosecution. In 2006, Tommy Chong also published his book, "The I Chong", about his prison experiences.

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October 2008: Radio Appearances

In October 2008, Cheech & Chong appeared on The Howard Stern Show, the Opie and Anthony Show, and the Ron and Fez Show on SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio.

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March 1, 2010: WWE Raw Hosting

On March 1, 2010, Cheech & Chong hosted WWE Raw in Oklahoma City.

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March 13, 2011: The Simpsons Guest Star

On March 13, 2011, Cheech & Chong were guest stars on The Simpsons episode "A Midsummer's Nice Dream."

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2011: Guest Appearance on Franklin & Bash

In 2011, Tommy Chong appeared as a Judge in an episode of Franklin & Bash.

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September 4, 2014: Dancing with the Stars Announcement

On September 4, 2014, Tommy Chong was announced as a participant on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, paired with Peta Murgatroyd.

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September 15, 2014: Dancing with the Stars Opener

On September 15, 2014, Cheech Marin appeared in Tommy Chong's first dance in the season opener of Dancing with the Stars. Additionally, around the same time, Cheech and Chong appeared together on Getting Doug with High.

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April 4, 2015: Hash Bash Appearance

On April 4, 2015, Tommy Chong appeared as a guest speaker at the annual "Hash Bash" event in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which focuses on cannabis legalization.

2016: Voice of Yax in Zootopia

In 2016, Tommy Chong provided the voice for the character Yax in the Disney film Zootopia.

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November 2017: Guest Star and Subscription Box Partnership

In November 2017, Tommy Chong guest-starred as himself in an episode of the Trailer Park Boys spinoff Out of the Park: USA. He also partnered with Daily High Club to create the DHC Tommy Chong Signature Smoking Supply Box in 2017.

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January 9, 2019: The Masked Singer

On January 9, 2019, Tommy Chong competed in season one of The Masked Singer as "Pineapple" and sang "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.

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May 23, 2019: The Joe Rogan Experience

On May 23, 2019, Tommy Chong appeared on episode #1303 of the internet video podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, hosted by Joe Rogan.

June 19, 2019: The Church Of What's Happening Now Appearance

On June 19, 2019, Tommy Chong appeared on episode #694 of the internet video podcast "The Church Of What's Happening Now", hosted by Joey Diaz.

April 2020: Collaboration with Slicks

In April 2020, Tommy Chong's brand started working alongside the fashion brand Slicks.

December 18, 2020: The Green Fund Interview

On December 18, 2020, Tommy Chong appeared in the online cannabis publication The Green Fund for an interview to discuss his career with Cheech & Chong and his upcoming branded dispensaries.