Childhood and Education Journey of Tommy Chong in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 24, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Tommy Chong. A timeline of key moments.

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

May 24, 1938: Tommy Chong's Birth

On May 24, 1938, Thomas B. Kin Chong, now known as Tommy Chong, was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, musician, and activist.

Others born on this day/year

1960: Marriage to Maxine Sneed

In 1960, Tommy Chong married Maxine Sneed in Canada. She is the older sister of drummer Floyd Sneed.

1961: Birth of Rae Dawn Chong

In 1961, Rae Dawn Chong, Tommy Chong's daughter with Maxine Sneed, was born.

1965: Birth of Robbi Chong

In 1965, Robbi Chong, Tommy Chong's daughter with Maxine Sneed, was born.

1967: Birth of Marcus Wyatt

In 1967, Marcus Wyatt was born, who was later adopted by Tommy Chong and Shelby Fiddis in 1978.

1970: Divorce from Maxine Sneed

In 1970, Tommy Chong and Maxine Sneed divorced.

1975: Marriage to Shelby Fiddis

In 1975, Tommy Chong married Shelby Fiddis in Los Angeles.

1978: Adoption of Marcus Wyatt

In 1978, Tommy Chong and Shelby Fiddis adopted Marcus Wyatt.

1999: Nice Dreams Started

In 1999, Paris Chong started Nice Dreams.

May 7, 2008: Raid of Spectrum Labs

On May 7, 2008, federal agents raided Spectrum Labs as part of Operation True Test, led by U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan. The investigation targeted companies selling masking products intended to help drug users pass employer drug tests.

2010: Democratic Party Fundraiser

In 2010, Tommy Chong and Cyril Wecht appeared at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to aid the campaign against Mary Beth Buchanan, the United States Attorney who prosecuted him.

June 9, 2012: Prostate Cancer Announcement

On June 9, 2012, Tommy Chong announced that he was battling prostate cancer.

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.