History of Tommy Chong in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1973: Grammy Award
In 1973, Cheech & Chong shared the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Los Cochinos.
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.
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".
October 8, 2003: Imprisonment
On October 8, 2003, Tommy Chong began serving a 9-month sentence at the Taft Correctional Institution due to his involvement in Operation Pipe Dreams. In addition to his prison sentence, Chong faced a fine of $20,000, forfeiture of $103,514, and the loss of merchandise seized during the raid of his business.
2003: Operation Pipe Dreams
In 2003, Tommy Chong became caught up in Operation Pipe Dreams and Operation Headhunter, investigations targeting businesses selling drug paraphernalia. Nice Dreams, a business associated with Chong, was one of the fifty-five companies investigated. The estimated cost of Operation Pipe Dreams was over $12 million.
July 7, 2004: Release from Prison
On July 7, 2004, Tommy Chong was released from the Taft Correctional Institution after serving 9 months for his involvement in Operation Pipe Dreams. He served as a cellmate of Jordan Belfort, who credits Chong with encouraging him to write his memoirs.
December 2004: The Marijuana-Logues Cancelled
In December 2004, Tommy Chong was barred from appearing in The Marijuana-Logues by his parole officer, resulting in the cancellation of the tour. The cancellation was due to audience members smoking pot during performances, which would violate the terms of his parole.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
2011: Guest Appearance on Franklin & Bash
In 2011, Tommy Chong appeared as a Judge in an episode of Franklin & Bash.
June 9, 2012: Prostate Cancer Announcement
On June 9, 2012, Tommy Chong announced that he was battling prostate cancer.
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.
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.
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.
June 16, 2015: Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
On June 16, 2015, Tommy Chong announced he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and was "using cannabis like crazy" to endure the treatment.
2016: Voice of Yax in Zootopia
In 2016, Tommy Chong provided the voice for the character Yax in the Disney film Zootopia.
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.
2018: Death of Stan Chong
In 2018, Stan Chong, Tommy Chong's older brother, died.
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.
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.
2019: Cancer-Free Announcement
In 2019, Tommy Chong announced that he is "cancer-free", suggesting that stress may have contributed to his condition.
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.
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