What is Tommy Chong's Net Worth?
Tommy Chong is a Canadian comedian, actor, musician, and director with a net worth of $20 million. Notably recognized as one half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong, Chong has enjoyed a dynamic career in entertainment. Together with his partner Cheech Marin, Chong produced a series of successful comedy albums and cult classic films in the 1970s and 1980s, such as "Up in Smoke" and "Nice Dreams." Beyond his time with Marin, Chong appeared in various movies and TV shows and became an advocate for cannabis legalization, navigating legal issues related to his support for the industry.
Early Life
Thomas B. Kin Chong was born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta. Raised in Calgary by a Scottish-Irish mother and a Chinese-born father, Tommy left high school at 16 to pursue music. He began playing guitar to make a living and later remarked that it was also a great way to "get laid."
Music Career
Tommy Chong started his music career with the band Shades, moving to Vancouver for better opportunities. Eventually, the band, renamed the Vancouvers, released the single "Does Your Momma Know About Me," which reached number 29 on the Billboard charts. After a fallout with his managers, Chong left the band.
Cheech & Chong
Chong met Cheech Marin in the late 1960s in Vancouver. Bonding over their mutual love for marijuana, they formed a successful comedic duo, performing stand-up acts and releasing comedy albums and films. Their film Up in Smoke became a surprise hit, grossing $44 million at the box office. They released several sequels but saw a decline in popularity by the mid-1980s, leading to their eventual split in 1985 over creative differences.
(Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb)
Solo Career
Following the breakup with Marin, Chong pursued a solo career. He worked on a pilot for CBS called The Martinez Family and wrote, directed, and starred in Far Out Man in 1990. In 1998, Chong took on the role of Leo on the hit sitcom That '70s Show, becoming a fan favorite. He also voiced the character Yax in the 2016 Disney film Zootopia and reunited with Cheech Marin in various projects, including Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie in 2014.
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Controversy
As part of Operation Pipe Dream, Chong faced charges for financing a company selling drug paraphernalia. Despite negotiating a plea deal, he was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and fined. During his sentence, he was cellmates with Jordan Belfort, the notorious figure behind "The Wolf of Wall Street."
Personal Life
Tommy Chong became an American citizen in the late 1980s. He has battled prostate and colorectal cancer, crediting hemp oil and medical marijuana treatments for aiding his recovery. Chong has been married to Shelby Chong since 1975.
Real Estate
In 2019, Chong listed his West Vancouver home, a property he originally bought in 1979 for $230,000 (around $770,000 adjusted for inflation). The renovated 1937 house with stunning views of Burrard Inlet was priced at $7 million. Chong also owns a home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, valued between $6-8 million.
