Tommy Chong, the iconic Canadian-born comedian, actor, musician, director, cannabis entrepreneur, and longtime counterculture figure, has built an impressive and multi-faceted career over several decades.
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $20 million, amassed through his legendary work with Cheech & Chong, a solo acting career, music, and his thriving cannabis business ventures.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Thomas B. Kin Chong on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Tommy Chong grew up in Calgary. His father was Chinese, and his mother was of Scottish-Irish descent.
He dropped out of high school at age 16 and started playing guitar to support himself—later joking that it was also a great way to meet women.
His music career took off in the early 1960s when he joined a band called The Shades, which eventually evolved into Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers.
The band signed with Gordy Records, a subsidiary of Motown, and scored a hit in 1965 with “Does Your Momma Know About Me”, which reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Although the Vancouvers briefly toured with The Jackson 5, Chong was eventually fired after showing up late to a gig. Offered a chance to return, he declined and instead took a $5,000 severance package—a decision that would lead him down the path to comedy.
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Cheech & Chong: Comedy Royalty
In the late 1960s, Chong met Cheech Marin, who was then in Canada avoiding the Vietnam War draft. The two bonded over humor, music, and marijuana, eventually forming the legendary stoner-comedy duo Cheech & Chong.
The pair rose to fame in the 1970s and early ’80s, becoming icons of the counterculture movement. Their comedy was unapologetically centered around marijuana, police encounters, and Chicano culture.
Their debut film, “Up in Smoke” (1978), was a surprise box-office hit, earning $44 million, and later became a cult classic. It was followed by sequels like:
- Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980)
- Nice Dreams (1981)
- Things Are Tough All Over (1982)
- Still Smokin’ (1983)
- The Corsican Brothers (1984)
Although immensely successful, their popularity began to decline by the mid-80s. Marin wanted to pursue more mainstream acting roles, and by 1985, the duo split over creative differences.
Notably, Chong not only starred in but also wrote and directed many of their films, showcasing his behind-the-camera talents.
Solo Career: Sitcom Star & Voice Talent
Following the breakup with Cheech, Tommy attempted to pivot into solo projects. He created a pilot for CBS called The Martinez Family, which was ultimately reworked into the sitcom Trial and Error.
In 1990, Chong wrote, directed, and starred in Far Out Man, a semi-autobiographical comedy.
However, his most notable comeback came in 1998, when he was cast as Leo, the lovable hippie on the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
The role reintroduced him to a new generation of fans and became a fan-favorite recurring character through the series’ run.
Beyond that, Chong made numerous appearances in shows such as:
- Dharma & Greg
- Trailer Park Boys
- Franklin & Bash
- The Masked Singer
- Dancing with the Stars
- The Joe Rogan Experience
He also appeared in the animated movie Zootopia (2016), voicing the character Yax, a chilled-out, yoga-practicing yak—fittingly close to his real-life persona.
Cannabis Entrepreneurship & Legal Issues
As a lifelong cannabis advocate, Tommy Chong has used his platform to promote legalization and responsible marijuana use.
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He co-founded a successful cannabis brand, Tommy Chong’s Cannabis, offering a variety of CBD and THC products, from oils to pre-rolls.
But his activism hasn’t come without consequences. In 2003, Chong became the most famous figure prosecuted in Operation Pipe Dreams, a federal crackdown on companies selling drug paraphernalia.
Chong’s company was accused of selling bongs online, and despite being a first-time non-violent offender, he was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison and fined.
Ironically, while incarcerated, his cellmate was Jordan Belfort, the infamous stockbroker later portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Health Challenges
Tommy Chong has faced significant health issues in recent years. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and later with colorectal cancer.
He has openly credited hemp oil and medical marijuana for aiding in his treatment and recovery, which only deepened his involvement in cannabis advocacy.
Despite his health setbacks, Chong has remained active and continues to appear at public events, in media, and on cannabis panels.
Personal Life & Family
Tommy Chong has been married to Shelby Chong, an actress and producer, since 1975. Together, they have raised five children, some biological and some adopted, including Rae Dawn Chong, a successful actress in her own right (Commando, The Color Purple).
Shelby herself was heavily involved in Chong’s career, co-producing many of the Cheech & Chong films and appearing in several of them.
Their partnership has remained solid for over 40 years, and they continue to collaborate on projects together.
Real Estate & Lifestyle
In 2019, Tommy and Shelby put their West Vancouver home on the market for $7 million. They had originally purchased the scenic property in 1979 for $230,000, which was a bargain even back then.
The house is located on a 10,000-square-foot lot and features 4,000 square feet of living space, natural light-filled interiors, and sweeping views of the Burrard Inlet.
The couple also owns a home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, estimated to be worth between $6 to $8 million.
Their real estate portfolio mirrors the success and laid-back elegance associated with their lifestyle.
Legacy, Influence & Cultural Status
Tommy Chong is far more than a comedian—he’s an enduring symbol of counterculture, a pioneer for cannabis rights, and a pop culture icon.
From music and film to activism and health advocacy, he has influenced generations of fans and creatives.
He helped destigmatize marijuana use, long before legalization was mainstream, and continues to support reforms across North America.
His comedic persona—laid-back, spiritual, and irreverently honest—helped define an era of anti-establishment humor that resonates even today.
His partnership with Cheech Marin created a genre of comedy that fused Latino identity, political satire, and weed culture, breaking new ground in both comedy and representation.
