Cheech Marin, born Richard Anthony Marin, is a beloved American comedian, actor, writer, voice artist, cannabis entrepreneur, and cultural advocate.
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $30 million, a testament to his dynamic and enduring career that spans across multiple entertainment industries and social movements.
Early Life & Background: From South L.A. to Stardom
Cheech was born on July 13, 1946, in South Los Angeles, California, to Mexican-American parents, Elsa and Oscar Marin. His mother worked as a secretary, and his father was a police officer with the LAPD.
Proudly identifying as Chicano, Marin’s early life was marked by a strong cultural identity and a close-knit family upbringing.
As a baby, he underwent surgery to correct a cleft lip, and earned the nickname “Cheech” from his uncle, who said he resembled a chicharrón (fried pork rind).
He attended Bishop Alemany High School, later studying English at California State University, Northridge, where he also joined Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
In the late 1960s, Marin moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War—a move that inadvertently led to his life-changing partnership with Tommy Chong.
Cheech & Chong: The Cultural Comedy Duo That Defined a Generation
Marin met Tommy Chong while living in Vancouver, and the two began performing improv comedy together.
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Their chemistry evolved into the groundbreaking duo Cheech & Chong, who rose to fame in the 1970s and became cultural icons.
Together, they released 11 comedy albums, many of which went Gold, and won a Grammy Award in 1974 for “Los Cochinos”.
Their albums, including “Big Bambu” and “Wedding Album”, mixed sketch comedy, satire, and countercultural commentary, particularly focusing on marijuana use and Latino identity.
Their cinematic debut, “Up in Smoke” (1978), was a massive success, grossing $44.3 million (over $150 million today, adjusted for inflation). It launched a string of hits:
- Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980)
- Nice Dreams (1981)
- Things Are Tough All Over (1982)
- Still Smokin (1983)
- The Corsican Brothers (1984)
- Get Out of My Room (1985)
Although the pair split in 1985, they sporadically reunited over the decades, including for a 2008 national tour, and voice appearances on “The Simpsons” and “South Park”. They also co-starred in “Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie!” in 2013.
Solo Film and TV Career: A Versatile Performer
After parting ways with Chong, Marin proved his versatility by pursuing a solo acting career. He directed, wrote, and starred in the film “Born in East L.A.” (1987), a cult classic inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s song of the same name.
The film was a critical success and won multiple awards at the Havana Film Festival.
Cheech’s film appearances span numerous genres:
- Comedies: “Tin Cup” (1996), “Troop Beverly Hills” (1989), “The Great White Hype” (1996)
- Action and Horror: “From Dusk Till Dawn” (1996), “Machete” (2010)
- Children’s Movies: “Spy Kids” franchise (2001–2003), “Race to Witch Mountain” (2009)
In television, he had a leading role in the CBS police drama “Nash Bridges” from 1996 to 2001, playing Inspector Joe Dominguez alongside Don Johnson. He reportedly earned $75,000 per episode, and appeared in all 120 episodes.
He also had key roles in:
- Judging Amy (2004–2005) – Ignacio Messina
- The Golden Palace (1992–1993) – a spin-off of The Golden Girls
- Lost (2007–2009) – as Hurley’s father, David Reyes
Voice Acting & Children’s Entertainment
Marin became a prominent voice actor, especially for Disney and Pixar films:
- Tito the Chihuahua in “Oliver & Company” (1988)
- Banzai the Hyena in “The Lion King” (1994)
- Ramone in “Cars” (2006), “Cars 2” (2011), and “Cars 3” (2017)
He voiced characters in:
- “The Book of Life” (2014)
- “Coco” (2017) – another celebration of Latino culture
- “El Americano: The Movie” (2016)
- Numerous video games, including “Kingdom Hearts II” and “Scarface: The World is Yours”
Cheech also created two best-selling children’s albums:
- “My Name is Cheech, the School Bus Driver” (1992)
- “Coast to Coast” (1997)
He expanded into children’s literature with three books, blending humor and cultural themes for young readers.
Entrepreneurship & Cannabis Advocacy: Cheech’s Stash
A lifelong marijuana advocate, Cheech entered the legal cannabis market with Cheech’s Stash, a brand offering high-quality cannabis and CBD products such as tinctures and body creams.
Following two knee replacement surgeries, Marin has openly discussed using cannabis for pain relief, further validating his connection to the industry.
Cheech’s Stash represents not only a business venture but a natural extension of his long-standing advocacy for legalization and responsible use.
Art Collector and Cultural Leader
In addition to his entertainment legacy, Cheech Marin is a serious art collector, especially known for his deep commitment to Chicano and Latino art. His personal collection contains over 700 works, including pieces by:
- Diego Rivera
- Ed Ruscha
Numerous contemporary Chicano artists
In 2017, Marin helped found The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry in Riverside, California.
This groundbreaking cultural center preserves and promotes Chicano art and history, and has been described as a vital institution for Latino representation in American art.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Cheech has owned several homes in Malibu, California, some of which were jointly purchased with his second wife Patti Heid during the 1990s. At one point, their estate spanned four adjoining properties.
Following their divorce in 2009, she retained two of them, and Cheech sold one in 2010 for $6 million. He now lives in a different Malibu home with his current wife, Natasha Rubin, whom he married in August 2009.
Marin has three children—one from his first marriage to Darlene Morley and two with Patti Heid.
He remains active in the public eye but is known for his grounded lifestyle and commitment to family and culture.
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Awards and Accolades
Cheech Marin has received numerous honors throughout his career:
- Grammy Award (Best Comedy Album, 1974)
- ALMA Awards – Community Service (1999), Career Achievement (2012)
- Havana Film Festival – Best Screenplay, Glauber Rocha Award, Grand Coral (for Born in East L.A.)
- Imagen Awards – Creative Achievement Award (2001)
- American Comedy Award – Nomination for Tin Cup
- NCLR Bravo Awards – Multiple acting nominations
- He also won Celebrity Jeopardy! during a Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational, defeating Aisha Tyler and Anderson Cooper.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Cheech Marin is more than just a comedian or actor—he is a trailblazing Chicano icon whose work has helped normalize Latino culture in mainstream media.
He’s played a pivotal role in breaking stereotypes, advocating for cannabis legalization, and preserving Latino artistic expression.
With a net worth of $30 million, a portfolio of hit films, albums, children’s media, cannabis ventures, and a cultural institution in his name, Cheech has created a legacy that spans far beyond entertainment.
He’s influenced generations of comedians, artists, and fans—proving that authenticity, humor, and heart can be powerful tools for change.
