Tommy Chong is a name synonymous with cannabis culture, comedy, and counterculture rebellion. Best known as one half of the iconic Cheech & Chong duo, the Canadian-American entertainer has built a diverse legacy in music, film, television, and entrepreneurship. As of 2025, Tommy Chong’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, reflecting a lifetime of creative pursuits and business ventures.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born Thomas B. Kin Chong on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Tommy is now 86 years old. He grew up in Calgary, raised by a Scottish-Irish mother and a Chinese-born father. His mixed heritage and early experiences in Canada would later shape his unique comedic voice.
Dropping out of high school at 16, Chong pursued a life in music. He joined a rhythm and blues band called the Shades, eventually relocating to Vancouver. The band evolved into Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, signing with Motown’s Gordy Records in 1965. Their single “Does Your Momma Know About Me” reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Chong’s tenure with the group ended after a late arrival at a performance led to his dismissal, which he later accepted with a $5,000 severance.
Cheech & Chong: The Cannabis Comedy Revolution
Tommy Chong’s career-defining partnership began in the late 1960s when he met Cheech Marin in Vancouver. Marin had fled the Vietnam War draft and found a kindred spirit in Chong. Together, they created a comedy act that humorously explored marijuana culture, authority, and everyday absurdities.
Their big break came in 1978 with the release of “Up in Smoke”, which became a surprise hit, grossing over $44 million. The film was followed by several sequels, including “Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie” and “Nice Dreams”, helping solidify their place in pop culture history.
Although their popularity began to wane in the early 1980s, the duo attempted to diversify with films like “The Corsican Brothers” (1984). Eventually, creative differences led to their split in 1985. Chong had written or co-written nearly all their movies and directed four of them.
Solo Career and TV Fame
Following the split, Chong ventured into solo work, directing and starring in “Far Out Man” (1990). He also tried his hand at sitcoms, including a short-lived CBS pilot titled The Martinez Family.
A major resurgence in his career came in 1998, when he was cast as Leo, a loveable burnout, on the hit series “That ’70s Show.” His performance resonated with fans, and he remained a recurring character throughout the show’s eight-season run.
Over the years, Chong also expanded into voice acting, most notably voicing Yax the yak in Disney’s Zootopia (2016). He returned to the big screen with Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie (2014) and continued to make guest appearances on shows like “Trailer Park Boys,” “The Masked Singer,” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
Legal Trouble and Advocacy
In 2003, Tommy Chong was targeted in Operation Pipe Dreams, a federal investigation into drug paraphernalia. He pled guilty to financing a company that sold bongs online and was sentenced to nine months in federal prison. During his sentence, he was cellmates with Jordan Belfort, the infamous stockbroker whose life inspired “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Despite this setback, Chong used the experience to further his advocacy for cannabis legalization. Today, he is a prominent figure in the cannabis industry and owns a line of marijuana-related products under his brand Chong’s Choice.
Personal Life and Family
Tommy Chong has been married to Shelby Chong since 1975, and the couple has four children together. He also has a daughter from a previous relationship, making him a father of five children in total. Shelby, a comedian and producer, has often collaborated with Tommy throughout his career.
In the late 1980s, Chong became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Over the years, he has battled both prostate and colorectal cancer, crediting medical marijuana and hemp oil with playing a significant role in his recovery.
Real Estate and Investments
Tommy Chong and his wife have made smart real estate investments over the decades. In 2019, the couple listed their West Vancouver home for $7 million. Originally purchased in 1979 for just $230,000 (about $770,000 today when adjusted for inflation), the property sits on 10,000 square feet of land and features 4,000 square feet of living space, complete with panoramic views of Burrard Inlet.
The Chongs have also spent the last few decades residing in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Their home there is estimated to be worth between $6 million to $8 million, adding further to their wealth portfolio.
Current Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Tommy Chong’s net worth is $20 million. His income stems from decades of work in film, television, music, and his successful cannabis brand. More than just a comedian, Chong represents a cultural movement that pushed back against authority and championed freedom of expression. His enduring popularity is a testament to his authenticity and connection with multiple generations of fans.
From smoky stages to Hollywood sets and federal courtrooms to cannabis product launches, Tommy Chong’s journey is as high-spirited as it is inspiring—a true icon in the entertainment world and beyond.
