Maxine Sneed is a name that rose to prominence primarily due to her association with the well-known Canadian-American actor, comedian, and cannabis rights activist, Tommy Chong. Despite her successful career as a former editor of ‘Black Radio Magazine,’ it was her marriage to the famed entertainer that put her into the limelight. As the ex-wife of Canadian American actor Tommy Chong and mother of actresses Robbi Lynn Chong and Rae Dawn Chong, Sneed has played a significant role in the lives of her family members.
Behind the laughter and success of comedian Tommy Chong, one half of the iconic duo Cheech & Chong, stood Maxine Sneed. Her journey with Chong was marked with love, support, and challenges that would ultimately shape her life. Among those hurdles were legal disputes between Sneed and Chong regarding their child Rae’s parental rights.
Today, Maxine Sneed’s life may not be constantly under the public eye, but her story and contributions to her family continue to capture interest. As an influential figure in the entertainment industry through her connections, Maxine’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of the roles that the partners of celebrities play.
Early Life
Maxine Sneed was born in Canada in the early 1940s, with a heritage comprised of African-American and Cherokee ancestry. Growing up, she embraced her unique ethnicity that granted her a rich cultural background. Little is known about Maxine’s childhood and her family, but her passion for media and communication began to surface as she transitioned into adulthood.
Maxine pursued an education in the media field and soon found her niche in editing. This path led her to become an editor at “Black Radio Magazine,” a publication that became a significant part of her professional identity. Maxine’s editing skills were exemplary, and her work contributed to the magazine’s success during her tenure.
Living in Canada, Maxine continued to hone her craft and became known as a skilled proofreader in corporate settings. Her dedication to her work helped build a reputation of reliability and accuracy in providing editorial services. Despite her career achievements, it was her relationship with a famous Canadian-American entertainer that would thrust her into the spotlight.
In the 1960s, Maxine met Canadian American actor Tommy Chong, an aspiring comedian who would go on to achieve global fame with partner Cheech Marin as the iconic duo “Cheech and Chong.” The two connected deeply, leading to their marriage in 1960. Maxine and Tommy’s union would last a decade, during which they brought two children into the world. Though they eventually parted ways, Maxine Sneed’s name remains linked to the legendary comedian and cannabis rights activist. Through this relationship and her own professional accomplishments, she has carved out a unique place in history.
Career
Maxine Sneed’s Professional Domain
Maxine Sneed started her career as a journalist and editor for the Black Radio Magazine, which significantly contributed to her net worth. As the editor-in-chief, Maxine’s role involved managing and overseeing the publication’s content and ensuring that it maintained its focus and relevance. Despite her notable position within the magazine, Maxine preferred to keep her professional life private and discreet.
Tommy Chong’s Entertainment Career
Maxine Sneed’s ex-husband, Tommy Chong, is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and musician. He rose to fame as part of the iconic comedic duo Cheech & Chong, alongside Cheech Marin. Known for their comedy albums and live performances during the 1970s and 1980s, they eventually transitioned to the silver screen, cementing their status within Hollywood’s entertainment industry.
Some of their most well-known movies include Up in Smoke (1978), Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980), and Still Smokin’ (1983). In addition to his work with Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong has appeared in numerous film and television projects as an actor, director, and writer, establishing a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Tommy Chong has been a strong advocate for the legalization of cannabis and often incorporated this theme into his comedy routines. He has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, providing a unique perspective and voice through his comedic prowess and activism.
Relationship with Tommy Chong
Marriage and Children
Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong met in Vancouver in the 1960s, where they fell in love and got married in 1960. During their marriage, Maxine played a significant role in Tommy’s comedy act, helping create some of his most iconic characters. The couple had two children together, daughters Robbi Chong and Rae Dawn Chong, who both became actresses.
Divorce and Aftermath
Unfortunately, the marriage between Maxine and Tommy came to an end in 1970, after a decade together. The divorce was followed by a legal custody battle over their daughter Rae Dawn Chong involving Tommy’s extramarital affair with Gail Toulson. Ultimately, Maxine maintained custody of both her daughters and continued to remain somewhat in the public eye due to her family’s fame and the legal dispute over Rae’s parental rights.
Post-Divorce Life
Maxine Sneed’s life took a turn towards privacy following her divorce from Tommy Chong. Although her ex-husband quickly moved on and married producer Shelby Fiddis in 1975, Maxine opted to distance herself from the media spotlight and focus on her personal life.
Despite her past role as the editor of the Black Radio Magazine, she has maintained a low profile and rarely appears in the public eye. Consequently, details regarding her post-divorce life have been kept rather private. As a result, not much is known about her current relationship status, but it’s evident that she has chosen to live a life away from the limelight.
In terms of family life, Maxine Sneed is the mother of two successful actresses, Robbi Chong and Rae Dawn Chong. Her daughters have made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry, which might partially explain Maxine’s decision to maintain a private life, in order to preserve a sense of normalcy for her family.
Though guarded, Maxine’s life seems focused on her children and her own personal growth. She has not remarried and appears to be content with her single status, letting her daughters’ accomplishments and passions take center stage. Through it all, Maxine Sneed’s post-divorce life emphasizes her resilience, privacy, and unwavering commitment to her family. She is not even present on social media.
