Profile Text
Chong in 2014, photo by kathclick /bigstock.com
Birth Name: Thomas B. Kin Chong
Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date of Birth: May 24, 1938
Ethnicity: * father – Chinese * mother – Scottish, English
Tommy Chong is Canadian and American comedian, actor, musician, writer, activist, and director. Known together as Cheech & Chong, he is known for starring with Cheech Marin in a series of comedies, including Up In Smoke (1978).
Tommy is the son of Lorna Jean (Gilchrist) and Stanley Chong. His father was Chinese, and spoke Cantonese. His mother was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and was white. Tommy is married to comedian, producer, and actress Shelby Chong. He has six children: two, actress Rae Dawn Chong and actress and model Robbi Chong , with his former wife Maxine Sneed; and four, including actress Precious Chong , with Shelby.
Tommy’s maternal grandfather was named Samuel Gilchrist (who likely was the son of William Gilchrist and Mary Graham). William was Scottish.
Tommy’s maternal grandmother was named Emma Woodcock.
Sources: Interview with Tommy’s daughter Rae Dawn Chong about the family’s heritage – https://web.archive.org/web/20100609190311/http://www.asianweek.com
Genealogy of Tommy Chong – https://www.geni.com
Death record of Tommy’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org
07/25/2002 – Tommy Chong with daughter Precious Chong, Photo Credit: Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos