Maxine Sneed: The Untold Story of Tommy Chong’s First Wife

Introduction: Who Is Maxine Sneed?

When people talk about Tommy Chong, the legendary comedian, actor, and musician, the spotlight often falls on his iconic partnership with Cheech Marin or his later marriage to Shelby Chong. Yet long before those chapters began, there was another woman who played a central role in his personal story: Maxine Sneed. Though she has lived a private life away from fame, her name continues to surface whenever the early years of Tommy Chong are discussed. Known as his first wife and the mother of two daughters who went on to become successful actresses, Maxine Sneed remains an intriguing figure whose story is far less told. This article explores who she is, her marriage to Tommy Chong, her children, her career, and where she is today.

Maxine Sneed Profile Summary

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Maxine Sneed
Gender: Female
Nationality: Canadian
Ethnicity: African-Canadian
Religion: Christianity
Profession: Former Editor
Famous For: First Wife Of Tommy Chong
Ex-Husband: Tommy Chong
Children: Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Lynn Chong
Known Work: Black Radio Magazine
Marital Status: Divorced

Early Life And Background

Maxine Sneed was born in Canada, but very little is publicly known about her early life. Details such as her birth year, childhood, parents, or education remain undisclosed, which adds to the mystery surrounding her. What is confirmed is that she is of African-Canadian heritage and later became known for her career as an editor. In many ways, her story highlights a woman who valued privacy and independence despite being connected to a man in the entertainment industry. Unlike many celebrity spouses who seek the spotlight, Maxine chose to keep her personal history away from public eyes. This decision has made her life a subject of curiosity, as people often wonder what shaped her before her connection with Tommy Chong.

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Maxine Sneed And Tommy Chong’s Marriage

In 1960, Maxine Sneed married Tommy Chong in Canada, at a time when he was still beginning his career in music and entertainment. The couple represented a young, hopeful partnership during the early years of Chong’s life. Their marriage lasted a decade, and together they raised two daughters who would later step into the limelight themselves. The union was significant not just personally but also historically, as it was part of the formative years of Tommy Chong before he achieved international fame as one half of Cheech & Chong. Their marriage was relatively low-key, but as Tommy’s fame grew, the attention on Maxine grew as well. She became recognized as the strong and graceful partner by his side during that period.

Why Did Maxine Sneed And Tommy Chong Divorce?

Maxine and Tommy’s marriage ended in 1970 after ten years together. Reports suggest that the reason behind their split was Tommy Chong’s infidelity, which became difficult to ignore as his career and social circle expanded. One of the most publicized aspects of their divorce involved a custody dispute. Their daughter, Rae Dawn, was born from Tommy’s relationship with Gail Toolson, who was underage at the time. Despite the circumstances, the courts awarded full custody to Maxine Sneed, recognizing her stability and commitment as a parent. Their separation marked the end of a chapter, but it also showed Maxine’s resilience and strength as she moved forward, raising her daughters and building her own path away from the chaos of show business.

Maxine Sneed’s Children: Carrying On The Legacy

Rae Dawn Chong

Born on February 28, 1961, Rae Dawn Chong is the eldest daughter of Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong. She became a Canadian-American actress who earned recognition for her talent and versatility. Her breakout role came in 1981 with the film Quest for Fire, which earned her the Genie Award for Best Actress. Over the years, she starred in movies such as Commando, The Color Purple, American Flyers, Soul Man, and Beat Street. Rae Dawn became a familiar face in both film and television, carrying forward the creative legacy of her family but with her own distinct identity.

Robbi Lynn Chong

The younger daughter, Robbi Lynn Chong, was born on May 28, 1965, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Unlike her sister, Robbi began her career as a model and signed with Click Modeling Agency at the age of nineteen. She went on to work in Paris between 1983 and 1988, where she became an international cover girl. Later, she transitioned into acting and trained in Los Angeles. She appeared in films and television shows such as Murder One, The Cosby Show, Far Out Man, and Jimmy Hollywood. Like Rae Dawn, Robbi carved out her own space in the entertainment world, showing the creative streak in Maxine Sneed’s family.

Maxine Sneed’s Career Beyond Marriage

While Maxine Sneed is best known for her marriage to Tommy Chong, she had her own professional career as well. She worked as an editor for Black Radio Magazine, a publication that gave voice to issues and culture within the African-Canadian and African-American communities. This role highlighted her ability to shape narratives and contribute to media in a meaningful way. Unlike her ex-husband and daughters, Maxine never pursued a career in acting. Her choice to stay behind the scenes and work in editorial positions reflected her preference for privacy and her interest in intellectual pursuits over public fame.

Did Maxine Sneed Appear In Movies Or TV?

Despite being surrounded by actors and performers, Maxine Sneed never ventured into acting. Unlike Tommy Chong and her daughters, she does not have any movie or television credits to her name. Her fame comes largely through her association with her family, but she has always stood apart by not seeking celebrity status. This distinction makes her story interesting, as she represents a figure who had every opportunity to step into the limelight but deliberately chose not to. Her life serves as a reminder that not all connections to fame lead to a desire for attention.

Maxine Sneed’s Net Worth And Lifestyle

Maxine Sneed’s exact net worth has never been publicly disclosed, and she is not considered a wealthy celebrity figure like her ex-husband. Her financial background stems mainly from her work as an editor rather than entertainment or high-profile projects. While Tommy Chong built a multi-million-dollar fortune through comedy, music, and acting, Maxine lived more modestly, focusing on raising her daughters and maintaining her private life. It is widely believed that she leads a comfortable but quiet lifestyle, free from the lavish displays often associated with celebrity culture.

Life After Divorce: Where Is Maxine Sneed Now?

After her divorce from Tommy Chong, Maxine Sneed chose to step away from the public eye. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, she did not attempt to leverage her name for fame or opportunities. Instead, she focused on her children and supported their journeys in modeling and acting. Over the decades, she has kept her personal life private, rarely appearing in the media or on social platforms. Even today, in 2025, very little is known about her current pursuits, which only adds to the fascination people have with her story. Her decision to live privately shows a strength of character and a desire to define her life on her own terms.

Final Thoughts: Why Maxine Sneed’s Story Still Matters

Although Maxine Sneed may not have pursued fame or built a career in Hollywood, her story remains relevant. She was Tommy Chong’s first wife, the woman who stood with him during his early years, and the mother of two accomplished daughters who went on to leave their mark in the entertainment industry. Her life demonstrates dignity, strength, and a preference for privacy in a world obsessed with celebrity. Even without stepping into the spotlight, Maxine Sneed has left her mark through her family and her work. Her untold story continues to interest people because it reminds us that sometimes, the quietest figures in history hold some of the most compelling legacies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maxine Sneed

Who Was Tommy Chong’s First Wife?
Tommy Chong’s first wife was Maxine Sneed, a Canadian editor of African-Canadian heritage.

When Did Maxine Sneed And Tommy Chong Get Married?
They married in 1960 in Canada and divorced in 1970 after ten years together.

Does Maxine Sneed Have Children?
Yes, she has two daughters, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Lynn Chong, both of whom built successful careers in the entertainment industry.

Did Maxine Sneed Ever Act In Movies?
No, she never appeared in films or television. She preferred to work as an editor and stayed away from acting.

Where Is Maxine Sneed Today?
Maxine Sneed lives a private life and has avoided the spotlight for many years. She is not active publicly, and very little is known about her current activities.

What Is Maxine Sneed’s Profession?
She worked as an editor at Black Radio Magazine and is recognized for her contributions there.

What Was The Reason For Her Divorce From Tommy Chong?
Their divorce in 1970 was widely linked to Tommy Chong’s infidelity, which also led to a custody battle over their daughter Rae Dawn.