Maxine Sneed is best known as the first wife of comedian and actor Tommy Chong, but her story goes far beyond that of a celebrity spouse. Born on September 23, 1940, she carries a rich heritage of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee roots that shaped her identity with grace, strength, and resilience. Throughout her life, Maxine has been admired for her intelligence, calm nature, and deep commitment to family. She worked as an editor, raised two talented daughters, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong, and maintained her dignity through both success and personal challenges. Unlike many connected to fame, Maxine chose a private, peaceful life, finding fulfillment in love, motherhood, and quiet achievements. Let’s explore the inspiring story of Maxine Sneed, a woman whose quiet strength shaped one of entertainment’s most famous families.
Quick Bio: Maxine Sneed
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxine Sneed |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1940 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 85 years old |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American & Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Canadian & Cherokee |
| Profession | Editor, Writer |
| Known For | First wife of Tommy Chong |
| Children | Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated over $1 million |
| Personality Traits | Calm, kind, strong, and private |
| Notable Work | Editor at Black Radio Magazine |
Early Life and Background
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1940, in the United States, and she comes from a rich multicultural background with Afro-Canadian and Cherokee roots. She was raised in a loving, hardworking family. Her father was a firefighter, and her mother worked as a nurse. Growing up, Maxine enjoyed creative activities like writing, dancing, and acting in school plays, along with playing sports and riding her bike with friends. These interests helped shape her confident and curious personality. After completing high school in 1958, she went on to college and graduated in 1962, possibly studying subjects related to arts and communications. Her upbringing taught her discipline, empathy, and creativity, values that would later define her personal and professional life.
Education and Career Beginnings
From an early age, Maxine showed a passion for writing and storytelling, which led her to pursue a career in journalism. During the 1960s, she began working in media, a time when opportunities for women of color were limited. Despite the challenges, she earned respect for her intelligence and attention to detail. Maxine eventually became an editor for Black Radio Magazine, a publication that celebrated African American voices in the radio and entertainment industries. She also wrote health and lifestyle articles that promoted education, awareness, and positive representation. Her work helped highlight the importance of diversity in media while showing her quiet determination to make a difference through words.
Meeting Tommy Chong and Marriage
Maxine met Tommy Chong in 1959 through her brother Bernie, who played in a band with Tommy at the time. Their friendship quickly developed into love, and on her 20th birthday, September 23, 1960, they married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. The couple soon moved to Vancouver, where Tommy pursued his music and comedy dreams while Maxine worked and supported their growing family. Despite financial struggles in the early years, Maxine’s patience and emotional strength gave Tommy the foundation he needed to chase his ambitions. Their bond was built on shared dreams, love, and hard work during a time when fame was still far away.
Who Is Tommy Chong?
Tommy Chong, born on May 24, 1938, is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and musician best known as one-half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong. The duo became cultural icons in the 1970s for their humorous takes on counterculture and cannabis use. Tommy later became known to a new generation for his role as Leo on That ’70s Show. Beyond entertainment, he has been an outspoken advocate for cannabis reform and has faced legal challenges related to his activism. With a career spanning over six decades, Tommy Chong remains a beloved figure in comedy, known for his laid-back attitude, humor, and influence on popular culture.
Motherhood and Family Life
Motherhood became one of the most defining aspects of Maxine’s life. She raised two daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chon,g with love, care, and dedication. Although Rae Dawn was Tommy’s daughter from a previous relationship, Maxine embraced her as her own from infancy, giving her the same affection and attention as her biological daughter, Robbi, born in 1965. Maxine believed in raising her children with strong values of education, independence, and compassion. While Tommy’s career demanded time and travel, Maxine created a stable and nurturing home where her daughters could grow up grounded and confident. Her balance between family life and work reflected her quiet strength and deep maternal wisdom.
Raising Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong
Maxine’s influence on her daughters’ lives can be seen in their success and strong moral grounding. She raised Rae Dawn with unconditional love and guidance, even though Rae was not her biological child. Rae went on to become a successful actress, starring in films such as The Color Purple and Commando. Robbi, born a few years later, followed in her sister’s footsteps, first becoming a model and later an actress. Both daughters have publicly expressed gratitude for their mother’s devotion, strength, and humility. Through her parenting, Maxine instilled discipline, empathy, and pride in their cultural heritage — values that have continued to shape their lives and careers.
Maxine Sneed’s Career in Editing and Writing
In addition to her family life, Maxine Sneed built an admirable career in journalism. As an editor for Black Radio Magazine, she worked behind the scenes to ensure that the stories of Black broadcasters and artists were told accurately and powerfully. Her role involved editing articles, managing contributors, and advocating for inclusive representation in media. Maxine also contributed to health and lifestyle magazines, writing pieces that encouraged wellness, community engagement, and self-awareness. Though she never sought fame for her work, her efforts helped uplift Black voices in an era when they were often overlooked, proving that her impact reached beyond her home and into her community.
Marriage Challenges and Divorce
Like many couples in the entertainment world, Maxine and Tommy Chong’s marriage faced difficulties as Tommy’s fame grew. The pressures of success and rumors of infidelity, including Tommy’s relationship with Shelby Fiddis, created strain in their relationship. Eventually, their marriage ended in divorce around 1970 after roughly a decade together. Despite the emotional challenges, Maxine handled the separation with grace and dignity. She avoided the media spotlight and never spoke negatively about Tommy. Instead, she focused on her daughters and continued to build a stable, loving life for them, setting an example of strength and composure through difficult times.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Tommy Chong, Maxine chose to focus on personal peace and family stability. She moved to Detroit and later to Los Angeles, where she continued her work and raised her daughters. Even after their separation, she remained generous and kind toward Tommy, helping him during tough times and maintaining a respectful friendship for the sake of their children. Maxine preferred to stay away from public attention, instead dedicating her time to community work, quiet hobbies, and supporting her daughters’ careers. Her life after marriage reflected independence, resilience, and forgiveness — qualities that define her enduring strength.
Personality and Interests
Maxine Sneed is known for her calm and compassionate nature, qualities that have defined her throughout her life. She enjoys yoga, meditation, and reading, which help her maintain inner balance and peace. A lover of animals, especially cats, Maxine values empathy and mindfulness. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, often focusing on simple pleasures rather than material wealth. Friends and family describe her as humble, wise, and deeply kind, someone who finds joy in quiet moments rather than public attention.
Net Worth and Financial Status
As of 2025, Maxine Sneed’s estimated net worth is over $1 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her career as an editor and writer, as well as her family’s long-standing presence in the entertainment industry. While she never sought luxury or fame, Maxine’s financial stability is a result of her discipline and thoughtful approach to life. She lives modestly, valuing comfort, independence, and family security above all else.
Current Life and Legacy
Now in her mid-80s, Maxine Sneed lives quietly in Los Angeles, California, where she enjoys time with her daughters and close family. Though she rarely appears in public or online, her influence can be seen through the lives of Rae Dawn and Robbi, both of whom have spoken about their mother’s strength and guidance. Maxine’s legacy goes beyond being Tommy Chong’s first wife — she is remembered as a dedicated mother, accomplished editor, and a woman of quiet courage and resilience.
Influence and Inspiration
Maxine Sneed’s life continues to inspire women who value family, integrity, and independence. She has shown that success is not always about fame but about the love and stability you create around you. Her ability to balance motherhood, career, and personal dignity makes her a timeless example of grace and inner strength. Through her daughters and her professional contributions, Maxine’s quiet influence lives on — proving that true power often works behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Maxine Sneed’s life story is one of strength, love, and quiet perseverance. From her beginnings in a multicultural home to her work in journalism and her role as a devoted mother, she has embodied grace at every stage of life. Her calm strength guided her through the challenges of fame, marriage, and motherhood, leaving behind a lasting impact. Maxine Sneed’s life reminds us that true power lies not in fame but in grace, kindness, and the legacy of love left behind.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is the first wife of comedian and actor Tommy Chong, best known from Cheech & Chong and That ’70s Show. She is also recognized for her career as an editor and as the mother of actresses Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong. Maxine is admired for her calm personality and private lifestyle.
2. When was Maxine Sneed born?
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1940, in the United States. As of 2025, she is 85 years old and continues to live a peaceful and private life. Her birth date places her among a generation that witnessed major cultural and social changes.
3. What is Maxine Sneed’s ethnicity?
Maxine has a mixed heritage of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee descent. This diverse background gave her a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. It also influenced how she raised her children to appreciate their roots and respect others.
4. Who are Maxine Sneed’s children?
Maxine raised two daughters — Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong — who both became successful actresses. Rae Dawn is known for films like Commando and The Color Purple, while Robbi built a career in modeling and acting. Both credit Maxine for their strong values and discipline.
5. What was Maxine Sneed’s profession?
Maxine worked as an editor for Black Radio Magazine, where she helped promote African American voices in the radio industry. Her editorial work reflected intelligence, dedication, and creativity. She also contributed to lifestyle and health publications.
6. When did Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong get married and divorced?
Maxine and Tommy Chong got married on September 23, 1960, after meeting a year earlier. Their marriage lasted about a decade before ending in divorce around 1970. Despite the separation, Maxine remained dignified and focused on her daughters’ upbringing.
7. What is Maxine Sneed’s net worth?
As of 2025, Maxine Sneed’s estimated net worth is over $1 million. Her wealth comes from her editorial career and wise personal financial management. She has always valued stability and independence over luxury.
8. Where is Maxine Sneed now?
Maxine Sneed currently lives in Los Angeles, California, enjoying a quiet and private life. She stays out of the public eye but remains close to her family. Her peaceful lifestyle reflects her lifelong preference for privacy and simplicity.
