Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tommy Chong’s Net Worth?
Tommy Chong, the celebrated Canadian comedian, actor, musician, and director, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $20 million. This financial achievement reflects his multifaceted career, marked by success in comedy, film, television, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Born Thomas B. Kin Chong on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Tommy Chong’s early life laid the foundation for his diverse career. Raised in Calgary by a Scottish-Irish mother and a Chinese-born father, Chong left high school at 16. He began playing guitar to earn a living. His musical journey led him to join a band called the Shades, and he relocated with them to Vancouver, British Columbia, seeking greater opportunities.
Chong and a bandmate opened a nightclub together, marking his first foray into business. In 1965, his band, now known as the Vancouvers, signed with Gordy Records. Their single “Does Your Momma Know About Me” reached number 29 on the Billboard charts, giving them their first brush with national fame. The Vancouvers then embarked on a tour in Detroit, where they opened for the Jackson 5, which included a young Michael Jackson. Despite this success, Chong was fired from the band after showing up late to a gig. He accepted a $5,000 severance pay, and the Vancouvers soon disbanded.
Cheech & Chong: Comedy Gold and Box Office Success
The late 1960s marked a pivotal point in Tommy Chong’s career when he met Cheech Marin in Vancouver. Marin had moved to Canada to avoid the Vietnam draft. They bonded over their shared fondness for marijuana. This connection led to the formation of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Together, they started performing stand-up routines, which quickly evolved into comedy albums and films that defined a generation.
Their breakthrough came in 1978 with the release of “Up in Smoke.” Produced on a limited budget, the film grossed $44 million at the box office, becoming a surprise hit. Capitalizing on this success, Cheech & Chong released two sequels: “Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie” and “Nice Dreams.” While financial details such as salaries or royalties from the initial movie deal are not publicly available, the popularity of the film lead to box office earnings in the millions. The pair’s popularity began to decline in 1982 and 1983, with the less successful films “Things are Tough All Over” and “Still Smokin’.” By 1984, they attempted to distance themselves from stoner comedy with films like “Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers.”
During his time collaborating with Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong took on the role of director for four films, along with contributing to the writing or co-writing of nearly all of their productions. While specific financial figures for these directorial and writing ventures are not public knowledge, it is clear that Chong played a key role in the creative and financial success of Cheech & Chong.
Solo Endeavors and Television Success: “That ’70s Show” and Beyond
When Cheech Marin pursued a solo career, Tommy Chong followed suit. He initially attempted to develop a pilot for CBS titled “The Martinez Family,” which was not approved but later became the sitcom “Trial and Error.” In 1990, he wrote, starred in, and directed the film “Far Out Man.” His return to acting in 1998 brought him one of his most recognizable roles as “Leo” on the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show.” His character quickly became a fan favorite, and he appeared in the series for eight years. Salary details for his “That ’70s Show” role remain undisclosed, but a regular role on a successful sitcom would have provided a steady income and boosted his visibility.
Tommy Chong has continued to work in both film and television. He has voiced the character Yax in Disney’s 2016 film “Zootopia,” a role that added to his income through voice acting royalties. He reunited with Cheech Marin in 1997 and appeared alongside his old comedy partner in many projects, including “Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie” in 2014. Other appearances include shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “Trailer Park Boys,” “The Masked Singer,” and “Franklin & Bash.” He also appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience” and released a documentary called “a/k/a Tommy Chong.” Financial details on the revenue earned from all of these appearances are not available for public knowledge.
Controversy and Legal Issues
Tommy Chong faced legal trouble as part of Operation Pipe Dream. He was accused of financing a company that sold bongs and other related paraphernalia. His lawyer negotiated a plea deal, but despite hoping for community service, the judge sentenced him to 9 months in federal prison and fines. While serving his sentence, Chong was cellmates with Jordan Belfort, whose story was dramatized in “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Real Estate Holdings
In 2019, Tommy Chong listed his West Vancouver home for sale. He and his wife had purchased the property in 1979 for $230,000 (equivalent to approximately $770,000 when adjusted for inflation). Built in 1937 and extensively renovated, the home offers views of the Burrard inlet. The 4,000-square-foot house is set on approximately 10,000 square feet of land. The property was listed for $7 million, reflecting the increased real estate values in West Vancouver. In Los Angeles, Tommy and Shelby have resided in the Pacific Palisades for several decades. Their home there is estimated to be worth between $6 million and $8 million. Information on real estate holdings and the sales of any other property is not available.
Tommy Chong’s Net Worth: A Summary
Tommy Chong’s $20 million **net worth** is the culmination of a career spanning music, comedy, film, and television. His early musical endeavors, the immense success of Cheech & Chong, his role on “That ’70s Show,” voice acting, and real estate investments have all contributed to his financial standing. Tommy Chong’s journey reflects his adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring appeal to audiences worldwide. These factors have all played a key role in the accumulation of Tommy Chong’s net worth.
