Maxine Sneed is best known as the first wife of Tommy Chong, the famous Canadian-American actor, comedian, and musician, but her identity goes far beyond that connection. As a former editor of Black Radio Magazine and a devoted mother to two successful daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, Maxine has her own unique story of strength, love, and resilience. This article will explore the full life of Maxine Sneed, covering her early years, career, family life, and lasting legacy. Whether you’re searching for a detailed Maxine Sneed biography or want to learn more about her career and personal journey beyond being Tommy Chong’s ex-wife, this article offers a clear and honest look at who she really is.
Quick Bio About 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 | African-Canadian & Cherokee |
| Profession | Editor, Writer |
| Known For | First wife of Tommy Chong |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Tommy Chong |
| Children | Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Social Media Presence | Not active publicly |
Early Life and Background
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1940, in the United States and holds both American and Canadian citizenship. She comes from a mixed ethnic background, with Afro-Canadian and Cherokee roots, which gave her a rich cultural identity. While details about her parents and early upbringing remain mostly private, it is known that she grew up in a supportive home where she developed a love for writing, dancing, acting, and playing sports. These early interests helped Maxine build confidence and creativity, shaping her calm and kind personality that guided her through life’s challenges and influenced her later career and family choices.
Maxine Sneed’s Age And Physical Features
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1940, making her 85 years old as of 2025. She is of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee descent, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. While specific details about her height and weight are not publicly available, she is often described as having a graceful and composed presence. Her physical appearance, characterized by dark brown eyes and black hair, complements her calm and kind personality, which has been a defining aspect of her life. Maxine’s early interests in writing, dancing, acting, and sports likely contributed to her confident demeanor and creative spirit.
Who Is Maxine Sneed’s Ex-Husband?
Maxine Sneed’s ex-husband is Tommy Chong, a Canadian-American comedian, actor, musician, and cannabis rights activist. Born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Chong is best known for his partnership with Cheech Marin in the iconic comedy duo “Cheech & Chong.” The pair gained fame in the 1970s with their marijuana-themed comedy albums and films, including the cult classic Up in Smoke (1978). Chong also portrayed the character “Leo” on the television series That ’70s Show.
He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in the late 1980s. Chong and Sneed married in 1960, had two daughters—Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong—and divorced in 1970. In 1975, Chong married Shelby Fiddis, with whom he has three biological children and one adopted son.
Meeting And Marriage to Tommy Chong
Maxine Sneed met Tommy Chong in 1959 through mutual friends when Tommy was starting his career in music. They quickly developed a strong connection and married on September 23, 1960, a time when interracial marriages were less common and often faced social challenges. After their wedding, the couple moved to Vancouver, Canada, where they began building their family life. They welcomed two daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, during this period. Despite their early happiness, their marriage faced difficulties, mainly due to Tommy’s infidelity, which caused strain and ultimately led to their divorce in 1970. Their separation attracted media attention, especially because of Tommy’s rising fame and the complicated family dynamics involving their children.
Raising Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong
Maxine Sneed played a loving and strong role in raising both Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, despite the complex family situation. Rae Dawn was biologically Tommy Chong’s daughter from an affair with Gail Toolson, yet Maxine accepted her fully and raised her as her own child from infancy, showing deep love and commitment beyond biology. Later, Maxine and Tommy had their biological daughter, Robbi Chong, who also grew up under Maxine’s care. Maxine worked hard to create a supportive and stable home, encouraging both daughters to follow their passions. She supported Rae Dawn’s acting career and Robbi’s journey in modeling and acting, always standing by them as they built successful careers in the entertainment industry.
Professional Life and Career
Maxine Sneed made significant contributions to media and journalism, notably as the editor of Black Radio Magazine, a publication that highlighted African American voices in the radio industry. While the exact duration of her tenure is not publicly documented, her role was instrumental in shaping the magazine’s content and direction. Beyond this, Maxine’s editorial expertise extended to health and lifestyle publications, where she worked as a proofreader and editor, ensuring clarity and quality in the content.
Her professional endeavors were characterized by a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and stories, reflecting her dedication to diversity and inclusivity in media. Despite her impactful career, Maxine maintained a low public profile, and limited information is available about her professional life outside these roles.
Maxine Sneed, Tommy Chong’s Divorce And Its Reason
Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong divorced in 1970, with reports indicating that Tommy’s infidelity played a significant role in their separation. Their marriage had already faced challenges, including the complexities surrounding the custody of their daughter Rae Dawn, who was born from Tommy’s extramarital affair with Gail Toolson. Despite these difficulties, Maxine and Tommy remained on amicable terms post-divorce. Tommy has publicly praised Maxine, referring to her as a “saint” and acknowledging her kindness and support even after their separation. Maxine, on her part, continued to support Tommy during tough times, including lending him money and assisting with his second family, demonstrating her enduring compassion and strength.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Tommy Chong, Maxine Sneed moved first to Detroit and later settled in Los Angeles, choosing to live a quiet life focused on privacy and family. She maintained her dignity by staying out of public controversies and rarely speaking to the media about her past. Despite their separation, Maxine showed continued kindness and support toward Tommy and even helped care for his children from his second marriage. Throughout this time, her main focus remained raising her daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi, encouraging and supporting their ambitions in acting and modeling, which helped them build successful careers.
Personal Traits and Lifestyle
Maxine Sneed is known for her calm, kind, and graceful personality, often choosing to keep her life private and away from public attention. She has long enjoyed activities that promote peace and well-being, such as practicing yoga and meditation, which help her maintain balance and calmness. Maxine also has a deep love for animals, especially cats, treating them as cherished members of her family. Her lifestyle reflects simplicity and a preference for quiet moments, including traveling to peaceful places where she can relax and connect with different cultures. Overall, Maxine’s choices show her desire for a peaceful life, focused on inner calm rather than fame or public recognition.
Family Legacy and Children’s Success
Maxine Sneed’s unwavering support and nurturing guidance played a pivotal role in the successful careers of her daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, both of whom have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Rae Dawn Chong has had a distinguished acting career, beginning with her debut in Stony Island (1978). She gained widespread recognition for her performance in Quest for Fire (1981), earning the Genie Award for Best Actress. Her notable roles include appearances in The Color Purple (1985), Commando (1985), and Soul Man (1986). Beyond film, Rae Dawn has also made significant contributions to television, starring in series such as Mysterious Ways (2000–2002) and Wild Card (2003–2004). Her recent work includes a role in the 2021 series Impeachment: American Crime Story and the 2022 series Interview with the Vampire.
Robbi Chong, Maxine’s younger daughter, pursued a career in modeling and acting. She began her modeling career at 19 with the Click Modeling Agency and worked in Paris from 1983 to 1988. Transitioning into acting, Robbi appeared in films such as Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers (1984), Far Out Man (1990), and Only God Can (2015). On television, she is best known for her role as Alexandra Moreau in the series Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999).
Maxine’s dedication to her daughters’ well-being and her encouragement of their artistic pursuits have been instrumental in their achievements. Her ability to provide a stable and supportive environment allowed Rae Dawn and Robbi to thrive in their respective careers, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Maxine Sneed’s Current Life and Whereabouts
Maxine Sneed currently lives a private and peaceful life in Los Angeles, far away from the public eye. She chooses to stay out of social media and rarely gives interviews, preferring to keep her personal life just for herself and her close family. Occasionally, she appears in family photos shared by her daughters Rae Dawn and Robbi, reminding everyone of the strong bond they share. Maxine’s decision to live quietly shows her preference for a meaningful life focused on family and personal peace, rather than seeking fame or attention.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Maxine Sneed’s net worth is estimated to be over one million dollars, accumulated through her career as an editor and her family’s involvement in the entertainment industry. Although detailed information about her personal finances is limited, her work at Black Radio Magazine and contributions to other publications, along with the success of her daughters, have helped establish a comfortable financial foundation. Despite this, Maxine remains humble and focused on values beyond material wealth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maxine Sneed’s life is a story of strength, privacy, and love. More than just Tommy Chong’s ex-wife, she is a devoted mother and a talented editor who has quietly shaped the lives of her children and supported others around her. Her story reminds us of the important people behind the scenes who offer kindness, stability, and care without seeking the spotlight. Through her daughters’ success and her calm resilience, Maxine’s legacy continues to inspire as a symbol of quiet strength and dedication.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is best known as the former wife of comedian and actor Tommy Chong. She is also a former editor of Black Radio Magazine and the mother of actresses Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong.
2. What happened to Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong’s marriage?
Maxine and Tommy Chong married in 1960 but divorced in 1970, with many sources citing Tommy’s infidelity as the main reason for their separation.
3. Who are Maxine Sneed’s children?
Maxine Sneed raised two daughters, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong, both of whom became successful actresses in film and television.
4. Where is Maxine Sneed now?
As of 2025, Maxine Sneed lives a private life in Los Angeles, California, staying away from the public spotlight and social media.
5. What was Maxine Sneed’s career?
Maxine worked as an editor for Black Radio Magazine and contributed to health and lifestyle publications, focusing on sharing stories that amplified Black voices.
More Articles You May Read Also:
The Inspiring Story of Otelia Cox, Tony Cox’s Biggest Supporter
Meet Lori Brice: The Inspiring Story of Ron White’s Ex-Wife
