Tommy Chong is 87 years old. By the time the summer of 2026 rolls around, he'll hit 88. It’s a number that feels almost impossible when you look at him. He’s still got that trademark grin, the raspy chuckle, and a level of energy that would put people half his age to shame.
Honestly, most people expect a man born in 1938 to be slowing down. Maybe sitting in a rocking chair, complaining about the neighbors. Not Tommy. He’s still out there advocating, making art, and proving that the "stoner" lifestyle—if done right—might just be the secret to longevity.
The Surprising Resilience of Tommy Chong
Born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Thomas B. Kin Chong has lived enough lives for five people. He was a soul musician in the 60s, a comedy legend in the 70s, a TV star in the 90s, and a federal prisoner in the early 2000s.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about his health over the years. He’s battled prostate cancer. He’s stared down colorectal cancer. In both cases, he didn't just survive; he turned the experience into a comedy routine. He’s been very open about using a colostomy bag, cracking jokes about it on stage because, as he puts it, humor is the ultimate medicine. It’s that "flippant attitude," as he told doctors at UCLA, that keeps his body responding to life rather than surrendering to it.
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Why the Age of Tommy Chong Matters Right Now
In 2026, the conversation around aging has shifted. We aren't just looking at how long someone lives, but how well they live. Tommy is the poster child for the "active senior" who refuses to fit the mold.
- He’s still a gym rat. He’s been bodybuilding since he was 16. Even now, he hits the weights and plays golf regularly.
- He’s a business mogul. Between his cannabis brands and CBD lines, he’s more active in the business world than most retired CEOs.
- He’s still performing. Whether it’s voice acting or showing up at cannabis conventions, the man doesn't stop.
The age of Tommy Chong is more than just a chronological fact. It’s a testament to a specific kind of mental toughness. He often says that we are the "masters of our own ships." If you decide you're old, you're old. If you decide you're a vibrant artist who happens to have lived eight decades, well, that's what you become.
From Motown to Marijuana: A Timeline
A lot of younger fans only know him as Leo from That '70s Show or the guy from the Cheech & Chong movies. But his journey started way before the smoke cleared.
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- The Musician Years: Before comedy, he was a guitarist. He co-wrote "Does Your Mama Know About Me" for Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. They were on Motown! He was literally sharing stages with the Supremes.
- The Comedy Explosion: Meeting Cheech Marin in Vancouver changed everything. They didn't just make movies; they defined an entire subculture. Up in Smoke (1978) was basically the blueprint for every buddy-comedy that followed.
- The Prison Stint: In 2003, the government spent millions to bust him for selling bongs. Operation Pipe Dreams. He did nine months in federal prison. Most 65-year-olds would have been broken by that. Tommy wrote a book about it and came out more popular than ever.
Breaking the "Lazy Stoner" Myth
There is this annoying stereotype that people who consume cannabis are unmotivated. Tommy Chong is the living refutation of that. You don't build a multi-decade career, survive multiple bouts of cancer, and stay physically fit by being lazy.
He’s admitted that he rarely smokes more than a joint a day these days, often opting for edibles his wife, Shelby, helps him prepare. He’s precise about it. It’s a tool for him, not a crutch. He’s also stayed away from cigarettes and heavy drinking for years, citing nicotine as the real danger.
The 2026 Perspective on Longevity
Looking at Tommy Chong in 2026, we see a man who has successfully navigated the "third act" of life. He’s part of a generation of celebrities—like Willie Nelson or Dolly Parton—who seem to have found a way to stay culturally relevant without losing their soul.
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He’s not trying to look 30. He’s not getting weird plastic surgery to hide the years. He wears his age like a badge of honor.
What can we actually learn from him?
First, keep moving. The bodybuilding isn't for show; it's for bone density and metabolic health. Second, keep laughing. If you can joke about a cancer diagnosis or a prison sentence, nothing can really touch you. Third, stay curious. He’s constantly looking at new ways to engage with his fans, from TikTok to new product lines.
If you're wondering how to stay sharp as the years tick by, just look at the age of Tommy Chong. It’s not about the number on the birth certificate. It’s about the refusal to let that number dictate your day.
Next steps for your own longevity:
- Incorporate light resistance training (like Tommy’s bodybuilding) to maintain muscle mass as you age.
- Prioritize a positive, even "flippant" mental attitude toward life’s inevitable stressors.
- Research the modern shift in geriatric health that focuses on "healthspan" (years of healthy life) rather than just lifespan.