You probably know Tommy Chong as the guy with the headband and the permanent hazy grin. The counter-culture legend of Cheech & Chong. But what most people actually miss is that the "First Family of Cannabis" has produced some of the hardest-working women in show business. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling daughter of Tommy Chong, you’re usually looking for one person: Rae Dawn Chong. Or maybe Robbi. Or Precious.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a dynasty.
Tommy has three daughters, and they aren't just "celebrity kids" coasting on a last name. They’ve been in the trenches of Hollywood, fighting for roles and making actual art for decades. Let's get into who they are and why they're more than just their dad's legacy.
The Breakout Star: Rae Dawn Chong
Rae Dawn Chong is the eldest. She’s the one you likely recognize from that massive 80s action flick Commando. You know, the one where she helps Arnold Schwarzenegger save his daughter? Yeah, that’s her.
But her story starts way before the explosions. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1961. Her mother is Maxine Sneed, but here is a bit of trivia most people get wrong: Rae’s biological mother was actually a woman named Abigail Toulson. Maxine raised her, though, and for a long time, the public didn't really know the difference.
Why She’s a Big Deal
Rae didn't just get lucky. She’s a Genie Award winner (that’s basically the Canadian Oscar). She won it for Quest for Fire in 1981, playing a prehistoric woman. She had to learn a fictional language created by Anthony Burgess for that role. That is some serious commitment.
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Then came The Color Purple. Steven Spielberg cast her as Squeak. It’s a heartbreaking, quiet role that proved she had the dramatic chops to stand next to Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.
- Breakout: Quest for Fire (1981)
- Action Icon: Commando (1985)
- Cult Classic: The Color Purple (1985)
- Fun Fact: She actually discovered Chris Pratt while he was waiting tables in Maui. No joke.
Rae's career slowed down in the 90s, but she never stopped. You might have seen her recently in the Interview with the Vampire series (2022) or American Crime Story. She’s still out there, writing, directing, and proving that being a daughter of Tommy Chong doesn't mean you just sit around.
The Model and Actress: Robbi Chong
Next up is Robbi. She’s the second daughter of Tommy and Maxine, born in 1965. While Rae was conquering the big screen, Robbi was conquering the runways of Paris.
She was an international cover girl in the 80s. She worked for the Click Modeling Agency when she was only 19. If you look at photos of her from that era, she had this incredible, high-fashion look that stood out in an industry that wasn't exactly known for diversity back then.
Transitioning to the Screen
Like her sister, she eventually caught the acting bug. She wasn’t just a guest star either. Robbi had a main role in the cult-classic TV series Poltergeist: The Legacy as Alexandra Moreau. She stayed with that show for years.
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She also popped up in things like ER and The Outer Limits. She’s got this cool, understated energy. Unlike her dad’s manic comedy, Robbi always felt very poised. She even produced the 2024 documentary Cheech & Chong's Last Movie. She’s clearly the one keeping the family business organized behind the scenes these days.
The Comedian and Writer: Precious Chong
Then we have Precious. She’s Tommy’s daughter from his second marriage to Shelby Chong. Precious is a whole different vibe. She’s a writer, a comedian, and—get this—a professional stilt-walker.
She lives in Toronto and has really carved out a niche in the indie scene. She wrote and starred in a horror-comedy called Homewrecker (2019) that got a lot of love at film festivals. It’s weird, dark, and funny. Sorta like her dad’s humor, but with a much sharper, modern edge.
The Struggles of the Name
Precious has been very open about what it's like being the daughter of Tommy Chong. She wrote a piece for Toronto Life about the baggage that comes with the name. Basically, everyone expects her to be a "stoner" or a hippie. In reality, she’s a mom who’s worked her tail off in the Canadian theater and TV scene.
You’ve probably seen her in Hallmark movies or shows like Falling Water. She’s versatile. She doesn't shy away from the family history, but she’s definitely her own person.
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The Marcus Chong "Controversy"
Okay, it’s not just daughters. I have to mention Marcus Chong because people get confused. Marcus is Tommy’s adopted son (the biological son of Martin Wyatt). He played Tank in The Matrix.
There was a whole lot of drama involving Marcus and the Matrix sequels—lawsuits, claims of being blacklisted—it was a mess. But he’s part of that same creative powerhouse. It seems like if you're a Chong, you're destined for the arts.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think these women had it easy because of their dad. Honestly, it was probably the opposite. Being the daughter of Tommy Chong in the 80s and 90s meant walking into rooms where people already had a preconceived notion of who you were.
They weren't "nepo babies" in the way we think of them now. Rae Dawn Chong was taking roles that were written for white women and forcing directors to see her. Robbi was grinding in Paris. Precious was doing stand-up in small clubs.
They’ve all spoken about the complexity of their heritage—being biracial in an industry that didn't know how to cast them. Tommy is Chinese and Scotch-Irish. Maxine Sneed is Black and Cherokee. That mix gave them a look that was "exotic" to Hollywood, which often led to being typecast or, as Rae once said, being replaced by people who looked "less ethnic."
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a fan of the Chong legacy, don't just stick to the Cheech & Chong records. Check out the work these women have put out:
- Watch "Quest for Fire": It is a wild, visceral movie. Rae Dawn Chong’s performance is incredible because she says so much without actual words.
- Look for "Homewrecker": If you like dark humor, Precious Chong is your girl. It's a great example of how the Chong humor evolved for a new generation.
- Follow their modern work: Rae Dawn is still active on the indie circuit and in prestige TV. She often shares insights on the industry that are way more honest than your typical celebrity interview.
- Acknowledge the range: From high fashion to horror to 80s action, these women have covered every square inch of the entertainment world.
The Chong name isn't just about a cloud of smoke. It's about a family of creators who have been quietly influencing Hollywood for over forty years.