Time is a funny thing when you’re a counter-culture icon. For some, Tommy Chong is frozen in 1978, sitting in a van made of fiberweed. For others, he’s the sarcastic Leo from That '70s Show. But in the real world—the one where we all have to check the calendar eventually—Tommy Chong is 87 years old. He was born on May 24, 1938. That means as we head toward the middle of 2026, he’s closing in on his 88th birthday. It’s a number that feels almost impossible when you see him on social media or catching a flight for a cannabis convention. He still has that same laid-back grin and that specific, gravelly laugh that hasn't changed since the Nixon administration.
The Edmonton Roots You Didn't Know About
Most people think of Tommy as a Southern California staple. He basically personifies the Venice Beach vibe. But honestly? He’s Canadian. He was born Thomas B. Kin Chong in Edmonton, Alberta.
His background is actually a pretty cool mix of cultures that isn't talked about enough. His dad was Chinese and moved to Canada in the early 1900s, while his mom had Scotch-Irish roots. Growing up in Calgary, he wasn't exactly a straight-A student. He dropped out of high school because, well, the music was better than the homework.
He was a guitar player first. Long before the comedy, he was playing the blues. He even had a Motown hit! If you look up the band Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, you’ll find Tommy right there. They had a song called "Does Your Mama Know About Me" that actually hit the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Think about that. He was a professional musician before most of his modern fans were even born.
Why Everyone Asks "How Old is Tommy Chong?"
It’s a fair question. The guy has survived more than most people half his age. He’s had two major bouts with cancer—prostate cancer in 2012 and then colorectal cancer a few years later.
A lot of people thought that would be it. But Tommy being Tommy, he used it as an opportunity to talk about his lifestyle. He credits a mix of traditional medicine (shoutout to the surgeons at UCLA) and his favorite plant for keeping his spirits up during the rough patches. He even ended up with a colostomy bag for a while, which he immediately started making jokes about.
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"If you're on a negative trip, pot makes it worse. But if you're on a spiritual path, it's a tool."
That’s basically his life philosophy. He doesn't look like he's pushing 90 because he hasn't let the world's "seriousness" get to him. Even his nine-month stint in federal prison back in 2003—part of a weird government crackdown on glass pipes—didn't seem to break his stride. He just used the time to work out and write.
Keeping Up in 2026
So, what is an 87-year-old legend doing today? He isn't sitting in a rocking chair.
- Chong’s Choice: He’s still heavily involved in the business side of the cannabis industry. It's not just a name on a package; he’s actually picky about what gets his stamp of approval.
- Conventions: He still shows up at places like the Grow Up Conference or Comic-Cons. He recently made a homecoming trip to Edmonton to speak to fans.
- The Cheech Connection: He and Cheech Marin still do things together. After their big 2008 reunion tour, they realized the world still wanted that duo.
It’s weird to think that when Up in Smoke came out in 1978, he was already 40. Most people find their "thing" in their 20s, but Tommy was a late bloomer in the comedy world. Maybe that’s why he’s lasted so long. He already knew who he was before the fame hit.
The Secret to Staying Young
If you’re looking for a takeaway from Tommy’s nearly nine decades on Earth, it’s probably his lack of stress. He’s an avid bodybuilder. He plays golf. He stays active. But more than that, he just doesn't seem to worry about the "how old" part.
Honestly, the math is simple: 1938 to 2026. But the energy? That's harder to calculate. He’s proof that age is mostly just a number if you keep a sense of humor about the "plumbing" getting older.
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Next Steps for the Tommy Chong Fan:
If you want to keep up with what he’s doing now, check out his social media. He's surprisingly active on Instagram and X, often posting videos where he looks more coherent and energized than people forty years his junior. You can also look for his brand, Chong's Choice, in legal dispensaries if you want to see what the legend himself is actually smoking these days.