Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin, the brilliant minds behind the beloved “Cheech & Chong” routines, were comedic staples of the 1970s and 80s.
They had a falling out in the 1980s and pursued individual projects. But things changed by chance in 2008. Tommy Chong’s son got involved and felt determined to see the two legends reunite again.
Today, Tommy Chong is 87, and Cheech Marin is 79. Despite their age, they still have quite a bit of wisdom and humor to share with their audience members.
See what they had to say about their reunion and learn about their final film together.
Tommy Chong & Cheech Marin Reunited After a Forged Email
Although Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong entertained audiences for decades, they split in 1985. For the next several years, the comedians kept each other at arm’s length as they pursued their own creative projects. But things changed in 2008 when Tommy Chong’s oldest son got involved.
“Actually, it was my son Paris that got us back together again. He’s my manager now. He manages me and helps me get around,” Chong revealed in an interview with Page Six.
“But he’s always loved Cheech & Chong. You know, he grew up with it. He would listen to our records, and he never got the humor until he got old enough, you know?”
Tommy Chong relayed the story, recalling that he and Cheech Marin had gone years without seeing one another. They agreed to meet up, but then quickly got into a “typical argument.” However, Chong sent Marin an email, saying that he enjoyed catching up.
Then, Chong’s 51-year-old son, Paris, got hold of the email and rewrote it. He alluded Tommy Chong was interested in getting “back to the act” with his former comedy partner.
“And next thing you know, Paris said, ‘You got a rehearsal with Cheech coming up!’” the 87-year-old cheerfully shared, noting that he and Cheech Marin had been together ever since.
Cheech Marin jokingly told Page Six that he was “just now finding out” about the email Paris wrote.
The Comedians Embark on One Last Adventure
Now that Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin are getting older, they’re thinking more about the legacy they will leave behind. Together, they created a documentary that explores their lives and relationship.
According to the official website, “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” explores the men’s “enduring partnership.”
“In the 1970s, Cheech & Chong redefined stand-up comedy, blending drugs, sex, rock’n’roll, and improvisation into a genre-shaping act,” the website reads. “Their multicultural, irreverent humor turned them into icons, counterculture rock stars, and Hollywood legends. Raucous, accessible, and explosively funny, their groundbreaking stoner humor has translated into sold-out concerts, platinum-selling records, and box-office-smashing films.”
“The two have reached professional and personal heights well beyond their wildest dreams, while suffering their share of fallouts and stumbles, becoming a comedy rite of passage for multiple generations,” the synopsis continues. “How did Cheech and Chong ignite imaginations and stay relevant over 50 years? Join them for one last ride to find out…”
“Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” is available to stream on Paramount+.
