Father of Marcus Chong, Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong, and Paris Chong.

The rumor of his death in the mid-1990s, (spread mainly through the internet) was greatly exaggerated.

Former guitarist of the 1960s interracial sextet, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. He also co-wrote the group's biggest hit, "Does Your Mama Know About Me."

Has a stand-up comic act with his wife Shelby. They frequently perform to sold-out crowds. [2001]

Has two children with first wife Maxine: daughters Rae Dawn (born 1961) and Robbie (born 1965). He also has three children with second wife Shelby: daughter Precious (born 1968, while he was still married to first wife Maxine), and sons Paris (born 1974) and Gilbraun (born 1980).

His father is Chinese, mother is Scots-Irish.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 104-105 (article "Cheech and Chong"). New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387

True to his comedy image, Tommy and his family ran Nice Dreams Enterprises, an internet company that sells marijuana bongs and pipes. He was arrested in 2003 on federal drug paraphernalia charges and sentenced in September of that year. He will spend 9 months in jail and pay around $120,000 in fines.

The only person of the 55 arrested during the US Drug Enforcement Administration's "Operation Pipe Dreams" to serve time in prison.

Originally considered for the part of Shenzi alongside Cheech Marin in The Lion King (1994). But the directors couldn't get hold of Chong, So the part went to Whoopi Goldberg.

Shared the stage with Producer/Actor Anthony Begonia for an East Meets West event in Little Tokyo.

His son Marcus is also from his first wife and was born in 1967.