Most people know Tommy Chong, the funny guy from Cheech & Chong movies and That ’70s Show. But not many know the quiet and kind woman who once stood by his side — Maxine Sneed.
Maxine isn’t a celebrity. She never tried to be famous. But her life is full of strong moments, big decisions, and a lot of heart. She raised two daughters who went on to become stars. She helped Tommy during his tough times, even after their marriage ended.
In this article, we’ll talk about Maxine Sneed’s life — how she met Tommy Chong, the love they shared, the family they built, and what happened after. If you think you already know her story, you might be surprised by what you learn.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Maxine Sneed Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maxine Sneed |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1940 |
| Age (2025) | 85 years old |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American & Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Canadian & Cherokee |
| Profession | Editor, Writer |
| Famous For | First wife of Tommy Chong |
| Children | Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million+ |
Who Is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1940, in the United States. Some sources say she may have also lived in Canada, but most agree she has both American and Canadian nationality.
She comes from a mixed background — part Afro-Canadian and part Cherokee. That mix gave her a strong identity and a graceful presence. People who knew her often described her as calm, smart, and kind.
Maxine didn’t seek the spotlight. She liked to stay private and focus on her family and career. But her name became known when she married one of the biggest names in comedy, Tommy Chong.
Maxine Sneed’s Early Life and Family
Maxine grew up in a quiet home. She never shared much about her parents, but some believe her dad was a firefighter and her mom may have worked as a nurse. She was likely an only child, as there’s no mention of siblings.
In her younger years, Maxine loved to write, dance, and act in school plays. She also enjoyed playing sports and riding her bike with friends. These hobbies helped her grow into a confident young woman.
After finishing high school in 1958, Maxine went to college. She graduated in 1962 with a degree, though we don’t know exactly what subject she studied. Still, it’s clear that education and creativity were big parts of her life from early on.
How She Met Tommy Chong?
Maxine’s life changed forever in 1959 when she met Tommy Chong at a party. Tommy was there with her brother Bernie, who happened to be one of Tommy’s bandmates. The two hit it off right away.
They started dating soon after. Just a year later, on September 23, 1960 — Maxine’s birthday — they got married. It was a quiet wedding, with only a few friends and family around. But it was the start of a life filled with big changes.
At the time, Tommy wasn’t a big star. He was working in music and trying to find his path. Maxine supported him from the beginning, even when times were hard. They later moved to Vancouver, where they started their family life.
Raising Rae Dawn Like Her Own
One of the most touching parts of Maxine Sneed’s story is how she raised a daughter who wasn’t biologically hers. In 1961, Tommy’s former girlfriend, Gail Toolson, gave birth to a baby girl named Rae Dawn.
Tommy was given full custody of the baby, and Maxine stepped in to become her mother. She cared for Rae Dawn from the time she was a baby, feeding her, teaching her, and loving her like any mother would.
Years later, Rae Dawn shared in an interview (as per The Famous People) that Maxine was her true mom. She said, “My dad’s mother adopted me and brought me to my father and his fiancée, my mom Maxine, who I call mom.”
This shows the deep bond between them — one built on love, not just blood.
Welcoming Robbi Chong Into the Family
In 1965, Maxine gave birth to her own daughter with Tommy, Robbi Chong. The family now had two little girls, and Maxine focused fully on being a mom and a wife.
Robbi would grow up to follow in her sister’s footsteps and become an actress and model. But back then, life was simple. Maxine kept the home steady while Tommy worked in music and slowly moved into acting and comedy.
She cooked, cleaned, helped with school, and stayed strong — even when things were not easy. According to Legit.ng, Maxine was the kind of mother who quietly held the family together.
Maxine Sneed’s Career as an Editor
Outside of her role at home, Maxine also had a career. She worked at a publication called Black Radio Magazine, where she served as an editor.
Her job was to check articles, write stories, and make sure everything was well-written and clear. She also wrote for a few health and lifestyle magazines during her career.
Maxine’s work helped highlight Black voices in media. She didn’t just edit words — she helped share stories that mattered. This made her an important voice in journalism, even if she wasn’t widely known.
When Maxine and Tommy Broke Up?
Sadly, Maxine and Tommy’s marriage didn’t last forever. They divorced in 1970 (though some reports say it may have been 1974). The reasons were personal, but many believe Tommy’s affair with Shelby Fiddis, who later became his second wife, played a part.
After the breakup, Maxine stayed strong. She moved with her daughters to Detroit and later to Los Angeles. She kept her head high and never spoke badly about Tommy in public.
Even though the marriage ended, her role as a mother and her dignity never changed.
Maxine Sneed’s Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Maxine Sneed stayed focused on raising her daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi. She moved with them to Detroit, where life was quieter and felt safer. Later, they went back to Los Angeles, where Maxine could find work and stay closer to family.
She never gave up on her daughters. She worked hard to provide for them and supported their dreams — especially when they started acting. Both Rae and Robbi have said in interviews how much Maxine’s love meant to them growing up.
Maxine didn’t chase fame or attention. She simply did what strong mothers do — kept going, even when life was hard.
Even after their marriage ended, Maxine Sneed still helped Tommy Chong. As crazy as that may sound, it shows just how kind she truly was.
According to Amomama, Maxine lent Tommy her car, gave him money when he was struggling, and even helped take care of his daughter Precious, from his second marriage. She did all this without expecting anything back.
Tommy has said in many interviews that Maxine is a “saint”. He still calls her the most decent and kind woman he’s ever known. That says a lot, especially coming from someone who’s lived a long, colourful life.
What does Maxine love in her Life?
Maxine Sneed has always enjoyed a simple and peaceful lifestyle. In her younger years, she was very active. She went to the gym, did yoga, and practised meditation. She believed in taking care of both the body and the mind.
She also loves animals — especially cats. She’s had several pets over the years and always treated them like family. Her love for quiet spaces and gentle routines matches her personality.
Travel is another thing Maxine enjoyed. She visited cities across Canada and the United States, and also went to places like France and England. She loved learning about other cultures and spending time in peaceful spots.
Where Is Maxine Sneed Now?
As of 2025, Maxine Sneed lives a very private life in Los Angeles. She is not active on social media and doesn’t give interviews. She likes her peace and prefers staying away from public attention.
She still meets her daughters often and joins family gatherings from time to time. Sometimes, she is seen in old family photos shared by Rae Dawn or Robbi online. But other than that, Maxine stays off the radar.
She has truly chosen a quiet, meaningful life — far away from the spotlight, even though she helped raise two stars.
Final Thoughts
Maxine Sneed is more than just Tommy Chong’s first wife. She is a woman who showed love, grace, and patience through every part of her life.
She helped raise a daughter that wasn’t hers and did it with full heart. She built her own career, supported her ex-husband when he was down, and raised two strong daughters who became successful actresses.
In a world where many people chase fame, Maxine chose kindness and family instead. Her story reminds us that you don’t have to be loud to be strong — and that the people who stay in the background often carry the most love.
(FAQs)
Where is Maxine Sneed now?
She lives a very private life in Los Angeles and stays completely out of the spotlight.
How old is Maxine Sneed today?
She was born on September 23, 1940 — that makes her 85 years old in 2025!
What was Maxine Sneed like when she was young?
As a young woman, she loved writing, dancing, and acting — and even edited a major magazine!
What is Maxine Sneed’s background?
She has Afro-Canadian and Cherokee roots — a powerful mix of cultures that shaped her identity.
How much is Maxine Sneed worth, and who are her children?
Her net worth is over $1 million, and she raised two daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, both of whom became famous actresses.
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