When we talk about Hollywood families, some names immediately surface because of their lasting influence on entertainment. One of those names is Maxine Sneed, often remembered for her marriage to comedian, actor, and musician Tommy Chong of Cheech & Chong fame, as well as being the mother of celebrated actresses Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong. Despite her indirect entry into the limelight, Maxine has remained a figure of intrigue for decades.
This article explores who Maxine Sneed is, her background, career, ethnicity, relationships, family, and other lesser-known details—including her age, net worth, and more.
Who is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is a Canadian former editor, best known for her work with Black Radio Magazine. She is also widely recognized for her personal life—particularly her marriage to Tommy Chong during the 1960s. Unlike many celebrity spouses who actively chase stardom, Maxine mostly remained away from Hollywood’s spotlight, focusing instead on her professional endeavors and raising her daughters.
Her contributions to media, while not extensively publicized, highlight her role as one of the few Black Canadian women holding an editorial position during her time.
Maxine Sneed Age
One of the most commonly searched queries about Maxine is her age. Several blogs and biographies claim she was born on September 23, 1940, in Canada. If accurate, that would make her in her early 80s today.
However, it’s worth noting that reliable primary sources confirming this date are scarce. Some reports merely state that she was born “in the early 1940s.” Given her marriage in 1960, the timeline supports this age range.
Maxine Sneed Net Worth
Discussions about celebrity spouses almost always veer toward financial worth. Maxine Sneed’s net worth is largely speculative. Blog estimates place her between $1 million to $10 million, though these numbers cannot be independently verified.
Her wealth likely comes from a combination of her editorial career, divorce settlements, and her association with a high-profile family. Still, unlike her ex-husband and daughters, Maxine never made entertainment her primary career.
Maxine Sneed on Wikipedia
As of now, there is no dedicated Wikipedia page for Maxine Sneed. Information about her is typically pieced together from entertainment magazines, celebrity biography blogs, and family interviews involving Tommy Chong or her daughters.
The absence of a formal Wikipedia entry reflects her preference for privacy and her relatively low media footprint compared to her ex-husband and children.
Maxine Sneed Movies and Media Presence
A common misconception is that Maxine Sneed has acted in films or appeared in multiple projects. In reality, she has no acting career of her own.
Her only verifiable screen credit is a self-appearance in “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” (2024). Many online biographies mistakenly list credits that belong to her daughters—Rae Dawn Chong, known for roles in Commando (1985) and The Color Purple (1985), and Robbi Chong, a model and actress with credits in Poltergeist: The Legacy.
Thus, while Maxine herself stayed behind the scenes, her family maintained a visible presence in Hollywood.
Maxine Sneed Ethnicity and Background
Maxine Sneed’s heritage is often described as Black Canadian with Cherokee ancestry. This detail is widely repeated across entertainment blogs, though it is not officially confirmed through interviews or genealogy records.
Regardless, her mixed cultural background added to the diverse family environment in which her children grew up.
Maxine Sneed Relations (Family and Connections)
Marriage to Tommy Chong
Maxine married Tommy Chong in 1960. At the time, Tommy was an aspiring musician and comedian who would later become a cultural icon. The marriage lasted for about a decade before ending in divorce in 1970.
Despite the separation, the two shared a bond through their daughters, remaining part of each other’s extended family stories.
Children
Maxine and Tommy Chong had two daughters:
- Rae Dawn Chong (born 1961): An actress with a successful career in films and TV, Rae Dawn earned critical acclaim for her performances in the 1980s.
- Robbi Lynn Chong (born 1965): A model-turned-actress, Robbi appeared in television shows and films, building a name of her own.
Both daughters credit their upbringing and family dynamics for shaping their artistic careers.
Other Family Ties
Some reports suggest Maxine may be related to Canadian drummer Floyd Sneed, best known as a member of the rock band Three Dog Night. While mentioned on some blogs, this connection remains uncertain and unverified.
Maxine Sneed’s Father and Family Life
Details about Maxine Sneed’s parents and father are sparse. Unlike many Hollywood figures with heavily documented genealogies, Maxine has kept her family background private. The focus has largely been on her role as a spouse and mother rather than her own upbringing.
Life After Divorce
After separating from Tommy Chong in 1970, Maxine chose a life outside the limelight. Tommy went on to marry Shelby Chong in 1975, with whom he built a large family and collaborative career.
Maxine, meanwhile, reportedly dedicated her time to her work and to raising her daughters. Unlike Tommy and Shelby, she avoided interviews, red carpets, and Hollywood events.
Legacy and Public Image
Though she never sought fame, Maxine Sneed remains a point of interest because of her connections to a highly influential Hollywood family. Her daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi, often speak fondly of their family dynamics, indirectly shedding light on their mother’s role in shaping their paths.
She symbolizes a blend of strength, discretion, and resilience, qualities that set her apart in an era when being connected to a celebrity often meant constant media scrutiny.
Conclusion
Maxine Sneed’s story is one of quiet strength in the shadows of Hollywood stardom. She carved a career for herself as a magazine editor, raised two talented daughters who became actresses, and managed to maintain her privacy despite being associated with one of entertainment’s most iconic figures, Tommy Chong.
Though much about her remains shrouded in privacy—such as her exact family background, net worth, or early career—her influence is undeniable. For those curious about the lesser-known figures tied to Hollywood history, Maxine Sneed remains a fascinating personality worth exploring.
This article was written and published for readers of PrimeHeadlines, your trusted source for celebrity insights and untold stories.