Many people know Tommy Chong as the famous comedian and actor. However, not many know about his first wife, Maxine Sneed. She lived a quiet life away from cameras and fame. This is her story.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Maxine Sneed |
|---|---|
| Famous As | Tommy Chong’s ex-wife, Editor |
| Birthday | September 23 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Black Canadian and Cherokee |
| Profession | Former Magazine Editor |
| Children | Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong |
| Marriage Years | 1960 – 1970 (10 years) |
| Current Status | Single, Living Privately |
Early Life and Background
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23. Her family roots include Black Canadian and Cherokee heritage. Not much information is available about her childhood or education. She holds Canadian citizenship.
Career as a Magazine Editor
Maxine worked as an editor for Black Radio Magazine, which focused on African American voices in the radio industry. She helped shape the magazine’s content and ensured stories were clear and well-written. Some sources say she also worked as a proofreader for other companies.
Meeting Tommy Chong
Maxine met Tommy Chong in 1959 through mutual friends. Her brother, Bernie (Floyd Sneed), was Tommy’s bandmate. Tommy was immediately attracted to her.
They dated, but Maxine broke up with him when he became a truck driver. Heartbroken, Tommy dated another woman named Gail Toulson and proposed to her. But he realized he did not love Gail the way he loved Maxine. He called off his engagement. Then Maxine called and said she was ready to marry him.
Marriage and Family Life
Tommy and Maxine married on September 23, 1960, in Canada. They had two daughters. Their first daughter, Rae Dawn Chong, was born on February 28, 1961. However, Rae was from Tommy’s previous relationship with Gail Toulson. Tommy won custody and Maxine raised Rae as her own.
Rae did not know about her biological mother until age 12. She always considered Maxine her mother and thanked both parents for raising her with love.
On May 28, 1965, they welcomed Robbi Lynn Chong, their only biological child together. Maxine was a devoted mother who created a stable home for both daughters.
The End of Their Marriage
Maxine and Tommy’s marriage ended in 1970 after ten years together. Many sources say that Tommy’s infidelity was the main reason for their separation. During their marriage, Tommy began an affair with Shelby Fiddis, who later became his second wife. This affair led to the end of Maxine and Tommy’s marriage.
After the divorce, Maxine and her daughters moved to Detroit. They enjoyed living there and felt safe in the Black community. Later, they returned to Los Angeles, where Maxine found a new job and started rebuilding her life.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Tommy, Maxine chose to stay single. She never remarried. While Tommy married Shelby Fiddis in 1975, Maxine focused on raising her daughters and living quietly.
Both daughters followed their father’s footsteps into entertainment. Rae became a successful actress, known for films like “The Color Purple,” “Commando,” and “Quest for Fire.” Robbi also became an actress and model. Maxine supported both daughters as they built their Hollywood careers.
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A Private Life
Today, little is known about Maxine’s current life. She stays away from the public eye and does not use social media. This shows that she values privacy and does not want attention or fame.
Through her daughter Rae, Maxine has a grandson named Morgan Baylis.
Tommy Chong’s Words About Maxine
Despite their divorce, Tommy Chong has spoken positively about Maxine over the years. He once called her “the perfect wife” and said she was “a saint.” These words show that Tommy still respects Maxine, even though their marriage ended.
Tommy went on to have a successful career in comedy with Cheech Marin. He had three more children with his second wife, Shelby, and adopted a son named Marcus Chong.
Her Legacy
Maxine Sneed may not be famous like her ex-husband or daughters, but her life story is important. She represents the many people who work behind the scenes, supporting their families without seeking attention.
As a mother, she raised two successful daughters who made their mark in Hollywood. As an editor, she contributed to media work that supported Black voices. As a woman, she showed strength by rebuilding her life after divorce.
Her story reminds us that not everyone wants the spotlight. Some people find happiness in quiet lives, away from fame. Maxine chose privacy over publicity, and that choice deserves respect.
Conclusion
Maxine Sneed’s life is a story of love, strength, and privacy. She started as a magazine editor, became Tommy Chong’s wife, raised two talented daughters, and chose a quiet life after divorce.
While the world knows Tommy Chong for his comedy, Maxine remains the woman who stood by him during his early years. She gave him a family and raised their children with love and care.
Today, Maxine lives away from the public eye, exactly as she wants. Her legacy lives on through her daughters and the quiet strength she showed throughout her life. She proves that you do not need fame to make a difference in the lives of the people you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is a former magazine editor and the ex-wife of famous comedian Tommy Chong. She worked as an editor for Black Radio Magazine and is the mother of actresses Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong.
Q2: How long were Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong married?
Maxine and Tommy were married for about 10 years, from 1960 to 1970. They divorced due to Tommy’s infidelity.
Q3: Does Maxine Sneed have children?
Yes, Maxine has two daughters. Rae Dawn Chong (born 1961) and Robbi Chong (born 1965). Both daughters became actresses. Rae was from Tommy’s previous relationship, but Maxine raised her as her own.
Q4: What does Maxine Sneed do now?
Maxine lives a private life away from the public eye. She is not active on social media and keeps her personal life completely private. Not much is known about her current activities.
Q5: Did Maxine Sneed remarry after divorcing Tommy Chong?
No, Maxine did not remarry after her divorce from Tommy Chong in 1970. She chose to stay single and focused on raising her two daughters.
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