Maxine Sneed: The Untold Story of Tommy Chong’s Ex-Wife

Most people know Tommy Chong — the funny guy from the Cheech & Chong movies and That ’70s Show. But not many know about Maxine Sneed, the woman who once stood quietly by his side. She’s not a celebrity. She didn’t chase fame. But her life is full of love, strength, and quiet choices that shaped a family.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the real story of Maxine Sneed, Tommy Chong’s ex-wife. You’ll learn who she is, where she came from, how she helped raise two Hollywood stars, and why she’s still remembered even though she stepped out of the spotlight years ago.

Maxine Sneed Quick Bio

Maxine Sneed’s Early Life

Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, but the exact year is not known. Some sources say she may have been born in the United States, while others suggest she lived in Canada for most of her early life. Most people agree she holds both Canadian and American nationality.

Her background is unique. Maxine comes from a mixed heritage — she is Afro-Canadian and Cherokee. This rich cultural mix gave her a strong identity and a calm, graceful personality. Sadly, we don’t know much about her childhood or her parents. She kept her early life private and never shared much with the public.

Even as a young woman, people who met her often described her as kind, smart, and gentle. She wasn’t looking for attention — she simply focused on what mattered to her.

How Maxine Sneed Met Tommy Chong

Maxine’s life changed in a big way in the late 1950s. That’s when she met a young musician named Tommy Chong. At the time, Tommy was still finding his path in music and life. The two met through Maxine’s brother, Bernie, who was in the same band as Tommy.

There was a quick connection between Maxine and Tommy. They started dating soon after, and their bond grew stronger over time. Even though they came from different backgrounds, they seemed to understand each other.

It was a time of simple love, big dreams, and shared hope for the future. Maxine supported Tommy through his early struggles — before he ever became a star.

Marriage to Tommy Chong

On September 23, 1960, Maxine and Tommy got married. That’s right — they got married on Maxine’s birthday! It was a sweet and quiet wedding, with just a few family and friends around. But it marked the start of a journey that would shape their lives forever.

After their marriage, the couple moved to Vancouver, Canada. They lived a modest life. Tommy worked in a family-run bakery while Maxine got a job as a secretary. They worked hard, saved money, and built a home together.

These were not easy times. Tommy was still dreaming of success in music and entertainment, and Maxine stood by him. She believed in him, even when things were uncertain. That quiet support is something many people remember about her.

Being Tommy Chong’s Ex-Wife and a Full-Time Mom

One of the most touching parts of Maxine Sneed’s life is how she took on the role of a mother to a child who wasn’t biologically hers. In 1961, Tommy’s ex-girlfriend, Gail Toolson, gave birth to a baby girl named Rae Dawn.

Tommy got full custody of the baby, and Maxine stepped in without hesitation. She raised Rae Dawn with love and care, just like any mother would. She fed her, bathed her, sang to her, and protected her — every single day.

Years later, Rae Dawn said in an interview:

“My dad’s mother adopted me and brought me to my father and his fiancée, my mom Maxine, who I call mom.”

That quote says a lot. Maxine became Rae’s real mother in every way that matters. She didn’t have to — but she did. And that’s the kind of heart she had.

Raising Two Famous Daughters

In 1965, Maxine gave birth to her second daughter, Robbi Chong. Now with two little girls — Rae and Robbi — Maxine focused all her love and energy on being the best mother she could be.

She helped with school, made home-cooked meals, and gave both daughters a safe, loving home. Later on, both Rae and Robbi followed their own paths into acting and modeling, becoming known faces in the entertainment world.

Rae Dawn Chong became famous for roles in movies like Commando, The Color Purple, Soul Man, and many more. Robbi Chong found success in both fashion and film — working as a model in Paris before becoming a regular face in TV shows like The Outer Limits and Murder One.

Behind their success was Maxine — the quiet but strong woman who gave them everything she had.

Maxine Sneed’s Job as a Magazine Editor

While Maxine was busy being a full-time mom, she also had her own career. She worked as an editor at Black Radio Magazine, a publication that helped share Black voices and stories in the media. She also worked as a proofreader for different companies.

Her job was to check articles, edit writing, and make sure the stories were clear and correct. This might not sound glamorous, but it mattered. Maxine helped share voices that weren’t always heard — and that made a difference.

Even though she wasn’t in front of the camera like her family, she used her skills in writing and editing to make a quiet impact. She had her own world, her own voice — and she used it with care.

Why Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong Broke Up

Like many love stories, Maxine and Tommy’s marriage didn’t last forever. By 1970, the couple had divorced. Some reports suggest it may have happened as late as 1974, but most agree that things started falling apart earlier.

The reason? Tommy had an affair with another woman — Shelby Fiddis — who would later become his second wife. The affair became serious, and eventually, Shelby became pregnant.

It was a painful time. But Maxine never made a scene or spoke badly about Tommy in public. She handled it with grace and quiet strength, just like she had done all her life.

Maxine’s Life After Divorce

After her marriage to Tommy Chong ended, Maxine Sneed didn’t let the breakup slow her down. She focused on her daughters and gave them everything they needed to grow up happy, healthy, and strong.

She moved first to Detroit, and later to Los Angeles, where she built a quiet life. She worked, raised her kids, and stayed out of the spotlight. You didn’t see her on red carpets or in the tabloids. That’s because Maxine never wanted fame. She only wanted peace and a good life for her family.

While others talked loudly, Maxine stayed calm. She lived with grace and never shared her pain in public. That takes real strength.

Helping Tommy Even After the Split

Here’s something that may surprise you — Maxine Sneed helped Tommy Chong even after their divorce. That’s right. When Tommy was struggling, Maxine stepped in to help.

She gave him money, lent him her car, and even helped take care of his children from his second marriage — including his daughter Precious. Not many people would do that for an ex.

Tommy himself has said it many times:

“Maxine really was, and still is, a saint.”

That one sentence says a lot. It shows how deeply Maxine cared — not just during their marriage, but long after it ended.

Where Is Maxine Sneed Now?

In 2025, Maxine Sneed lives a private and peaceful life in Los Angeles. She does not use social media. She doesn’t give interviews. You won’t find her in the news.

But once in a while, she shows up in family photos shared by her daughters, Rae Dawn or Robbi. She still stays close to them and joins them for family events and holidays.

She enjoys a quiet home, simple routines, and spending time with loved ones. And even though she avoids the spotlight, people still remember her for everything she has done.

Maxine Sneed’s Life in Her Own Way

Maxine has always lived life on her own terms. She never wanted fame or attention. She enjoyed simple things — like yoga, meditation, and taking care of her cats.

She loved to read books, travel, and spend time in calm, quiet places. She visited different cities in Canada and the U.S., and even took trips to France and England.

Maxine believed in living with balance — caring for the body and the mind. She didn’t want the world’s noise. She wanted peace. And she found it.

Final Thoughts

Maxine Sneed was never loud, but she was always strong. She helped build a life, raise a family, and stay kind — even when things were hard.

She is more than Tommy Chong’s ex-wife. She is a loving mother, a quiet helper, and a graceful woman who lives life with heart. She didn’t need cameras or crowds. She just needed her family — and that’s what made her special.

In a world where many chase attention, Maxine Sneed chose peace. And in doing so, she became unforgettable.

(FAQs)

What is Maxine Sneed’s ethnicity?

Maxine Sneed is of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee descent — a powerful mix of cultures rarely seen in old Hollywood families.

Did Maxine Sneed ever act in any movies?

No! Even though she raised two Hollywood stars, Maxine Sneed was never in any movie and has zero film credits.

How old is Maxine Sneed, and when is her birthday?

She was born on September 23, 1940, which makes her 85 years old in 2025 — and still living a quiet life.

Is Maxine Sneed on IMDb?

Surprisingly, Maxine Sneed has no IMDb page of her own, despite being part of a famous showbiz family.

Where is Maxine Sneed now?

As of 2025, Maxine lives a private life in Los Angeles, far away from the spotlight — and she’s never once shared her story publicly.