Trivia

In federal prison in the 1990s, his cube-mate was Jordan Belfort, who would regale Chong with wild tales of his career as a stockbroker. Chong encouraged Belfort to write a book, which was turned into The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). They've remained friends ever since.

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

Has a webcast on youtube under the username citizenchong.

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.

His father, Stanley Chong, was a Chinese immigrant. His mother, Lorna Jean (Gilchrist), was of Scots-Irish ancestry.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer [June 9, 2012].

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

Has two children with first wife Maxine Sneed: daughters Rae Dawn Chong (born in 1961) and Robbi Chong (born in 1965). He also has four children with second wife Shelby Chong: daughter Precious Chong (born in 1968, while he was still married to first wife Maxine), and sons Paris Chong (born in 1974), Marcus Chong (adopted in 1978), and Gilbran Chong (born in 1980).

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.

Former brother-in-law of Three Dog Night drummer, Floyd Sneed.

Former Father-in-law of C. Thomas Howell.

Has a stand-up comic act with his wife, Shelby Chong. They frequently perform to sold-out crowds. (2001)

Father, with Maxine Sneed, of Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong. Adopted father of Marcus Chong.

Father, with Shelby Chong of Gilbran Chong, Paris Chong, Precious Chong, and Marcus Chong.

Was considered for the role of Sheriff Leigh Brackett in Halloween (1978).

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

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

Contrary to popular belief, it is not his likeness as the picture of Jesus in Born in East L.A. (1987).

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

He and Cheech Marin voiced the characters of Rutt and Tuke the mooses in the Spanish Version of Brother Bear.