The Last Laugh: 5 Shocking New Updates On Cheech And Chong's Tommy In 2025

The legendary duo of Cheech and Chong, pioneers of countercultural comedy, are proving that age is just a number as they continue to dominate headlines in the mid-2020s. For decades, fans have followed the careers of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, but the latest news, especially concerning Tommy Chong, reveals a surprising new chapter in their enduring legacy. As of December 2025, the most significant update is the highly-anticipated release of what is being billed as their final cinematic project, alongside Cheech Marin's groundbreaking work in the art world, solidifying their status not just as comedians, but as cultural icons.

The relationship between Richard "Cheech" Marin and Thomas "Tommy" Chong—the two men behind the iconic characters—has spanned over fifty years, marked by creative highs, a notable split, and a powerful reunion. This article dives into the five most current and shocking updates on Tommy Chong and the Cheech & Chong universe, including a major documentary release, a rare television appearance, and the unexpected intersection of comedy, cannabis, and fine art.

Thomas B. Kin Chong: A Complete Profile and Biography

Thomas B. Kin Chong, universally known as Tommy Chong, is more than half of the iconic comedy duo; he is a celebrated actor, musician, writer, director, and one of the world's most recognizable cannabis rights activists. His life story is a fascinating journey from a working-class Canadian childhood to becoming a counterculture legend.

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• Full Name: Thomas B. Kin Chong
• Date of Birth: May 24, 1938
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 87
• Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Ancestry: His mother, Lorna Jean Gilchrist, was of Scots-Irish Canadian descent, and his father, Stanley Chong, was Chinese. The family later moved to a neighborhood near Calgary.
• Wife: Shelby Chong (m. 1975)
• Previous Spouse: Maxine Sneed (m. 1960; div. 1970)
• Children: Rae Dawn Chong (actress), Robbi Chong, Precious Chong, Paris Chong, Gilbran Chong.
• Career Highlights: Co-creator of Cheech & Chong (met Cheech Marin in Vancouver in 1968), co-writer and star of films like Up in Smoke (1978) and Nice Dreams (1981), and a recurring role as Leo on That '70s Show and its sequel, That '90s Show.
• Activism: A lifelong advocate for cannabis legalization and reform, a role that led to his highly publicized legal issues.

1. The 'Last Movie' Reunion: Cheech & Chong's 2025 Cinematic Swan Song

The biggest news for fans of the comedy duo is the upcoming release of *Cheech & Chong's Last Movie*, a documentary that traces their enduring and often tumultuous relationship.

The film, directed by David Bushell, is set to hit theaters on April 20, 2025, a date that is no coincidence given their long association with cannabis culture.

While the title suggests a definitive end, the project is described as an inventive documentary that serves as both a career-spanning retrospective and a feisty on-screen reunion.

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The project features interviews, classic sketches, and never-before-seen footage, offering a deep dive into how the two men—Richard Marin and Tommy Chong—came together at a topless bar in Vancouver in 1968 to form one of pop culture's most influential comedy partnerships.

Tommy Chong has commented that the film, which he was brought in to produce, is less about a traditional plot and more about telling their own story, highlighting their status as countercultural trailblazers.

2. Tommy Chong's Continued Political and Cannabis Activism

Beyond the silver screen, Tommy Chong remains a highly visible figure in the world of cannabis activism, a role that has defined much of his later life. His commitment stems from his own experience serving nine months in federal prison in 2003–2004 for his involvement in "Operation Pipe Dreams," an investigation targeting the online sale of drug paraphernalia.

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In 2025, Chong continues to leverage his celebrity to advocate for the widespread legalization of marijuana, often commenting on the emergence of America's legal cannabis industry.

His commentary often focuses on the therapeutic and life-changing aspects of the plant, tying his personal journey from conviction to cannabis entrepreneurship to the broader movement for reform. He has been quoted saying, "Cannabis changed my life," a sentiment he shares with a new generation of users and activists.

A notable appearance is slated for May 2, 2025, where both Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong were guests on the political talk show *Real Time with Bill Maher*, suggesting their relevance extends far beyond comedy into current socio-political discourse.

3. Cheech Marin's Unstoppable Art Renaissance in Riverside

While Tommy Chong focuses on the world of cannabis, Cheech Marin is deeply entrenched in the world of fine art, a parallel career that has given the duo's legacy an unexpected layer of cultural gravitas. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry—known simply as "The Cheech"—in Riverside, California, is thriving.

The museum, which opened in 2022, is dedicated to legitimizing and showcasing Chicano art, a movement Marin has championed for decades.

The most current update for 2025 is the announcement of a new major exhibition: “Cheech Collects IV,” which is scheduled to be on display from June 7, 2025, to May 3, 2026.

This commitment to art, which Marin calls his hope for a "Chicano art renaissance," highlights the distinct individual paths the comedy partners have taken, even as they reunite for their "Last Movie." This dual focus—one on cannabis, the other on art—shows how both men are leaving indelible marks on American culture outside of their classic comedy routines like the famous "Dave's Not Here" gag.

4. The Enduring Legacy on New-Generation Comedy

The influence of Cheech and Chong's style of stoner comedy and counterculture satire is still felt decades later, evidenced by Tommy Chong's continued presence in nostalgic projects.

Chong reprised his role as the perpetually laid-back Leo in the Netflix series *That '90s Show*, a sequel to the popular *That '70s Show*. This role keeps him relevant to younger audiences and showcases his ability to embody the spirit of the free-spirited, often-high mentor figure.

Their work in films like *Up in Smoke* and *Still Smokin'* established a comedic blueprint that countless comedians and writers have followed. The fact that the duo is still being invited to speak about their status as "trailblazers" on shows like the *Wrap Up Show* in 2025 confirms their lasting impact on the industry.

5. The Complex, Brotherly Bond That Fuels Their Reunion

While their on-screen chemistry is legendary, the relationship between Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong has been anything but simple. The duo split in the mid-1980s, primarily due to creative differences, with both men pursuing successful solo careers (Marin with films like *Born in East L.A.* and Chong with his acting roles).

However, their reunion for touring and now for *Cheech & Chong's Last Movie* speaks to an unbreakable, almost brotherly bond. Cheech Marin has publicly referred to Chong as his "brother," acknowledging that while their partnership has had its difficult moments, their connection as one of pop culture's most popular duos endures.

The 2025 documentary is expected to delve into this complex history, offering fans a candid look at the challenges and rewards of a five-decade-long partnership. For Tommy Chong, the "Last Movie" is not just a film; it’s a final, powerful statement on a friendship that defined a generation.