Most people know Tommy Chong — the funny man from Cheech & Chong movies and That ’70s Show. But behind his fame is a woman named Maxine Sneed. She was his first wife, the quiet one, the strong one — the woman who helped raise two daughters who became stars.
Even though Maxine and Tommy divorced more than 50 years ago, people still want to know about her. Why? Because Maxine never chased the spotlight. She lived her life with calm, kindness, and grace. That’s rare, especially in Hollywood.
In this article, we’ll share the untold story of Maxine Sneed, Tommy Chong’s ex-wife. You’ll learn who she is, how they met, what her life was like, and why her quiet strength still inspires people today.
Maxine Sneed Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maxine Sneed |
| Known As | Tommy Chong’s ex-wife |
| Date of Birth | September 23 |
| Age (2026) | Around 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Canadian and Cherokee |
| Profession | Editor, Proofreader |
| Famous For | Raising Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Tommy Chong |
| Marriage Year | 1960 |
| Divorce Year | Around 1970 |
| Children | Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Chong |
| Lives In (2026) | Los Angeles, California |
| Movies | None |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Over $1 million |
Who Is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is a Canadian woman who became known to the world as Tommy Chong’s first wife. But that’s not all she is.
She worked as an editor and proofreader, helping others shape their words. She raised two daughters — Rae Dawn and Robbi — who became successful actresses. And most of all, she stayed strong and loving, even after life took difficult turns.
Maxine didn’t want fame. She didn’t want cameras. She just wanted to care for her family and live a peaceful life. And that’s exactly what she did.
Maxine Sneed’s Early Life and Background
Maxine was born on September 23, though her exact birth year is not confirmed. Some believe she was born in the early 1940s, which would make her in her mid-80s today.
She has a beautiful and rare background. Maxine is of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee descent — a mix of cultures that gave her strength, pride, and quiet confidence.
Not much is known about her early childhood, her parents, or where she grew up. That’s because Maxine has always been a private person. She never gave interviews or tried to be in the news. She simply chose to live her life her way.
How Maxine Sneed Met Tommy Chong
In the late 1950s, Maxine met a young musician named Tommy Chong. He was still trying to figure out his future. At the time, Tommy was playing in a band. Maxine’s brother Bernie was also in that same band — and that’s how Maxine and Tommy crossed paths.
The connection between them was quick. They were young, hopeful, and full of dreams. Tommy was drawn to Maxine’s calm and intelligent nature. She wasn’t like the flashy girls he met at parties. She was real, thoughtful, and kind.
They started dating. And even though Tommy wasn’t famous yet, Maxine believed in him. She stood by his side and encouraged him to chase his dreams.
Maxine Sneed’s Marriage to Tommy Chong
On September 23, 1960 — Maxine’s birthday — she and Tommy got married. It was a sweet, simple wedding. No big crowds. Just love.
After the wedding, they moved to Vancouver, Canada, where they lived a very normal life. Maxine worked as a secretary in a big company. Tommy got a job at a bakery, selling bread and sweets.
They didn’t have much money, but they had each other. Maxine handled the bills and kept the home running. She supported Tommy while he was chasing music and comedy. Life wasn’t easy, but they were a team.
She wasn’t just Tommy Chong’s wife — she was his partner, his anchor, and his quiet cheerleader.
Maxine Sneed and Rae Dawn Chong
Here’s where the story takes a big turn. In 1961, Tommy’s ex-girlfriend, Gail Toolson, gave birth to a baby girl named Rae Dawn. Tommy was the father. It was a complicated situation.
But when Tommy got custody of the baby, Maxine didn’t walk away. She didn’t complain. Instead, she stepped in and raised Rae as her own. She fed her, held her, loved her — like any mother would.
Rae Dawn later 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 says everything. Maxine didn’t have to raise Rae. But she did. And she did it with love and without judgment.
Life as Tommy Chong’s Ex-Wife
In 1965, Maxine gave birth to her second daughter, Robbi Chong. Now with two little girls — Rae and Robbi — Maxine focused on being the best mother she could be.
She worked during the day and cared for the girls every night. She made meals, helped with school, and taught them to be strong and kind.
Both daughters grew up to become actresses. Rae starred in The Color Purple, Commando, and Quest for Fire. Robbi became a model in Paris and later acted in shows like Murder One and The Outer Limits.
Behind all of that success? Maxine. She gave them love, stability, and courage.
Maxine Sneed’s Work as an Editor
Maxine wasn’t just a full-time mom. She also had a quiet but meaningful career. She worked as an editor at Black Radio Magazine, a publication that shared stories from the Black community.
She also worked as a proofreader, helping writers fix and polish their work. She wasn’t in the spotlight — but she helped others shine.
Maxine believed in the power of words. She helped shape stories, even if her own story stayed hidden for many years.
Why Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong Divorced
Like many love stories, Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong’s marriage didn’t last forever. After about a decade together, things started to fall apart. By 1970, or possibly a few years later, they were officially divorced.
The main reason? Tommy had an affair with another woman named Shelby Fiddis. This wasn’t just a one-time mistake. The affair grew serious, and Shelby later became pregnant. That was something Maxine couldn’t ignore.
But even in this difficult time, Maxine stayed calm. She didn’t go to the media. She didn’t try to hurt Tommy’s name. She simply stepped away with grace. That’s something people still admire about her.
Life After Divorce for Maxine Sneed
After the breakup, Maxine focused on her daughters. She moved to Detroit for a while, then later returned to Los Angeles. She raised Rae and Robbi mostly on her own. She worked hard, kept a clean home, and made sure her girls were safe and happy.
She didn’t ask for sympathy. She didn’t seek attention. She just did what a strong mother does — she carried on. Her quiet strength made a big difference in her daughters’ lives.
Even without Tommy, Maxine built a good life. She kept working as an editor and always put her family first. That’s what mattered most to her.
How Maxine Sneed Supported Tommy Chong After Divorce
This part of Maxine Sneed’s story often surprises people. Even after the divorce, she helped Tommy. When he was broke, she gave him money. When he had no car, she lent him hers. When he needed help with his other children, she stepped in.
At one point, Maxine even cared for Tommy’s daughter Precious, who was from his second marriage. She didn’t have to do any of this. But she did.
Tommy later said:
“Maxine really was, and still is, a saint.”
That’s powerful. It shows just how kind and generous Maxine Sneed truly was — even to someone who had hurt her.
Where Is Maxine Sneed Now?
As of 2026, Maxine Sneed lives a quiet life in Los Angeles. She stays far away from social media, interviews, or gossip. You won’t find her on talk shows or podcasts. She prefers peace.
She still stays close to her daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi. Sometimes, she appears in family photos they share online. But other than that, she lives privately — just the way she always wanted.
Maxine enjoys simple things like reading, meditation, and nature. She doesn’t need fame or attention to feel happy. Her calm lifestyle shows that peace matters more than popularity.
Maxine Sneed’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
There’s no exact number for Maxine Sneed’s net worth. But based on her work, her family connections, and her years of careful living, many believe she’s worth over $1 million.
She was never flashy. She didn’t buy luxury cars or giant houses. Instead, she chose comfort and balance. Her money likely went toward raising her kids and helping her family.
Today, she lives a stable, peaceful life. She has everything she needs — love, peace, and time with her family.
Final Thoughts
Maxine Sneed may be best known as Tommy Chong’s ex-wife, but that title doesn’t tell the whole story. She’s a loving mother. A loyal helper. A calm and caring woman who stayed strong through life’s storms.
She helped raise two successful daughters. She supported her ex-husband even when he didn’t deserve it. And she lived her life with grace — never asking for applause, never chasing fame.
In today’s loud world, Maxine chose quiet. And that’s what made her unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a role model who shows strength without shouting, Maxine Sneed is that person. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the quietest people leave the biggest mark.
(FAQs)
Did Maxine Sneed ever act in any movies?
No. Even though her whole family is famous in movies, Maxine Sneed never acted in any film or show. She stayed away from Hollywood life.
What is Maxine Sneed’s background?
Maxine Sneed is Afro-Canadian and Cherokee. That’s a rare and strong mix of cultures you don’t often see in early Hollywood stories.
How old is Maxine Sneed in 2026?
Maxine was born on September 23, but no one knows her exact year. Most believe she is now about 85 years old in 2026.
How much is Maxine Sneed worth now?
No one knows the real number, but people say Maxine Sneed’s net worth is over $1 million, even though she never chased fame.
Where is Maxine Sneed living in 2026?
Maxine lives a quiet life in Los Angeles. She stays out of the spotlight, doesn’t use social media, and spends time with her daughters and books.
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