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Maxine Sneed is a Canadian editor best known for her work at Black Radio Magazine and as the former wife of comedian Tommy Chong. Born in Canada with mixed African-Canadian and Cherokee heritage, she married Chong in 1960 and raised two daughters—actresses Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong—before divorcing in 1970. She maintained a private life focused on her editorial career rather than seeking public attention.
When people search for Maxine Sneed, they’re usually curious about Tommy Chong’s first wife. But there’s more to her story than just being connected to a famous comedian. Maxine carved out her own path as a media professional while raising two daughters who became successful actresses. Her life represents quiet strength and professional dedication during a transformative period in entertainment history.
Maxine Sneed was born in Canada, with most sources indicating September 23 as her birthday, though her exact birth year remains uncertain. Her heritage reflects a rich cultural mix of African-Canadian and Cherokee ancestry, which shaped her identity and later influenced her professional choices in media representation.
Very little public information exists about Maxine’s childhood, parents, or education. This privacy wasn’t accidental—it became a pattern throughout her life. While many people connected to celebrities seek the spotlight, Maxine consistently chose a different path. Her early interests and education led her toward journalism and publishing, fields where she could make an impact without being in front of cameras.
Maxine met Tommy Chong in the late 1950s, and the couple married in 1960 in Canada. At the time, Tommy was beginning his entertainment career, initially working in music before transitioning to comedy. Their marriage lasted approximately ten years during a period of significant change—both personally and professionally.
The early 1960s were a challenging time for interracial marriages in North America. Maxine and Tommy’s union crossed racial lines at a time when such relationships faced social scrutiny. Despite these external pressures, they built a family together and supported each other’s career ambitions.
During their marriage, Tommy’s career trajectory shifted from music to comedy. He eventually formed the famous duo Cheech & Chong with Cheech Marin in the late 1960s, which would bring him widespread fame in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Maxine pursued her own professional path in media and publishing.
Their marriage ended in 1970. Multiple sources cite Tommy’s infidelity as a significant factor in their separation. However, both maintained relative privacy about the details of their divorce, particularly compared to typical celebrity splits. This discretion reflected Maxine’s ongoing preference for keeping personal matters private.
Maxine raised two daughters who both entered the entertainment industry. The family situation was more complex than it might initially appear.
Rae Dawn Chong, born February 28, 1961, has a unique family story. Her biological mother was a teenager named Gail Toolson, who placed Rae Dawn in an orphanage after facing difficult circumstances. Tommy’s mother later adopted Rae Dawn and brought her to Tommy and Maxine, who raised her as their own from infancy. Rae Dawn has spoken about having “two mothers” and credits both with shaping who she became.
Rae Dawn went on to have an impressive acting career. She won a Genie Award (the Canadian equivalent of an Oscar) for her performance in “Quest for Fire” (1981). Her filmography includes notable roles in “The Color Purple” (1985), “Commando” (1985) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Beat Street” (1984), and “Soul Man” (1986). She also appeared in television series including “Mysterious Ways” and more recently in productions like “Interview with the Vampire” (2022).
Robbi Chong, born May 28, 1965, is Maxine and Tommy’s biological daughter together. Robbi began her career as an international model, joining the Click Modeling Agency at age 19 and working in Paris from 1983 to 1988. She then transitioned into acting, appearing in films like “Far Out Man” (1990) and television series including “Poltergeist: The Legacy” (1996-1999), where she played Alexandra Moreau.
Both daughters credit their mother with providing stability and support during their upbringing. Maxine encouraged their artistic pursuits while maintaining a grounded home environment, even after her divorce from Tommy.
Maxine’s most significant professional achievement was her work as editor of Black Radio Magazine. This position placed her at the intersection of media, culture, and representation during a transformative period in North American history.
As an editor, Maxine made decisions about content coverage, editorial direction, and which stories deserved attention. Black Radio Magazine focused on highlighting African American contributions to the radio industry—a vital role during an era when mainstream publications often marginalized Black voices.
The 1960s and 1970s were periods of significant change in both the music industry and racial politics. Black radio played a crucial role in shaping musical trends, from soul and R&B to early hip-hop. Publications like Black Radio Magazine served as important platforms for industry professionals, artists, and audiences who were often overlooked by mainstream media outlets.
While the exact duration of Maxine’s tenure at the magazine isn’t publicly documented, her role there represents her commitment to promoting Black artists and culture. Her work helped shape how Black contributions to radio were documented and celebrated.
Some sources also mention that Maxine worked as a proofreader and editor for other publications, including health and lifestyle content. However, her association with Black Radio Magazine remains her most notable professional achievement.
Following her 1970 divorce from Tommy Chong, Maxine reportedly moved first to Detroit and later settled in either Los Angeles or Canada (sources differ on her final residence). She continued to maintain her dignified, private approach to life.
Unlike many people in similar positions, Maxine didn’t seek media attention or leverage her connection to Tommy’s growing fame. As Cheech & Chong became cultural icons in the 1970s with films like “Up in Smoke” (1978), Maxine remained focused on her own career and raising her daughters.
Remarkably, Maxine maintained positive relations with Tommy after their divorce. Tommy has publicly referred to Maxine as a “saint,” praising her kindness and support even after their separation. Sources indicate that Maxine even helped Tommy financially during difficult periods and assisted with his second family, demonstrating extraordinary generosity of spirit.
Tommy married actress and producer Shelby Fiddis in 1975, and they had three biological children together (Paris, Gilbran, and Precious) plus an adopted son (Marcus Chong, who also pursued acting). Maxine’s willingness to help with Tommy’s second family speaks to her character and her prioritization of family wellbeing over past hurts.
As of 2025, very little is known about Maxine Sneed’s current situation. She reportedly lives a quiet, private life, possibly in Canada or Los Angeles. She does not maintain any known public social media accounts and rarely appears in public, even at family events.
Occasionally, she appears in family photos shared by her daughters, particularly on special occasions. These rare glimpses confirm her continued close relationship with Rae Dawn and Robbi, though she remains committed to staying out of the public eye.
There is no public information about whether Maxine remarried after her divorce from Tommy. Her estimated net worth is modest, likely under $1 million, primarily from her editorial career. This stands in contrast to Tommy’s estimated net worth of $8-20 million from his entertainment career, highlighting their very different relationships with fame and wealth.
Maxine Sneed’s legacy exists on multiple levels. Most visibly, she’s the mother of two successful actresses who have made significant contributions to film and television. Through Rae Dawn and Robbi, her influence extends into the entertainment world, even though she never sought that spotlight herself.
Professionally, her work as editor of Black Radio Magazine contributed to important conversations about media representation during a critical period. She helped document and promote Black contributions to radio and music at a time when such work was essential but often undervalued.
Perhaps most significantly, Maxine represents an alternative to the typical celebrity-adjacent narrative. In an era where connection to famous people is often parlayed into personal publicity, Maxine chose privacy, professional fulfillment, and family focus over fame. Her ability to maintain positive relationships, support her ex-husband’s new family, and raise successful daughters while building her own career demonstrates remarkable character.
Maxine Sneed’s story reminds us that not everyone connected to fame seeks it for themselves. Her contributions as an editor helped shape media representation for Black artists and radio professionals. Her role as a mother supported two daughters who went on to successful entertainment careers. And her personal choices—maintaining privacy, showing generosity to her ex-husband’s new family, and focusing on meaningful work—demonstrate a different kind of strength.
While searches for her name often begin with curiosity about Tommy Chong, Maxine Sneed deserves recognition for her own achievements and choices. She built a career in media representation, raised a family with grace during challenging circumstances, and maintained her dignity and privacy throughout decades of proximity to fame. That’s a legacy worth acknowledging.
