Maxine Sneed: Biography, Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia Facts, Movies, Ethnicity, Family, and More

The world of entertainment often shines its spotlight on actors, musicians, and directors, but there are also lesser-known figures who played crucial roles in shaping the lives and careers of these stars. Maxine Sneed is one such personality. Though not an actress or singer herself, she is remembered for her connections to Hollywood through her marriage to actor and comedian Tommy Chong, and as the mother of two talented actresses, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong.
While there is no official Wikipedia page for Maxine Sneed, her name frequently surfaces in celebrity biographies and blogs. Much of the public curiosity revolves around her background, her family ties, and her professional life. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at who Maxine Sneed is, her age, net worth, ethnicity, relations, her marriage to Tommy Chong, and the details surrounding her children and family.
Who is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed is a Canadian former editor of Black Radio Magazine, a publication that focused on issues relevant to Black and multicultural audiences. Despite her professional contributions, she became widely recognized primarily due to her personal life—most notably her marriage to Tommy Chong, one half of the legendary comedy duo Cheech & Chong.
Her daughters, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong, both went on to have acting careers in Hollywood, ensuring that Maxine’s influence would continue indirectly through their work.
Maxine Sneed Age
There is some debate about Maxine Sneed’s exact date of birth. Most biography blogs report that she was born on September 23, 1940, which would make her in her early 80s today. However, some sources simply state “early 1940s” without confirming a specific year.
Given the lack of a direct interview or official record, it is safe to say that her age is generally accepted as 83 years old (as of 2023).
Maxine Sneed Net Worth
The subject of Maxine Sneed’s net worth often comes up in celebrity searches. Since she worked as a magazine editor, her professional career contributed modestly to her income. However, much of her financial stability is believed to be tied to her marriage and divorce settlement with Tommy Chong.
Blog sources estimate her net worth to be between $1 million and $10 million. This wide range suggests that these numbers are speculative rather than confirmed. Unlike her ex-husband and daughters, who have public careers and reported earnings, Maxine has always maintained a very private life.
Maxine Sneed Wikipedia Status
Interestingly, despite being frequently searched online, Maxine Sneed does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page. Instead, details about her life are scattered across blog posts, entertainment articles, and celebrity biography websites. Her lack of a Wikipedia entry reflects her choice to live outside of the public eye.
Maxine Sneed Movies
One of the common searches related to Maxine Sneed is “Maxine Sneed movies.” It’s important to clarify that Maxine Sneed is not an actress and does not have acting credits in movies or TV shows.
However, because of her connections, her name often comes up in relation to films starring her daughters Rae Dawn Chong (Commando, The Color Purple) and Robbi Chong (The Cosby Show, Poltergeist: The Legacy). Some sources mistakenly attribute film credits to Maxine that actually belong to her daughters or to Tommy Chong. The only confirmed screen appearance attributed to her is a self-credit in a Cheech & Chong-related project, but she is not a performer.
Maxine Sneed Ethnicity
Another aspect of public curiosity concerns Maxine Sneed’s ethnicity. Various sources describe her as Black Canadian with Cherokee ancestry. While these claims appear across multiple biographies, there is no formal interview where Sneed herself confirms this. Still, it is widely accepted that her heritage is multicultural, with African-Canadian and Indigenous roots.
Maxine Sneed Relations and Family
Parents & Father
Information about Maxine Sneed’s parents, including her father, remains scarce. Some blogs mention that she is related to Floyd Sneed, the Canadian drummer from the rock band Three Dog Night, suggesting a possible sibling connection. However, this claim is not consistently confirmed, and should be regarded as uncertain.
Marriage
Maxine Sneed married Tommy Chong in 1960. Their marriage lasted for a decade before they divorced in 1970. During this time, she played a central role in raising Tommy’s daughter Rae Dawn from a previous relationship, as well as their own daughter, Robbi Chong.
After the divorce, Tommy Chong went on to marry Shelby Chong in 1975, with whom he has remained married.
Children
- Rae Dawn Chong (b. 1961): Though born from Tommy Chong’s earlier relationship, Rae Dawn was legally and emotionally raised by Maxine during her marriage to Tommy. Rae went on to star in movies like Quest for Fire and Commando.
- Robbi Lynn Chong (b. 1965): Maxine and Tommy’s biological daughter, Robbi worked as a model before turning to acting.
Together, Rae and Robbi represent the continuation of Maxine’s legacy in the entertainment world.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Tommy Chong, Maxine Sneed chose a very private lifestyle. Unlike many who might have capitalized on their proximity to fame, she largely stayed away from Hollywood. Instead, she focused on her professional work and family life. This discretion explains why so little information exists about her compared to other celebrity spouses.
Maxine Sneed in Popular Culture
Although she never sought the limelight, Maxine Sneed’s name continues to surface in popular culture and celebrity blogs. Her significance comes from being:
- The first wife of Tommy Chong,
- The mother of Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong,
- A figure of multicultural representation in the Canadian-American entertainment narrative.
Why Maxine Sneed Still Matters Today
In the world of celebrity culture, many individuals fade away after their marriages or relationships with stars end. Maxine Sneed, however, continues to draw interest decades after her divorce. This sustained attention can be attributed to three factors:
- Family Legacy – With both daughters achieving fame in their own right, her role as a mother remains a topic of interest.
- Cultural Background – Her mixed heritage sparks discussions on representation and identity.
- Mystique – The lack of an official Wikipedia page or detailed interviews adds a layer of intrigue around her life.
Conclusion
Maxine Sneed may not be a household name in Hollywood, but her influence can be felt through the lives of her daughters and her connection to Tommy Chong. She represents a figure who balanced proximity to fame with personal privacy—a rare quality in today’s celebrity-driven world.
Her age, ethnicity, family background, and net worth are all subjects of ongoing curiosity, though much remains unconfirmed. What is clear is that Maxine Sneed’s story is one of resilience, discretion, and legacy.
For more in-depth celebrity biographies and entertainment history, you can explore our articles at fanzineblog, where we uncover the stories behind the names that intrigue readers the most.