Maxine Sneed is Tommy Chong’s first wife and former editor of Black Radio Magazine. She raised two successful daughters, Rae Dawn and Robbi Chong, both actresses. After divorcing in 1974, she chose a private life away from fame while maintaining her dignity and independence.
When you hear the name Tommy Chong, you think of comedy, cannabis culture, and Cheech & Chong. But behind his rise to fame was a woman who helped shape his early years and raised two successful daughters. Maxine Sneed, the former editor of Black Radio Magazine, was Tommy Chong’s first wife. Her story goes beyond being a celebrity spouse. She built her own career in media and raised a family while staying out of the spotlight.
What you’ll learn: This article covers Maxine Sneed’s early life, her marriage to Tommy Chong, her work as an editor, her daughters’ success in Hollywood, and where she is today.
Who Is Maxine Sneed?
Maxine Sneed was born on September 23, 1946, though some sources suggest different years. She has African-Canadian and Cherokee ancestry, giving her a rich cultural background. Details about her parents and childhood remain private. She grew up in Canada during a time when minority voices struggled to be heard in mainstream media.
Before becoming known as Tommy Chong’s wife, Maxine worked as an editor at Black Radio Magazine. This role placed her at the center of Black media representation during the 1960s and early 1970s. She helped give Black artists and stories proper coverage when few publications did so.
Her Cultural Impact
Working in media during the civil rights era meant dealing with significant social changes. Black Radio Magazine served an important purpose. It covered Black musicians, DJs, and cultural events that mainstream publications ignored. As an editor, Maxine made decisions about which stories to tell and how to tell them. Her work helped shape how Black culture was presented to readers.
Meeting Tommy Chong
Maxine met Tommy Chong in the early 1960s through her brother Bernie, who was Tommy’s bandmate. At the time, Tommy was trying to make it as a musician. He had not yet found fame as a comedian. They married in 1960 in Canada. Their relationship began before the counterculture movement took off and before Tommy became a household name.
The early years of their marriage coincided with major social changes. The 1960s brought civil rights movements, shifts in popular culture, and new attitudes toward art and entertainment. Tommy’s career started gaining traction during this period. Maxine supported his ambitions while managing her own career and growing family.
Life as a Celebrity Spouse
As Tommy’s fame grew, life changed for the Chong family. What started as a private marriage became more public. Maxine had to balance raising children, working as an editor, and dealing with the attention that came with being married to an entertainer. Unlike many celebrity spouses of that era who gave up their careers, she continued her editorial work.
Maxine Sneed’s Children
Maxine and Tommy have two daughters who both became successful in entertainment:
| Name | Birth Year | Career | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rae Dawn Chong | 1961 | Actress | Quest for Fire, The Color Purple, Commando |
| Robbi Chong | 1965 | Model & Actress | Murder One, The Cosby Show |
Rae Dawn Chong
Rae Dawn was born on February 28, 1961. The circumstances of her birth were complicated. Her biological mother was a 16-year-old named Gail Toulson who placed her in an orphanage after losing her own mother. Tommy’s mother adopted Rae Dawn, and Maxine raised her as her own daughter from infancy.
Rae Dawn won the Genie Award for Best Actress for her role in Quest for Fire (1981). The film required her to speak a special language created by novelist Anthony Burgess. She went on to star in multiple hit films throughout the 1980s and beyond. Her notable roles include playing Squeek in The Color Purple (1985), and appearing in Commando alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Rae Dawn has spoken warmly about Maxine over the years. She credits the woman who raised her for providing stability and love during her childhood. The bond between them remains strong.
Robbi Chong
Robbi was born on May 28, 1965, in Vancouver. She started her career as an international fashion model. From 1983 to 1988, she worked in Paris representing Click Modelling Agency. After establishing herself in modeling, she transitioned to acting.
Robbi appeared in several television shows and films. Her acting credits include roles in Murder One, The Cosby Show, and various other productions. Like her sister, she built her career on her own merits while benefiting from Maxine’s steady support at home.
Marriage Challenges and Divorce
The marriage between Maxine and Tommy faced serious problems. Tommy began a secret affair with their neighbor, Shelby, which involved drug use and resulted in Shelby becoming pregnant. The betrayal proved too much for Maxine.
Unable to accept his unfaithfulness, Maxine left Tommy in 1974 and moved with their daughters to Detroit. The divorce marked the end of a ten-year marriage. Despite the pain of separation, Maxine handled the situation with dignity.
Tommy’s Perspective
Tommy Chong never fails to point out how kind Maxine has been to him, even reporting that she gave him money when he got too broke to care for himself and Shelby. His comments reveal respect for his ex-wife and perhaps some regret about how their marriage ended. Maxine’s generosity during difficult times showed her character.
Career as an Editor
Maxine’s role at Black Radio Magazine was groundbreaking during the 1960s when Black voices were often pushed to the margins in mainstream publications. The magazine covered Black musicians, radio personalities, and cultural events. Her position gave her real influence over which stories reached readers.
Editors do more than fix grammar and spelling. They decide what gets published and how stories are told. In Maxine’s case, this meant helping Black artists get recognition they deserved. Her work contributed to better representation in media at a critical time in American history.
Professional Legacy
While the exact duration of her time at Black Radio Magazine remains unclear, her impact is recognized. Some sources also mention she worked as a proofreader for corporate companies. Throughout her career, she maintained professionalism and focus. Her editorial work may not have made headlines, but it helped amplify important voices.
Life After Divorce
Since their split, Maxine Sneed has lived under the radar, avoiding social media while doing things that make her happy. She chose a path of privacy rather than capitalizing on her connection to celebrity. This decision speaks to her values and priorities.
Today, Maxine is believed to be living quietly in Canada, maintaining a very private lifestyle with no known public social media accounts. There have been no recent news updates about her activities. She focuses on family and personal interests rather than public pursuits.
Maintaining Relationships
Despite the divorce, Maxine maintained positive relationships with her daughters. Both Rae Dawn and Robbi speak positively about their mother. She provided them with stability and support that helped them succeed in demanding careers. Her influence on their lives extends beyond just being their mother.
Maxine Sneed’s Net Worth
Maxine Sneed’s net worth is estimated to be over $1 million as of 2025. She built her wealth through her editorial career and family connections in entertainment. However, specific financial details remain private. Unlike her ex-husband and daughters, she has not pursued high-profile work that generates public wealth.
Maxine’s focus was never on material wealth. She chose stability over luxury and privacy over fame. Her comfortable lifestyle came from her own work and early marriage, not from seeking attention or opportunities based on celebrity connections.
Her Legacy Today
Maxine Sneed’s legacy lives through multiple channels. First, her daughters carry forward her values and work ethic. Both Rae Dawn and Robbi built successful careers in competitive industries. The foundation Maxine provided helped them achieve their goals.
Second, her editorial work at Black Radio Magazine contributed to better representation in media. She helped give Black artists and stories proper coverage during a critical period in American history. Though her specific contributions are not widely documented, she played a role in cultural representation.
Third, her approach to life after divorce shows strength and dignity. She could have stayed in the spotlight or used her connections for personal gain. Instead, she chose privacy and peace. This decision reflects her character and values.
What Made Her Different
Many people connected to celebrities try to extend their fame. They give interviews, write books, or maintain public profiles. Maxine did the opposite. She stepped back from public life and focused on what mattered to her. This choice is rare and noteworthy.
Her kindness toward Tommy even after their painful divorce shows remarkable character. Helping him financially when he struggled demonstrated grace and generosity. These qualities define her more than any connection to fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maxine Sneed?
She is Tommy Chong’s first wife and a former editor at Black Radio Magazine who raised two successful actress daughters.
When did Maxine Sneed marry Tommy Chong?
They married in 1960 in Canada and divorced in 1974 after his infidelity.
What is Maxine Sneed doing now?
She lives privately in Canada, avoiding social media and public attention while focusing on family.
Who are Maxine Sneed’s daughters?
Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong, both successful in entertainment as actresses and models.
Did Maxine Sneed work in entertainment?
No, she never acted. She worked as an editor and proofreader, staying behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Maxine Sneed’s story offers something different from typical celebrity narratives. She made her own mark in media while raising a family. When her marriage ended, she chose dignity over drama. Her daughters succeeded in large part because of the foundation she provided.
Her editorial work helped Black voices reach audiences during the 1960s and 1970s. Her parenting produced two talented women who built impressive careers. Her character showed through how she handled difficult situations with grace. These accomplishments matter regardless of her connection to Tommy Chong. Maxine Sneed built a meaningful life on her own terms, and that remains her greatest legacy.
