CHEECH MARIN:
A paradox in the world of entertainment, Cheech Marin is an actor, director, writer, musician, art collector, humanitarian and a multi-generational talent. As Cheech himself jests, “people know me from the womb to the tomb." Widely acknowledged as a cultural icon, he is perhaps best known as one half of the hilariously irreverent, satirical, counterculture comedy duo Cheech & Chong. But his talents are many.

In addition to a successful life in entertainment, Cheech Marin is recognized today as a preeminent advocate for Chicano art. In the mid-1980s, he began developing what is now arguably the finest private collection of Chicano art. In addition to artwork loans to numerous institutions, this notable collection has been featured in over a dozen exhibitions produced and shown at more than 50 museums in the U.S. Comprised of mostly paintings, followed by drawings, prints, and mixed-media artworks, then sculptures and photography, the collection now serves as the core of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum, which opened to wide acclaim in June 2022. A long-term goal of “The Cheech” is to supplement and expand the collection with Chicano artists, media, and subject matter not currently included through acquisitions and donations from artists and their estates, art collectors and dealers, and institutions.

Cheech was born Richard Marin in South Central Los Angeles, and was an Angeleno until a move to Canada, where he serendipitously met Tommy Chong. The comedy duo moved back to Los Angeles and proved entertainment gold. Six of their albums went gold, four were nominated for Grammys, and "Los Cochinos" won the 1973 Grammy for Best Comedy Recording. The critically acclaimed duo made a fluid transition to films, starring in eight features together. Their first, "Up In Smoke," was the highest grossing comedy of 1978, topping $100 million at the box office.

During a split with Chong, Cheech wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy "Born in East L.A.," and went on to a fruitful acting career. Cheech has appeared in over 20 films, including his scene-stealing role in "Tin Cup" where he played Kevin Costner's caddy, and eight of Robert Rodriguez's movies for which he played international characters. He will next appear in the upcoming romantic comedy film for Amazon Video "Shotgun Wedding" with Jennifer Lopez, set for release on January 27, 2023. Other films in the works are "Champions" with Woody Harrelson, and the golf period piece "The Long Game."

Cheech has also had numerous roles in animated movies, including "Oliver & Company," "The Lion King," and "Cars."

Marin made his TV debut as a sitcom regular on “The Golden Palace,” before joining Don Johnson on the highly successful CBS drama “Nash Bridges” The iconic duo recently reconciled to shoot the “Nash Bridges” reboot, a TV movie for the USA Network. He also appeared in “Lost” and “Jane the Virgin.” This year, he makes guest appearances in the TV sitcoms as “Home Economics” and “Lopez vs. Lopez.”

In 2008, the legendary Cheech & Chong reunited after 25 years apart and embarked on the “Light Up America” comedy tour. “It felt like it was part of our DNA, we were meant to be together,” said Cheech.

Given his knowledge about cannabis, Cheech thought it only fair to develop his own personal brand of curated cannabis Cheech’s Stash. Along with daughter Jasmine Marin and son Joey Marin, Cheech has personally selected strains and worked with master growers to sustainably produce an all-natural selection of quality cannabis products, representative of over four decades of legendary experience.

In his limited off-time, Marin splits his time between Pacific Palisades and Joshua Tree, CA with his wife Natasha Marin.

TOMMY CHONG:
Iconic actor, best-selling author, Grammy Award-winning comedian, activist and America's sweetheart of Cannabis Tommy Chong is legendary for his invaluable contribution to American counter-culture as part of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong, and with a name synonymous with cannabis, has launched his own line of personally hand selected products under the umbrella of his brand TOMMY CHONG'S™ CANNABIS (www.tommychong.com). Early in 2020 Tommy launched a highly successful CBD product line under his brand TOMMY CHONG’s™ CBD (www.getchongcbd.com) offering a selection of sought after products and quickly become a nationwide success. Most recently, Tommy has entered into dispensary license with Eight Icon and partnered with Cheech Marin to develop a multi-state dispensary chain. Using his lifelong connections in the industry, Tommy has made it his personal mission to share the very best product available with his fans and fellow herb connoisseurs. If anyone knows weed, it's Tommy, and now fans of comedy and cannabis alike can experience the strains and products that Tommy himself has tried and given his stamp approval in weed legal states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Washington and in every state where his products are lawfully permitted.

Tommy is perhaps best known as one-half of the legendary cannabis-fueled comedy duo Cheech & Chong which minted six gold records and released eight films during their reign, for which Chong also co-wrote and directed. Cheech & Chong defined an era, pioneering a unique brand of "stoner-comedy" which has remained at the forefront for decades since with their hilariously irreverent, satirical, no-holds-barred comedy routines. Their stunningly successful comedy streak transitioned to the film "Up In Smoke," the highest grossing comedy of the time topping $100 million at the box office. Chong is also highly recognizable from his role as the aging hippie photo store worker "Leo" on FOX's "That 70's Show."

After a nine-month prison sentence in 2004 for shipping bongs to Pennsylvania, the comic became a passionate advocate for cannabis freedom and fairness. In a time where cannabis had to be talked about in whispers, Tommy was a loud voice for the advocacy movement, working tirelessly to destigmatize the use of this healing plant. Now that society has moved in a more positive direction regarding the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis, Tommy's voice continues to ring out loudly, touting its benefits and place in society. In 2012, Chong announced he was battling prostate cancer a decided to combat his illness with a controversial cannabis oil protocol. After an effective treatment, his cancer returned in 2015, and at nearly 80 years old is still standing and advocating for the incredible healing benefits of cannabis. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for cannabis, which he credits for supporting his healthy and active lifestyle.

Tommy lives in Pacific Palisades, CA. Tommy has five children, Rae Dawn and Robbi with his first wife Maxine and Precious, Paris and Gilbran with his present wife Shelby.