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Tommy Chong
130quotes
Tommy Chong
Biography of a Counterculture Icon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tommy Chong is the full name of Thomas B. Kin Chong, born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is also known as Uncle Tom or simply Tommy, reflecting his status as a beloved figure in the counterculture movement.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 24, 1938, Tommy Chong is still alive, currently residing in Los Angeles, California.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Canadian-American
Professions: Actor, Comedian, Musician, Activist
Early Life and Background
Tommy Chong's early life was marked by a passion for music and performance. Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, he began playing the saxophone at age 10 and later attended Grant MacEwan College (now NAIT) to study commerce. However, his true interests lay elsewhere: in comedy and music. He dropped out of college to pursue a career as a musician, eventually forming The Chong Music Company with his friend Raoul Davis.
Major Accomplishments
Tommy Chong's most significant achievement lies in his partnership with Cheech Marin, forming the iconic duo Cheech & Chong. This comedy team brought forth a distinctive brand of humor that blended satire, politics, and cannabis culture. Their groundbreaking 1978 film Up in Smoke, where they played two laid-back stoners driving to their own music festival, catapulted them into stardom.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to the Cheech & Chong franchise, Tommy has made appearances in numerous films and television shows. Some notable works include:
Zapped! (1982) - a comedy film where he played a college student who becomes a victim of a prank gone wrong.
Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Biker (1994) - an animated film based on the characters' original comic book series.
Impact and Legacy
Tommy Chong has left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly in the realm of cannabis normalization. His irreverent humor and unapologetic advocacy for marijuana use have made him a hero to many in the cannabis community. As a pioneer in the counterculture movement, he continues to inspire younger generations with his unique blend of activism and entertainment.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tommy Chong is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Countercultural Significance: His unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and promoting free expression has cemented his status as a counterculture icon.
Comedic Brilliance: As half of the legendary duo Cheech & Chong, he brought forth a distinct brand of humor that continues to entertain audiences worldwide.
* Influence on Cannabis Culture: His unapologetic advocacy for marijuana use has made him a beloved figure within the cannabis community.
Quotes by Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong's insights on:
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You look at Cheney, Rumsfeld, Karl Rove, and Bush – if you saw them on Halloween, they wouldn’t need a costume. You’d give them a treat and compliment them on what great-looking demons they were. They are demons. There’s no doubt about it.
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There’s the exciting part about comedy – if you catch an act just before they go mainstream, that’s the best. After they hit the mainstream, everything gets watered down a little bit.
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Activism, to me, I don’t know if it really works. It may work for somebody else, but it does not work for me.
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Okay, you can die for your country, but know what you’re doing while you’re doing it.
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Well I don’t know, I might have lost my citizenship, I don’t think you can lose your citizenship though.
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To be in a situation where you have no rights whatsoever is something I wish everybody could experience. People’s attitudes would change. It would be a better place.
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Look at all the drug busts all over the country. There must be an audience there somewhere. My feeling is that if we’re losing the war on drugs, let’s do a movie for the enemy.
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