Maxine Sneed is a name many people don’t know much about. But if you’ve heard of actor and comedian Tommy Chong, you’ve already heard a part of her story. She was his first wife, and they were together during the early days of his life, long before the big movies and fame.
Even though she isn’t a celebrity, Maxine’s life is still very interesting. She helped raise two daughters who became famous actresses. She also lived through big changes in her marriage, yet stayed kind and strong. In this article, we’ll explore who Maxine Sneed really is, what her life was like with Tommy Chong, and what happened after.
Maxine Sneed Profile Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxine Sneed |
| Date of Birth | September 23 (Year not confirmed) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Place of Birth | Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Black Canadian and Cherokee descent |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Editor (Formerly at Black Radio Magazine) |
| Famous For | First wife of Tommy Chong; mother of Rae Dawn & Robbi Chong |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Tommy Chong (married 1961–1970) |
| Children | 2 – Rae Dawn Chong, Robbi Lynn Chong |
| Current Residence | Likely Canada or Los Angeles (private lifestyle) |
| Public Presence | Very private; rarely appears in media or interviews |
Early Life and Where She Came From
Maxine was born in Canada, but not much is known about her childhood. She never shared many details about her parents or early life. She didn’t grow up in the spotlight, and even after marrying someone famous, she stayed very private.
We do know that Maxine has a mixed background — she is both Black Canadian and Cherokee. This makes her story even more unique, especially during a time when not many women of color were working in public or media jobs. Her quiet, steady personality is something that shaped her whole life.
Her Marriage to Tommy Chong
Maxine met Tommy Chong in Canada, and they fell in love. They got married on September 23, 1961, which was also Maxine’s birthday. That’s a special date in her life for two reasons!
After their wedding, they moved to Vancouver, where they started building a life together. At that time, Tommy wasn’t famous yet. He worked as a salesman at a family bakery, selling bread and sweets. Maxine got a job as a secretary in a large firm, showing her dedication to working hard and supporting their future.
They lived a simple life, just like any young couple starting out. But behind the scenes, life would soon bring big changes for both of them.
Family Life and Their Daughters
Together, Maxine and Tommy raised two daughters, who both went on to become well-known.
Their first daughter, Rae Dawn Chong, was born on February 28, 1961. But here’s something many people don’t know — Rae was not Maxine’s biological daughter. Rae’s birth mother was a 16-year-old girl named Gail Toolson, who couldn’t raise the baby. She placed Rae in an orphanage. Later, Tommy’s mother secretly adopted Rae and gave her to Tommy and Maxine to raise. Maxine took on the role of mother from the start and gave Rae the love and care of a real parent.
Their second daughter, Robbi Lynn Chong, was born on May 28, 1963. Maxine raised both girls with strong values, and both daughters followed their father into the world of entertainment. Rae became a famous actress, and Robbi found success in both acting and modeling.
Why Maxine and Tommy Broke Up
Like many couples, Maxine and Tommy faced problems in their marriage. One of the biggest reasons for their breakup was Tommy’s affair with another woman, Shelby. Shelby was actually their neighbor when they lived in a new house.
Tommy and Shelby started a secret relationship that involved drug use. Things became even more difficult when Shelby became pregnant with Tommy’s child. That’s when Maxine knew it was time to end things.
Eventually, Maxine asked Tommy to leave, and they separated. Their marriage officially ended in 1970, after being together for about a decade.
Life After the Divorce
After the breakup, Maxine moved with her daughters to Detroit. She said she liked living there because they felt safe in the Black community. It was a peaceful time for them, away from all the noise.
Later, Maxine and her daughters moved back to Los Angeles, where she stayed at her brother’s house. She found a job in the city and continued raising her daughters on her own. Even though life wasn’t always easy, Maxine stayed strong and kept her focus on family.
Maxine’s Kindness After the Marriage Ended
Even after the marriage ended, Maxine Sneed did not turn her back on Tommy Chong. This part of her life surprises many people. Instead of holding anger, she chose kindness. She helped him during very hard times, even when he had little money and no clear path.
Tommy later shared that Maxine gave him money when he was broke. She also lent him her car so he could move around and look for work. These were simple acts, but they meant a lot. They showed that Maxine cared more about doing the right thing than holding on to pain.
Helping Even When It Was Not Easy
One of the most touching moments in Maxine’s story came when Shelby Chong was in the hospital. Even though Shelby was the reason her marriage ended, Maxine still helped. She took care of Shelby and Tommy’s daughter, Precious, during that time.
This shows the kind of person Maxine Sneed truly is. She didn’t act out of anger or pride. She acted with care and respect. Later in life, Tommy openly said that Maxine was “a saint” and one of the most decent people he had ever known.
Raising Daughters Who Found Success
Maxine focused most of her energy on raising her daughters. Her love and support helped both girls grow into confident women. Rae Dawn Chong became a well-known actress with roles in big films like The Color Purple, Commando, and Quest for Fire.
Her younger daughter, Robbi Chong, also found success. She worked as an international model and later became an actress. Behind their success was Maxine’s quiet guidance, steady care, and strong values at home.
Her Work and Life Away From Fame
While her family was in movies and TV, Maxine Sneed chose a very different path. She worked as an editor at Black Radio Magazine. This was meaningful work that allowed her to stay creative without chasing attention or fame.
She never tried to enter Hollywood. She stayed focused on work, family, and peace. This choice helped her keep her life calm and private. Many people admire her for staying true to herself, even when fame was close by.
Where Is Maxine Sneed Now?
As of 2026, Maxine Sneed lives a very private life. She does not use social media and rarely appears in public. She is sometimes seen at family gatherings, but she avoids interviews and public attention.
There are no reports of her remarrying. She seems happy living quietly, away from cameras and headlines. For someone who lived close to fame, her choice to step back shows strength and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Maxine Sneed’s story is not loud, but it is powerful. She lived through love, heartbreak, and big life changes. Still, she stayed kind, calm, and strong. She raised two successful daughters and helped others even when it was hard.
Her life reminds us that not every important story comes from fame. Some stories matter because of grace, patience, and quiet strength. Maxine Sneed’s life with Tommy Chong — and beyond — is a beautiful example of that
(FAQs)
When did Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong get married?
They got married on September 23, 1961, which was also Maxine’s birthday.
Why did Maxine Sneed and Tommy Chong get divorced?
They broke up mainly because Tommy had a secret relationship with another woman, Shelby, who later became his second wife.
Did Maxine Sneed raise Rae Dawn Chong?
Yes. Even though Rae Dawn was born to another woman, Maxine raised her from the time she was a baby and became her mother in every way.
How many children does Maxine Sneed have?
She has two daughters: Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Lynn Chong.
What is Maxine Sneed’s job?
She worked as an editor at a publication called Black Radio Magazine.
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