Cheech Marin

Born Richard Anthony Marin on July 13, 1946, "Cheech" (a nickname borrowed from a popular snack food) majored in English at California State University, Northridge.

The aspiring guitarist met counterculture comic Thomas Chong in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the early 1970s, and the two formed Cheech and Chong, a comedy act that went from improv to best-selling comedy albums. The "stoner" duo made the inevitable leap to movies with the 1978 cult hit Up in Smoke, then puffed away for six more teamings, the last being Martin Scorsese's After Hours (1986).

After their breakup, Marin launched a solo career with Born in East L.A. and Shrimp on the Barbie. He expanded into major features (Tin Cup), TV series ("Golden Palace," "Nash Bridges") and voice-over work (2006's Cars). He has worked frequently with director Robert Rodriguez (the Spy Kids series) and is a collector of Mexican art.

Filmography