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Who Is Cheech Marin?
Cheech Marin is a renowned comedian, actor, and art collector who gained widespread recognition as part of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong. The pair became cultural icons in the 1970s with their comedy albums and films, particularly for their association with marijuana culture, highlighted in their 1978 film Up in Smoke. Beyond his comedy career, Marin has found continued success in television, film, and the arts.
Early Life
Born Richard Anthony Marin on July 13, 1946, in South Central Los Angeles, California, Marin was raised by his father, Oscar, a police officer, and his mother, Elsa, a secretary. His nickname, “Cheech,” came from his uncle, who thought baby Richard resembled a “chicharron” (deep-fried pork skin). Growing up in Granada Hills, Marin developed a reputation for humor and sang in local bands. He briefly attended California State University, Northridge, majoring in English literature, before leaving for Vancouver, Canada, to avoid the Vietnam War draft.
Cheech and Chong
Marin’s career took off after meeting Tommy Chong in Canada. Together, they formed the legendary comedy duo Cheech and Chong. Their act resonated with the 1960s counterculture, blending ethnic humor with a portrayal of their stoner personas. The duo released their first album, Cheech and Chong (1971), which became a hit. Their 1972 album Big Bambu was the highest-selling comedy album of its time, and Los Cochinos (1973) earned them a Grammy Award.
Their success translated to the big screen with Up in Smoke (1978), a cult classic that grossed over $100 million. Cheech and Chong continued to release several films and albums but eventually parted ways after the 1985 release of their final album, Get Out of My Room.
Acting Career
Marin transitioned into a solo career, writing and directing Born in East L.A. (1987), a modest comedy hit. He also voiced Tito the Chihuahua in Disney’s Oliver and Company (1988) and found steady work in television and film. His career resurgence came in the 1990s, starting with his voice role as Banzai the hyena in The Lion King (1994) and roles in Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado (1995) and From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).
One of his notable television roles was Inspector Joe Dominguez on the hit TV crime drama Nash Bridges (1996-2001). He continued working with Rodriguez in Spy Kids (2000) and its sequels, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003). Marin also lent his voice to animated films like Cars (2006) and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008).
In 2008, Cheech and Chong reunited for their “Light Up America” tour, proving their comedy remained relevant.
Personal Life and Art Collection
Beyond entertainment, Marin is an avid collector of Chicano art. His collection is considered the largest private assemblage of its kind, and he has worked to promote Chicano artists through exhibitions like “Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge,” which toured the U.S. from 2001 to 2007. Marin serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Latino Center and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and has been recognized for his contributions to the Latino community.
Marin married his third wife, Natasha, in 2009, and has three children from previous marriages. When he’s not working on creative or philanthropic endeavors, he enjoys playing golf.
Cheech Marin’s career and influence span comedy, film, television, and the arts, making him a multifaceted cultural figure who has left a lasting impact on both entertainment and the art world.