Maxine Sneed is known by many people because she was the first wife of actor and comedian Tommy Chong. She is also the mother of two actresses, Rae Dawn Chong and Robbi Chong. Even though she was connected to a famous family, Maxine lived a very quiet and private life. She did not look for fame, but she played an important part in her family’s story.
Early Life and Background
Not much information is known about Maxine’s early life. She has always kept her personal details private.
Things We Know
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She was born in Canada.
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She has Black Canadian and Cherokee roots.
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She grew up during a time when very few Black or Indigenous women were in the media.
Things We Do NOT Know
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Her exact birth date or year
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Her parents’ names
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Her school history
Even with these missing details, it is clear that Maxine later became skilled in writing and editing.
Career: Working in Media
Maxine Sneed worked as an editor. This is the part of her career we know for sure.
Her Known Career Facts
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She was an editor at Black Radio Magazine.
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The magazine focused on Black radio hosts, DJs, and broadcasters.
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Her work helped give more attention to Black voices in media.
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She may have also worked in office or corporate jobs.
Her job shows she cared about communication and helping others share their stories.
How She Met Tommy Chong
Maxine met Tommy Chong before he became famous. They met through her brother, who knew Tommy from music circles in Canada.
Their Relationship
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They got married around 1960 (some say 1961).
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They lived together in Canada.
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They started a family during a time when Tommy was still trying to build his career.
They shared about 10 years of marriage before going separate ways.
Motherhood and Family
Maxine is the mother of two daughters who later became actresses.
Table 1: Maxine Sneed’s Children
| Child | About Her Birth | Maxine’s Role | Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rae Dawn Chong | Born 1961. Her biological mother was a teenage girl named Gail. | Maxine raised Rae as her own daughter. | Actress in Quest for Fire, Commando, The Color Purple |
| Robbi Lynn Chong | Born between 1963–1965 (sources differ). | Maxine’s biological daughter. | Model and actress |
Raising Rae Dawn
One of the biggest stories in the family is about Rae Dawn.
Even though Maxine was not her biological mother, she raised Rae with love and care. This showed how strong and kind Maxine was.
What People Say About Maxine as a Mother
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She was gentle.
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She was patient.
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She supported her children’s dreams.
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She created a stable home for them.
Both daughters have spoken kindly about her.
Read also: Kimberly Ann Vadala
Divorce and Life Changes
Maxine and Tommy’s marriage ended around 1970. Many sources say the main reason was Tommy’s cheating and his growing relationship with Shelby Fiddis, who later became his second wife.
How Maxine Handled the Divorce
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She remained calm and respectful.
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Some stories say she helped Tommy even after the divorce.
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She is said to have helped Shelby during her pregnancy.
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She stayed friendly for the sake of their children.
Tommy himself has called Maxine a “saint” because of her kindness.
Life After Divorce
After she separated from Tommy, Maxine chose a very private life.
Her Life After Marriage
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She stayed focused on her daughters.
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She avoided the spotlight and public attention.
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She continued working quietly.
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She only appeared at a few family events.
She did not use Tommy’s fame to become famous herself.
Heritage and Family Culture
Maxine’s mixed background played a strong role in the identity of her children. Her daughters grew up with a blend of Black, Indigenous, and Asian heritage.
Table 2: Family Cultural Background
| Family Member | Heritage | Role in Family Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Maxine Sneed | Black Canadian, Cherokee | Brought Indigenous and Black culture into the family |
| Tommy Chong | Chinese, Irish | Added Asian and European culture |
| Rae & Robbi | Black, Indigenous, Chinese, Irish | Reflected a diverse and unique mix in Hollywood |
This mix of cultures helped shape who the Chong daughters became as adults.
False Information Online
Today, many biography websites publish different details about Maxine that are not always true. Because she keeps her life private, some sites fill in the blanks with guesses.
Common Myths
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That her exact birth date is known
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That her net worth is confirmed
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That we know her height, hobbies, or personal interests
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That she had many media jobs besides Black Radio Magazine
What We Really Know
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She worked as an editor
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She was Tommy Chong’s first wife
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She raised Rae Dawn and Robbi
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She is part of a multicultural background
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She has lived a private life since the 1970s
Her true story is simple, honest, and human.
Legacy: A Quiet but Strong Influence
Maxine Sneed is not famous, but her impact is clear.
How Her Influence Lives On
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Her daughters found success in the entertainment world
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Her kindness during her divorce is still remembered
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Her cultural background shaped her family
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Her choice to stay private shows strength and self-respect
Maxine shows us that you do not need to be loud or public to make a difference. Her influence came from love, patience, and dignity.
Conclusion
Maxine Sneed’s life is a simple story filled with strength. She raised her children with love, handled difficult situations with grace, and stayed true to herself in a world that often pushes people toward fame. Even though many details of her life remain private, the parts we do know reveal a woman who was gentle, strong, and deeply important to her family.
Her story teaches us that real influence often comes from quiet people who choose kindness over attention.