Like fine wine gaining depth, strength, and taste with age, so is Grammy-winning comedian, actor, writer, director, cannabis activist, Tommy Chong. After a lifetime of adoring this man and his art, having spent countless hours laughing over and over and over again at his funny, I’ve been struck by his warmth, generosity, intelligence, centeredness, spirituality, self-awareness, business acumen, and intuitive good sense, since first meeting him in the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant 3 years ago. This Tommy––a pandemic, a book, tango lessons, massive product output, and some health issues later, I found to be even more thoughtful, profound, emotional, and vulnerable. I sit here reflecting, very moved. What a beautiful thing.

Before we went Live we talked about last weekend’s Willie Nelson 90th Birthday Celebration and why he and Cheech weren’t there. Of course, they were asked! A work conflict prevented it - but man! That’s the only topper I could imagine for those 2 nights. Talk about a match striking weed heaven!

We began with his drop-dead gorgeous wife Shelby, who continues to defy age and gravity. It’s inconceivable that this knock-out has been with Tommy for 50+ years and they have a 50-something daughter to prove it. His respect, adoration, and appreciation of her after all these years is admirable and enviable.

We talked at great length about Tommy's very humble beginnings, his mother's illness leading him and his siblings to a year plus in a children's home. Returning to his own with nary electricity, let alone a telephone, or a toy. They made their own. Thus, the imagination. And, he played house with the girls, hour after hour, day after day. Thus, the beginning days of honing his improv skills.

From his early career as a guitarist, getting signed by Berry Gordy, discovering the Jackson 5, following them on the bill, writing a hit, having it covered by the Supremes, owning a club, seeing The Committee, and redirecting himself to Improv... how Cheech and Chong began. Tommy takes us through those very early daze, to Up in Smoke, landing with the iconic, Dave's not here!

We talked about his getting erroneously busted, copping a plea, and doing the time because it was something he was meant to do. Being of service, the I Ching, redirecting thought, seeing things through, and getting them done. We talked pot, of course... as a medicinal tool which he claims, along with traditional treatment helped him beat cancer, twice. His cannabis business, which almost and may still go public, and his thoughts on the state of politics and what has to happen.

What I came away with is if I could accomplish what Tommy has and continues to, I’d still be smoking the whacky weed. Nah! Not for me. But damn, the man has done so much and had such enormous success, with all the weed. How the hell does he focus? I’m sitting here sober as a straight grandma and I’m distracted and paused at every turn.

There was a certain wistful sadness underlying the stories and the funny. A man in the third chapter, as I believe he called it, accepting that the best is in the past. I trust there’s more greatness and creativity to emerge. And, who knows, maybe he’ll save the very best for last. With Tommy’s energy, passion, and vitality, it’ll no doubt be a long way away.

Thomas Chong Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wed, May 3rd, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on The Facebook

Replay here:

https://bit.ly/3nqWSC0