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Cheech Marin at the 2022 WonderCon in Anaheim, California by Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Interesting Facts about Cheech Marin
Cheech Marin also known as Richard Anthony Marin is famous for his comedy, music, acting, and activism talents. In comedy, he is celebrated for the comedy act Cheech & Chong. This comic work earned him and Tommy Chong recognition during the 1970s and 80s.
The American actor Cheech is prominent for playing Insp. Joe Dominguez, on Nash Bridges television series. He has also voice acted in many films such as Disney’s film The Lion King and the Cars series.
Additionally, Marin has sung songs in the children’s genre like My Name is Cheech, the School Bus Driver released in 1992. As an activist, he is involved in collecting and promoting Chicano art.
Here are 10 Amazing Truths about Cheech Marin.
1. Cheech Marin has Mexican roots
Cheech Marin at the Alma Awards 2012 by Hispanic Lifestyle from Wikimedia Commons
He was born in Los Angeles, California on July 13, 1946. His parents were both of Mexican-American descent. His father’s name was Oscar Marin and his mother was Elsa Meza. Oscar was a cop while Elsa worked as a secretary.
Check out the 30 Most Famous Hispanic People.
2. Cheech Marin was nicknamed by his uncle
His birth name is Richard Anthony Marin. When he was an infant, his uncle looked at him and said he looked like “chicharron”. It is a Spanish snack made of fried pork rinds or belly. Hence Cheech is the short form of “chicharron”.
3. He majored in English at the university
The comedian attended high school at Bishop Alemany High School in San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. Marin pursued English studies at what is now California State University, Northridge. He graduated in 1968.
4. He began comedy under the duo Cheech & Chong
Cheech Marin, (left) and Tommy Chong in 1979 by Tony Barnard from Wikimedia Commons
Several years after Cheech Marin graduated, he moved to Canada. His relocation was aimed at evading the draft during the Vietnam War (1955-75).
While in Canada, he met Tommy Chong, and began working together shortly after. They started the Cheech & Chong comedy act which pushed them to fame.
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5. Marin’s father influenced his cop roles
Cheech played the role of Joe Dominguez in the police procedural television series, Nash Bridges. The show run from 1996 to 2001.
According to the actor, his father inspired his police detective role. His father Oscar Marin worked as a police officer for the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) for over 30 years. So Marin grew up around police officers.
Furthermore, in 2004, he played Officer Salino in the Christmas with the Kranks comedy film. It was an adaptation of the 2001 comedy novel, Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.
6. Cheech Marin went into solo acting in 1985
Cheech Marin in Vancouver during the 2008 Light up Canada tour by Sofia Beth Dixon from Wikimedia Commons
Cheech & Chong parted ways in 1985 and each of them went into solo projects. Marin’s most famous work as a solo actor was in 1987s Born in East L.A. He wrote, directed, and starred in this comedy film.
Other famous works include The Shrimp on the Barbie (1990) and the romantic comedy Tin Cup (1996). Also, Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), Christmas With the Kranks (2004), and more.
7. He transitioned to full-time television work after “The Golden Girls”
Cheech Marin started full-time television work after his co-starring role on the sitcom The Golden Girls (1985-1992). He was also part of its sequel, The Golden Palace (1992–1993). Thereafter came roles such as on Nash Bridges (1996–2001).
8. Cheech Marin has married three times
His first marriage was to Darlene Morley in 1975. Morley was co-producer of the 1884s film Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers. She also played minor roles such as Rikki Marin during the Cheech & Chong early films. They divorced in 1984 and had one child.
Moreover, he married Patti Heid in 1986. They had two children and they also divorced. In 2009, he married Natasha Marin who is a pianist of Russian origin.
9. Cheech doubles as a voice actor
Cheech Marin by Moody College of Communication from Wikimedia Commons
He has done many voiceovers. The most notable include Disney animation films like Oliver & Company (1988) where he voiced Tito the Chihuahua.
On top of that, he was the voice behind Banzai the hyena in 1994’s The Lion King and Ramone in Cars (2006). He reprised his voice role in the follow-up Cars 2 in 2011 and Cars 3 in 2017. Marin maintained his Banzai role in the Kingdom Hearts II video game.
10. Marin has released children’s songs and a book
In 1992, he released a bilingual album My Name is Cheech, the School Bus Driver. In 1997 he created another album, My Name is Cheech, The School Bus Driver “Coast to Coast”. This song was also released bilingually. In 2007, he published the book Cheech the School Bus Driver.
See the popular American actors.
Here are fast facts about Cheech Marin
11. He was born with a cleft lip which was fixed through surgery.
12. He co-hosted WWE Raw with Tommy Chong on March 1, 2010, in Oklahoma.
13. Cheech was the winner of the first Celebrity Jeopardy! competition in 1992.
14. Marin contested the Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off in 2012. He was eliminated in the third week of the reality series which aired on Food Network.
15. He opened The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry in June 2022.
16. He is a golfer and isn’t fluent in Spanish.
17. As a film director he has assisted in films such as Spy Kids, Machete, and more.
18. He is an activist for the legalization of Cannabis.
19. The comedy star was born, raised, and lives in California.
20. His net worth is $30 million as per early 2023 records.
