Cheech Marin

Richard Anthony “Cheech” Marin was born on July 13, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. He gained early recognition as one half of the influential comedy duo Cheech & Chong. The duo achieved success in the 1970s and early 1980s with multiple comedy albums and feature film comedies, including “Up in Smoke” (1978). Their album “Los Cochinos” earned a Grammy Award in 1973 for Best Comedy Recording, establishing their unique comedic style that often integrated elements of Chicano culture and drug humor. Marin’s career began to diversify with his directorial debut, “Born in East L.A.” (1987), where he also starred, showcasing his capabilities beyond the duo.

Following the disbandment of Cheech & Chong in 1985, Marin pursued a solo acting career, appearing in films such as “Tin Cup” (1996) and “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003). He also ventured into television, co-starring in “The Golden Palace” (1992–1993) and gaining widespread recognition as Insp. Joe Dominguez in the police drama “Nash Bridges” (1996–2001). His voice acting contributions became notable in several Disney animated films, voicing characters like Banzai in “The Lion King” (1994) and Ramone in the “Cars” franchise (2006, 2011, 2017).

Beyond entertainment, Marin developed a passion for Chicano art, beginning his collection in the 1980s. This dedication culminated in the establishment of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry in Riverside, California, which opened on June 18, 2022. Marin donated his collection of over 700 pieces of Chicano art to the center, creating the largest collection of its kind globally. His contributions to both entertainment and cultural advocacy have been acknowledged with honors such as the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Award for Arts.