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Cheech Is Not My Real Name... But Don't Call Me Chong
The long-awaited memoir from a counterculture legend.
Cheech Marin came of age at an interesting time in America and became a self-made counterculture legend with his other half, Tommy Chong. This insightful memoir delves into how Cheech dodged the draft, formed one of the most successful comedy duos of all time, became the face of the recreational drug movement with the film Up in Smoke, forged a successful solo career with roles in The Lion King and, more recently, Jane the Virgin, and became the owner of the most renowned collection of Chicano art in the world.
Written in Cheech's uniquely hilarious voice, this memoir will take you to new highs.
Cheech Marin came of age at an interesting time in America and became a self-made counterculture legend with his other half, Tommy Chong. This insightful memoir delves into how Cheech dodged the draft, formed one of the most successful comedy duos of all time, became the face of the recreational drug movement with the film Up in Smoke, forged a successful solo career with roles in The Lion King and, more recently, Jane the Virgin, and became the owner of the most renowned collection of Chicano art in the world.
Written in Cheech's uniquely hilarious voice, this memoir will take you to new highs.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2017
35 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Cheech Marin
32 books56 followersRichard Anthony "Cheech" Marin is an American comedian and actor who gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Don Johnson's quick-and-scheme partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 22, 2017
CHEECH IS NOT MY REAL NAME by Cheech Marin is a wonderfully entertaining memoir of a man who played a Mexican stoner and became famous doing it, but really is a intelligent and fascinating individual that is proud of his life and recognizes he is blessed to have what he has.
As a fan, it was hard to see past Cheech Marin's days with Tommy Chong as Cheech & Chong to identify Cheech as more than that character. But having read his book and being reminded of his expansive acting career, he is so much more than just 1/2 half of deadbeat stoners Cheech and Chong. He tells of his unusual childhood and growing up, including a stint surviving in the cold north of Canada. He has some great stories about starting out in the comedy world in the 1970's, from people he met, to places he went, to things he saw. The way he tells stories is great, describing the situation and building up to the climax of the story, then dropping a deadpan side comment that is so on point, it takes a minute before you start laughing. He walks a tightrope in describing his relationship with Tommy Chong, which mirrored how their relationship was. He talks that on stage in particular, they were amazing together and clicked perfectly, while offstage they were like brothers, cool one minute, passionately disagreeing the next. It's clear, though, Cheech has a fondness and respect for Chong. He recognizes that neither of them would have been successful without the other.
Cheech & Chong fan or not, Cheech's memoir, CHEECH IS NOT MY REAL NAME, will leave you smiling and wanting to someday meet Cheech so you can hear more stories.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, Cheech Marin, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
As a fan, it was hard to see past Cheech Marin's days with Tommy Chong as Cheech & Chong to identify Cheech as more than that character. But having read his book and being reminded of his expansive acting career, he is so much more than just 1/2 half of deadbeat stoners Cheech and Chong. He tells of his unusual childhood and growing up, including a stint surviving in the cold north of Canada. He has some great stories about starting out in the comedy world in the 1970's, from people he met, to places he went, to things he saw. The way he tells stories is great, describing the situation and building up to the climax of the story, then dropping a deadpan side comment that is so on point, it takes a minute before you start laughing. He walks a tightrope in describing his relationship with Tommy Chong, which mirrored how their relationship was. He talks that on stage in particular, they were amazing together and clicked perfectly, while offstage they were like brothers, cool one minute, passionately disagreeing the next. It's clear, though, Cheech has a fondness and respect for Chong. He recognizes that neither of them would have been successful without the other.
Cheech & Chong fan or not, Cheech's memoir, CHEECH IS NOT MY REAL NAME, will leave you smiling and wanting to someday meet Cheech so you can hear more stories.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, Cheech Marin, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 3, 2017
I wanted to find out more about the life of Cheech Marin. I remember listening to Cheech and Chong on my brother's record albums. Seeing him on TV and some of his movies and providing voices for Disney movies. I also remember seeing him on Jeopardy and impressed about how smart he is and how well he did on the game show. So glad to read his memoir. He is very honest about his life.Good or bad over the years. If someone is a fan of Cheech Marin {his real first name is Richard} they may enjoy reading his memoir.
March 26, 2017
(2 1/2) Don't expect a laugh a minute in this book, it has more depth than that. This is an insightful (and still humorous) look into an interesting man with a wonderful entertainment career. Cheech and Chong were a cultural phenomenon, and you get a good look here at how wonderful and fragile partnerships are. That being said, Cheech Marin's solo (so to speak) career has been very successful and his other pursuits and passions will surprise you. A nice and enjoyable memoir.
November 16, 2018
Cheech has led an interesting life, and the book does a great job of recounting it. Of course the most interesting part was his career as part of Cheech and Chong, and specifically their changing relationship.
He doesn’t pull any punches and I think that’s why the book is so fascinating. Cheech was stubborn and Chong was full of too much pride, and though they had amazing comedic chemistry they also butted heads quite a bit.
He doesn’t pull any punches and I think that’s why the book is so fascinating. Cheech was stubborn and Chong was full of too much pride, and though they had amazing comedic chemistry they also butted heads quite a bit.
March 1, 2020
You will probably like this book if you have ever laughed at these three words: Dave’s not here. Cheech Marin was half of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, and he knows how to tell a tale. His life story has plenty of inside dope—see what I did there?—on his relationship with Tommy Chong, as well as fun celebrity anecdotes about Peter Sellers, Nick Nolte, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Little Richard, Sam Shepard, Ursula Andress, and many more, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Some of the most endearing stories involve his animation work in such films as Oliver and Company, The Lion King, and the Cars movies. If Cheech and Chong ever meant anything to you, I recommend this book. (It seems impossible, but as of this writing Cheech Marin is 73 years old, and Tommy Chong is 81.)
March 18, 2017
It was a funny story just like you would expect from Cheech. His father was a LAPD officer for over 30 years, which I did not know. But coming from the mean streets of LA he did not want to follow in his Dad's foot steps!
He was a Draft Dodger in the 1960s during the Viet Nam War and went to Canada to avoid the draft. He burned his draft card and did not come back until after the war was over.
Overall, the book covered my childhood and most of my adulthood and I knew most of the things he wrote about. Especially the drugs that were very easy to get in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a very different time!
I enjoyed reading about the movies He and Chong were in and about all the fun stuff they did together.
I would recommend it to anyone who lived through that time!
He was a Draft Dodger in the 1960s during the Viet Nam War and went to Canada to avoid the draft. He burned his draft card and did not come back until after the war was over.
Overall, the book covered my childhood and most of my adulthood and I knew most of the things he wrote about. Especially the drugs that were very easy to get in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a very different time!
I enjoyed reading about the movies He and Chong were in and about all the fun stuff they did together.
I would recommend it to anyone who lived through that time!
September 21, 2017
This was an Audible book for me read by Cheech Marin. It was wonderful, being read by the author made you feel like Cheech was in the room telling stories about his life. Was not disappointed a bit, and learned a few surprising things about Mr. Marin. I highly recommend this book
March 24, 2017
I won this book from Goodreads. Loved it. He talks about his career and his break up with Tommy Chong. If you are a Cheech Martin fan, I highly recommend you read this book.
February 20, 2018
A very entertaining read. At times both very detailed, like when he talks about his draft dodging days and the early days of Cheech And Chong, while at other times completely omitting or discussing very little on other subjects. For example, while there is quite a bit on the subject of their first film, Up In Smoke, there is absolutely no mention at all of their other movies, except for a brief mention of The Corsican Brothers.
I also noticed a few incorrect statements.
1. When talking about the song "Born In East L.A." he mentions that the first time he ever played it live was at a benefit in Malibu with Eddie Van Halen on guitar. He says that it was "A rare, early performance for young Edward". The song, however, was released in September 1985 and Van Halen had been around as a band for 12-13 years by this point and already had 6 albums out, and were about to start work on their seventh.
2. When talking about his work in animated film he says that the film Cars was "...a gigantic commercial and critical success and threw off more merchandising than any movie ever made." Apparently, Mr. Marin has either never heard of or has forgotten all about the Star Wars films. lol
And lastly,
3. When talking about his work on From Dusk Till Dawn he says that "Quentin Tarantino was an up-and-coming director who had just made his first feature, Reservoir Dogs." From Dusk Till Dawn, however, was shot from June to August 1995. Reservoir Dogs was released in 1992. Even Pulp Fiction, his latest film at the time, had been released theatrically almost a year before shooting on From Dusk Till Dawn began. Just over a year before if you count the Cannes Film Festival.
All that aside it was still a very enjoyable, and quick, read. Although it could probably have used an extra hundred pages or so.
I also noticed a few incorrect statements.
1. When talking about the song "Born In East L.A." he mentions that the first time he ever played it live was at a benefit in Malibu with Eddie Van Halen on guitar. He says that it was "A rare, early performance for young Edward". The song, however, was released in September 1985 and Van Halen had been around as a band for 12-13 years by this point and already had 6 albums out, and were about to start work on their seventh.
2. When talking about his work in animated film he says that the film Cars was "...a gigantic commercial and critical success and threw off more merchandising than any movie ever made." Apparently, Mr. Marin has either never heard of or has forgotten all about the Star Wars films. lol
And lastly,
3. When talking about his work on From Dusk Till Dawn he says that "Quentin Tarantino was an up-and-coming director who had just made his first feature, Reservoir Dogs." From Dusk Till Dawn, however, was shot from June to August 1995. Reservoir Dogs was released in 1992. Even Pulp Fiction, his latest film at the time, had been released theatrically almost a year before shooting on From Dusk Till Dawn began. Just over a year before if you count the Cannes Film Festival.
All that aside it was still a very enjoyable, and quick, read. Although it could probably have used an extra hundred pages or so.
January 18, 2018
Cheech Is Not My Real Name...But Don't Call Me Chong 🍒🍒🍒
By Cheech Marin
2017
Cheech Marin. Comedian. Musician.Film and TV actor. Husband. Father. This memoir shares the basic events of his life. Cheech Is Not My Name Is The perfect title for this book. You will not find any intimate or personal details or events here. You will not get to know the real Cheech Marin.....
This memoir starts in his childhood, his father a cop,attending Catholic school, Valley College, and his friendship and work with Tommy Ching.These are some of the best stories in the book.
Cheech And Chong and their hippie stoner humor catapulted them into counterculture icons, and overwhelming popularity.
p.99
"Our comedy was based on observing this hippie revolution that was going on all around us. And as I said before, very few people were presenting it as a form of entertainment. "
Much of the novel centers on his friendships and falling out with Tommy Chong and Lou Adler.It seems to be the focus of the book.
p. 158
"As we moved along in show business in these early years,people always assumed that we (Tommy Chong) were best friends and had grown up together. That was how close our chemistry was."
The cohesiveness of the book starts to fail here, the end are stories of what a great friend he is, and that he lives to golf and collect Chicano art. This is the most he's willing to tell us. His humor and upbeat attitude carry this book. Good easy read.
By Cheech Marin
2017
Cheech Marin. Comedian. Musician.Film and TV actor. Husband. Father. This memoir shares the basic events of his life. Cheech Is Not My Name Is The perfect title for this book. You will not find any intimate or personal details or events here. You will not get to know the real Cheech Marin.....
This memoir starts in his childhood, his father a cop,attending Catholic school, Valley College, and his friendship and work with Tommy Ching.These are some of the best stories in the book.
Cheech And Chong and their hippie stoner humor catapulted them into counterculture icons, and overwhelming popularity.
p.99
"Our comedy was based on observing this hippie revolution that was going on all around us. And as I said before, very few people were presenting it as a form of entertainment. "
Much of the novel centers on his friendships and falling out with Tommy Chong and Lou Adler.It seems to be the focus of the book.
p. 158
"As we moved along in show business in these early years,people always assumed that we (Tommy Chong) were best friends and had grown up together. That was how close our chemistry was."
The cohesiveness of the book starts to fail here, the end are stories of what a great friend he is, and that he lives to golf and collect Chicano art. This is the most he's willing to tell us. His humor and upbeat attitude carry this book. Good easy read.
March 15, 2017
“Cheech Is Not My Real Name but Don’t Call Me Chong” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is the humorous memoir of Anthony Cheech Marin, a comedian who grew up during a turbulent time in American history with the assassination of a political figure and a religious black leader, the Vietnamese war, the draft, and even the contested victory of heavyweight boxer Mohammed Ali (aka Cassius Clay) against Sonny Liston. Thus,we see a man with strong convictions who fled the draft, is an advocate for legalizing marijuana and is a proponent of transcendental meditation which he still does today.
Well-written and entertaining you get a glimpse into the life of Cheech with stories of his childhood to his friends and family which are brought to life with personal photographs. The son of a veteran police officer in the LAPD, Cheech grew up smart, creative, and witty, becoming part of a successful comedy legend with his counterpart Tommy Chong, but later branching off into his own career successes, and pursuing his artistic love with his own private collection of Chicano art.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ““Cheech Is Not My Real Name but Don’t Call Me Chong” and will ensure others in my library get to read it too.
Well-written and entertaining you get a glimpse into the life of Cheech with stories of his childhood to his friends and family which are brought to life with personal photographs. The son of a veteran police officer in the LAPD, Cheech grew up smart, creative, and witty, becoming part of a successful comedy legend with his counterpart Tommy Chong, but later branching off into his own career successes, and pursuing his artistic love with his own private collection of Chicano art.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ““Cheech Is Not My Real Name but Don’t Call Me Chong” and will ensure others in my library get to read it too.
April 2, 2017
Highly readable, intelligent, generous memoir. I went to a book signing event so got to hear him tell some of these stories before I read the book; he's definitely funnier in person than he is on the page, but it's still a humorous book. Lots of great stories and insight into the creative process. It covers growing up with a policeman father (yep) in SoCal; participating in the antiwar movement in the 60s, leading to a stint in Canada, where he met Tommy Chong; marriage and parenthood and grandparenthood; and getting into collecting Chicano art. Oh, and his career, obviously - the rise of the comedy team (lots of ups and downs, at one point going from collecting pop bottles to make $1.50 a day to eat on to a hit record in less than a month), making the movies, acting on tv and stage, making records; a couple of lawsuits. One thing that struck me is the respect and admiration he shows for the people he's fallen out with, including the ones on the other side of those lawsuits. If you only know Cheech as the pothead from Up in Smoke, this book will surprise you.
Dave's not here, man.
Dave's not here, man.
August 18, 2017
Ever since I can remember I was always captivated with the unique comedy style of Cheech and Chong. Their form of entertainment always provided worldwide audiences with an evening or afternoon of laughter. So when I was given the chance to read Cheech Marin's new book, “Cheech is not my real name... and don't call me Chong,” I didn't hesitate to grab a copy and prepare for an afternoon of learning what makes this actor, director, musician and Chicano art collector “tick.”
Cheech is not at all like his characters portrayed in the "stoner" comedies. From the tales of his South California childhood to the present, one learns of his family, his friends and lifestyle, he holds so dear. I was not aware that he had fled from the Vietnam draft in Vietnam to start life anew in Canada as an intern to a world famous clay artist. I learned quite a lot more than I expected about this funny, articulate and extremely intelligent human being. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good read with laugh now and again.
Cheech is not at all like his characters portrayed in the "stoner" comedies. From the tales of his South California childhood to the present, one learns of his family, his friends and lifestyle, he holds so dear. I was not aware that he had fled from the Vietnam draft in Vietnam to start life anew in Canada as an intern to a world famous clay artist. I learned quite a lot more than I expected about this funny, articulate and extremely intelligent human being. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good read with laugh now and again.
February 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this candid autobiography audiobook read by Cheech himself. I especially liked hearing of his draft resistance and meeting Chong in Canada while working in a naked hippy improv troupe. This led to such performance career vignettes as:
We would play anything that we could get, from the lunch yard at USC to the just opened Scientology center, which was one of our stranger gigs. I knew it would be different when I went into the men's room and the graffiti on the walls read, “I was thrown into the maelstrom of the universe blind and unaware.”
Obviously, Cheech doesn't remember much about the high point of the duo's success and popularity, but does dive deep into the creative demise around the time of The Corsican Brothers before his solo successes including Born in East L.A., celebrity Jeopardy appearances, MTV and more including a string of Robert Rodriguez movies.
We would play anything that we could get, from the lunch yard at USC to the just opened Scientology center, which was one of our stranger gigs. I knew it would be different when I went into the men's room and the graffiti on the walls read, “I was thrown into the maelstrom of the universe blind and unaware.”
Obviously, Cheech doesn't remember much about the high point of the duo's success and popularity, but does dive deep into the creative demise around the time of The Corsican Brothers before his solo successes including Born in East L.A., celebrity Jeopardy appearances, MTV and more including a string of Robert Rodriguez movies.
January 26, 2017
Ever since I was a kid I knew about Cheech and Chong. My first experience with them was The Corsican Brothers. So when I was given the chance to read Cheech Marin's book, Cheech is not my real name... and don't call me Chong I didn't hesitate.
Cheech is not at all like the character he portrays in the "stoner" comedies he became famous for. From tales of his childhood to the present one learns of his family and friends. How he fled from the draft in Vietnam to start life anew. I learned quite a lot more than I expected. He is funny, articulate and extremely intelligent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a laugh.
I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
Cheech is not at all like the character he portrays in the "stoner" comedies he became famous for. From tales of his childhood to the present one learns of his family and friends. How he fled from the draft in Vietnam to start life anew. I learned quite a lot more than I expected. He is funny, articulate and extremely intelligent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a laugh.
I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
June 27, 2017
I have always loved watching and listening to Cheech and Chong bits, the movies, and Cheech's solo work, so this book called out to me. And this was such a fun read, and so quick. I slept, because nighttime, but otherwise I'd have had it done in a day. He provides a really nice overview of his life and how things came to be. I imagine some people would want a little more detail on his split from Chong, and towards the end there were some spots where I thought it would have been neat to get a little more. But the pacing works really well, so even wanting a little more I think it would have made it drag a little to actually get more. The language and tone is exactly what I expected. He is funny, clever, and quick. This was a fantastic read.
July 15, 2018
I loved reading about how all their stuff got started and about the unfortunate split that happened between them..ok so the Corisican Brothers was a bomb but I remember seeing that as a kid and thinking it hilarious...then I became and adult and really laughed because I got more of the jokes. My dad has their record and I listened to that when I was a teen and thought it was funny...dad said when he recently listened to them he didn't find it funny but then thought he was probably drunk when he first listened to them and thought they were funny.
I am glad to have picked up this book and got to know about the guy who created the song and then movie Born in East L.A. Still love his stuff. This book was outright hilarious and really makes you laugh out loud. Enjoy it!
I am glad to have picked up this book and got to know about the guy who created the song and then movie Born in East L.A. Still love his stuff. This book was outright hilarious and really makes you laugh out loud. Enjoy it!
July 11, 2017
I don't usually read a lot of biographies but this one caught my attention so I gave it a go. I'm glad I did I learned a lot about him and that he isn't his characters! Of course because he is a comedian at heart this book is funny to read as well and a good look into his life from his younger years up until now. There are a few pictures in the middle which is typical of the standard biography. He also doesn't go in order of his life, he does start with his childhood but he really bounces around as it pertains to the particular chapter so you are taken on an interesting narrative of his life rather than a boring point a to point b.
May 20, 2019
First off, the whole book was a fun series of revelations about Cheech that I had never suspected.
Never knew, he was a draft dodger who lived in the Canadian wilderness for years. Never would have guessed his pops was a cop, just had no idea the how involved he was in the 80's and 90's entertainment scene, just all over, he was like a comic Zelig of the industry, popping up in so many things I had not recalled.
Very fun biography, great insights into the history of some of the classic Cheech and Chong routines, fun insights into performing process, and plenty of salacious gossip about people he worked with, very entertaining.
Never knew, he was a draft dodger who lived in the Canadian wilderness for years. Never would have guessed his pops was a cop, just had no idea the how involved he was in the 80's and 90's entertainment scene, just all over, he was like a comic Zelig of the industry, popping up in so many things I had not recalled.
Very fun biography, great insights into the history of some of the classic Cheech and Chong routines, fun insights into performing process, and plenty of salacious gossip about people he worked with, very entertaining.
April 22, 2017
I thought this was a great book. I loved reading the back story of how Cheech and Chong came to be and the stories of different things happened to them throughout the time that they were together as a comedy duo. There were definitely some humorous parts in the book but if you do not like reading anything with swear words in it, I would not recommend it because there is quite a lot of swearing in it. I really did enjoy this book, though.
September 10, 2017
I never knew much about Cheech Marin other than seeing him as an extension of Pedro, his stoned cholo alter ego, and about his role as patron of Xicano art. His memoir introduces me to a multidimensional man who is intelligent, reflective, and always down to earth and hilarious. He's an icon who has reinvented himself several times and I have underappreciated him. Orale, Cheech! I'm proud of his contributions to the arts.
March 24, 2017
Didn't follow Cheech and Chong so was vaguely aware of earlier work. Have seen later acting roles on Nash Bridges, Judging Amy etc. This book was fascinating. Really enjoyed hearing about how Mr. Marin grew and developed as an actor and a person. Well written. If all you know about the author is his early partnership and comedy act with Tommy Chong you are in for a revalation.
April 28, 2017
An engaging read about an interesting man. The story of his early life, and getting together with Tommy sounded like they were destined to meet. How else could you explain such a bizarre sequence of events?
I loved the message of listening to your instincts, and the value of building friendships throughout life.
I loved the message of listening to your instincts, and the value of building friendships throughout life.
June 1, 2017
I was enticed to enter the giveaway after reading some of the reviews for this book. I won and have thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography. It reads as though you were sitting with friends and listening to the best storyteller of the group. It wasn't just Cheech Marin telling you the facts of his life. It was Cheech Marin sharing his journey.
November 12, 2019
Cheech Marin is famous for being half of Cheech and Chong, whom I was introduced to (via record player) by my boyfriend when I was 16. He's famous for being a marijuana user, but there's a lot more to this man than that. He's got a lot of acting credits and much success doing what he does. I enjoyed reading it.
November 14, 2017
I love a good bio, and I really enjoyed this one. I didn't really know much about "Cheech" aside from seeing him in a variety of things; and I enjoyed his quick, no-nonsense peek at his life. He really seems to just love life and roll with it all.
December 24, 2017
Wonderful book! Very well written and balanced between memories and current. I was very glad to get to read about the other dimensions to "Cheech" other than the stoner character I know and love. I good read for anyone who likes biographies, the 70s, or stoner culture.
April 9, 2017
I would recommend the audiobook. The first third is the highlight-- and lots of surprising info.
June 14, 2017
Entertaining account of Cheech's life. Several surprises and details.
June 21, 2017
I have truly enjoyed listening to this book! Just great with Cheech doing the reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews