I watched an E! True Hollywood Story about the infamous Richard Moran and Thomas Chong last night and learned quite a few things. Did you know:
1) They were originally in a rock band that sucked.
2) That rock band broke up and Richard and Tommy went on their own.
3) They entered a band contest and won without playing a single note.
4) They won the contest by doing an impromptu comedy bit while the stage was being set up.
5) The impromptu "pre-show" lasted over one hour.
6) Their bit - a couple of stoner dudes - never failed them and covered underculture ground that few comedy acts wanted to touch.
7) The name "Cheech" was Richard's childhood nickname, derived from the spanish word Chicharon - or pork rind - which other kids said he looked like.
8) They did multiple TV and stage routines and even Vegas, Baby!
9) Then came the movies, where "Up In Smoke" grossed over $70 Million (in 1973).
10) They had several successful movies that tapered in gross proceeds, but all impressive in terms of earnings.
11) Neither Cheech nor Chong were stoners, and in fact were health freaks that worked out regularly with trainers and stuck to strick healthy diets. It can be argued later, however, that Chong fell into drugs and pot after the breakup of the duo.
12) You have now watched the episode I watched, but in a fraction of the time.
The only other guys I know that could possibly have been as successful promoting cheba besides Cheech and Chong would be the creators of High Times magazine.
