Stacy Keach Dies at 85: The Up in Smoke Star Who Discussed His 2017 On-Stage Heart Attack

**Stacy Keach, iconic Sgt. Stedenko from Cheech & Chong’s *Up in Smoke*, has passed away at 85.**

The veteran actor, stage legend, and longtime fan favorite for his unforgettable role as the hard-nosed narcotics sergeant in the classic stoner comedies died on November 10, 2026, at his family home in Magdalenka, Poland. He was 85. His wife, Malgosia Tomassi Keach, confirmed that he died after “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”

Keach will always hold a special place in Cheech & Chong history. As Sgt. Stedenko in *Up in Smoke* (1978) and *Nice Dreams* (1981), he delivered deadpan intensity that perfectly balanced the duo’s chaos. Whether barking orders, getting hopelessly lost in the smoke, or ending up completely transformed by the very substances he was chasing, Keach made the straight-man role legendary. Fans still quote his scenes decades later.

### The 2017 On-Stage Heart Attack He Discussed Publicly

In May 2017, Keach was performing the one-man show *Pamplona* (as Ernest Hemingway) at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre when he suffered a mild heart attack on opening night. Midway through the performance he became disoriented, repeating lines and appearing lost. The show was stopped, and the remaining run was canceled so he could recover.

In interviews shortly afterward—including with the *Chicago Sun-Times* and *Chicago Tribune*—Keach openly described the experience:

> “I felt like this great fog had come over me. It was the most bizarre moment of my entire career… I was feeling no pain. The whole time, I was hoping that I was just in the middle of an actor’s nightmare.”

He later underwent a triple bypass and cardiac rehabilitation. True to his resilient spirit, he returned to the Goodman the following year to complete the *Pamplona* run, telling reporters he felt an “unfulfilled obligation to the play, to the city and to myself.”

That same fighting spirit defined much of his long career—from Shakespearean stage roles and films like *Fat City* and *The New Centurions* to his iconic turn as Mike Hammer on television.

### A Career That Touched Generations of Fans

Beyond the Cheech & Chong films, Keach built a remarkable body of work across stage, screen, and television. He earned respect as a serious classical actor while never losing the ability to lean into comedy and character work that connected with everyday audiences. His portrayal of Stedenko remains one of the most memorable supporting turns in the entire Cheech & Chong filmography.

Stacy Keach is survived by his wife Malgosia and their children. He leaves behind decades of performances that still make us laugh, think, and appreciate the craft of a true professional.

Rest in peace, Sgt. Stedenko. You will be greatly missed by fans of classic comedy and everyone who appreciated great acting.

Stacy Keach on Working with Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong

AV Club asked legendary actor, Stacy Keach (Mike Hammer, Sgt Stedenko), what it was like working with Cheech and Chong in Up in Smoke and Nice Dreams.

Sgt. Stedenko was definitely one of my favorite characters. I loved working with Cheech and Chong, and we had a lot of fun. Everyone thinks that everyone was stoned on the set, but that’s not true at all. Everybody was straight as an arrow when we were working. After work… well, who knows what goes on? [Laughs.] But on the set, they were absolutely very professional and were hard workers. We had a great time. 

Stacy Keach, Iconic Actor Best Known as Mike Hammer and Cheech & Chong’s Nemesis Sgt. Stedenko, Dies at 85

Stacy Keach, the versatile stage, film, and television actor whose commanding presence and distinctive voice defined roles from hard-boiled private eye Mike Hammer to the uptight narcotics officer who tangled with Cheech & Chong, died Monday, November 10, 2026. He was 85.

His wife, Małgosia Tomassi, announced that he passed “after a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure” at the family home in Magdalenka, Poland. “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family,” she said. “His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”

Born Walter Stacy Keach Jr. on June 2, 1941, in Savannah, Georgia, Keach first made his mark on stage in the 1960s. He excelled in Shakespearean roles and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play for Arthur Kopit’s *Indians* (1969), along with multiple Drama Desk and Helen Hayes Awards. He transitioned to film with early roles in *The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter* (1968) and Robert Altman’s *Brewster McCloud* (1970), then delivered standout performances as the aging boxer in John Huston’s *Fat City* (1972) opposite Jeff Bridges, as Doc Holliday in *Doc* (1971), and as a cop in *The New Centurions* (1972) with George C. Scott.

Among his most enduring and beloved screen turns—especially for fans of counterculture comedy—was Sgt. Stedenko, the tightly wound, by-the-book narcotics officer who became the perfect straight-man foil (and eventual comic casualty) to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. Keach first played the role in the duo’s groundbreaking 1978 stoner classic *Up in Smoke*, chasing the pair through a haze of marijuana-fueled mayhem, and returned as Stedenko in *Nice Dreams* (1981). In those films, the once-rigid sergeant’s eventual transformation into a blissed-out stoner (and, in one memorable sequence, a lizard) remains a highlight of the Cheech & Chong universe, showcasing Keach’s surprising comic timing and willingness to fully commit to the absurd. Those performances cemented his place in cult-comedy history and introduced him to generations who discovered the movies through late-night TV, VHS, or streaming.

On television, Keach became synonymous with Mickey Spillane’s tough-guy private detective Mike Hammer, starring in the 1980s CBS series *Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer* (and its successor *The New Mike Hammer*), earning a Golden Globe nomination. He later brought dry humor and pathos to the role of the hard-drinking, womanizing father Ken on the Fox sitcom *Titus* (2000–2002), recurred as Archbishop Kevin Kearns on *Blue Bloods*, played Warden Henry Pope on *Prison Break*, and lent his distinctive voice as narrator of the long-running series *American Greed*. Film roles continued across decades, including *The Long Riders* (1980), *Nebraska* (2013), *American History X* (1998), and *The Bourne Legacy* (2012).

Keach’s career spanned more than six decades and more than 400 credits, marked by range—from classical theater to gritty drama to broad comedy. His work with Cheech & Chong remains a particular bright spot for many, a reminder that even the most serious of actors could dive into the freewheeling spirit of the era and emerge with something unforgettable.

He is survived by his wife, Małgosia Tomassi.

Alan Dysert Dead at 75: Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie Actor Remembered

Alan Dysert (June 12, 1951 – October 23, 2026), the Illinois farm boy turned actor who made an uncredited guest-star appearance in Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980), has died at 75.

For Cheech and Chong fans, Dysert’s connection is a small but real part of the 1980 Tommy Chong-directed comedy. Listed simply as “Guest Star (uncredited)” in the credits, he was one of the many faces who helped fill out the film’s wild, stoner-comedy world alongside Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Evelyn Guerrero, and others. His early film credit came right as the duo’s big-screen chaos was peaking, placing him in the same orbit as the classic high-jinks, welfare-office antics, and freewheeling energy that defined Next Movie.

Born June 12, 1951, and raised on a farm in Oakwood, Illinois, Dysert graduated from Oakwood High School and the University of Illinois. He worked in real estate and did stand-up before landing early uncredited work, including a 1978 episode of Soap and that 1980 Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie appearance. The same year the film hit theaters, he began his best-known run as the scheming, humorous con man Sean Cudahy on ABC’s All My Children (appearing in 79 episodes across stints from roughly 1979/1980–1981 and 1988–1990).

He later taught acting (founding The Actor’s School in the Nashville area in 1991), produced and directed projects (including writing, directing, producing, and acting in 2015’s The Senator), and continued working in film and TV. In his 2023 memoir Lights, Camera, Cancer! he openly discussed living with a rare, aggressive cancer for more than a dozen years. His wife, Michele Dysert, announced his death, remembering him as an actor, musician, writer, filmmaker, producer, and beloved teacher with a gift for storytelling and humor. He is survived by Michele and his sons Cody and Cooper.

Rest Easy, Strawberry: Remembering Tom Skerritt Through His Unforgettable Role in Up in Smoke

Hollywood lost one of its most reliable and understated talents today. Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor known for everything from the haunted corridors of the Nostromo in Alien to the small-town quirks of Picket Fences, died Wednesday of natural causes. He was 93.

While many will rightly celebrate his turns as Captain Dallas, Viper in Top Gun, or Sheriff Jimmy Brock, today we’re lighting one up in memory of a different character entirely: Strawberry, the wild-eyed, Vietnam-scarred pot dealer in Cheech and Chong’s classic 1978 stoner comedy Up in Smoke.

In the film, Skerritt plays Pedro’s cousin Strawberry — a laid-back, slightly unhinged veteran living in a house that feels like a permanent haze. When Cheech and Chong show up looking for weed, they find themselves in the middle of one of the movie’s most memorable sequences. Strawberry greets the great outdoors with pure, blissed-out enthusiasm (“Ahhh, look at that man, the great outdoors, huh!”), hosts a party that goes sideways in classic Cheech & Chong fashion, and later has a full-blown flashback when the cops raid the place, briefly convinced the police are the Viet Cong. It’s pure 1970s counterculture comedy, and Skerritt commits to the bit with the same quiet intensity he brought to his more “serious” roles.

That performance wasn’t just a funny cameo. It was Skerritt showing range — the same guy who could command a spaceship or a fighter jet could also play a burned-out, generous, slightly unhinged dealer without a hint of condescension. For a whole generation of fans, Strawberry is the role that first made them notice him.

Tommy Chong, who co-wrote and starred in the film, paid tribute today with a simple, perfect send-off. Posting a photo alongside the message:

Rest easy Strawberry.

@TRSkerritt

That’s all it needed to be. From one of the guys who shared the screen with him in that hazy house party nearly 50 years ago.

Skerritt’s career stretched across decades and genres — MASH*, The Turning Point, A River Runs Through It, Steel Magnolias, Contact, and so many more. He brought a grounded, everyman quality that made even the wildest material feel real. But for the stoner comedy faithful, he’ll always be the guy who looked out at the trees, smiled that crooked smile, and reminded us how good the great outdoors can feel when the timing (and the product) is right.

Rest easy, Strawberry. The party’s a little quieter without you.

Betty McGuire, ‘Up in Smoke’ Actress, Dies at 100

 Betty McGuire, the actress best known for her role as grandmother Kate Malone on the ABC sitcom “Growing Pains, died Oct. 8 at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., of natural causes. She was 100.

Keith Gerchak, McGuire’s POA, confirmed her death.

McGuire had a seven-year run on “Growing Pains” as Kate Malone, mother to Joanna Kerns’ Maggie. She was a recurring character in Seasons 1-2 and again in Seasons 4-7.

Aside from “Growing Pains,” McGuire’s career in television includes appearances in shows including “Falcon Crest,” “The Doris Day Show,” “Columbo,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Hill Street Blues,” “ER,” “CSI: Miami,” “MacGyver,” Moonlighting” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

On the silver screen, McGuire played a supporting role as one of “The Nuns,” Sister Mary Quacker, in the 1978 stoner comedy hit Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke, starring Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.

The actress also performed with notable Broadway names including Ethel Merman, Barbara Cook, Bea Arthur and Tony Randall in original productions of “Plain and Fancy,” “Happy Hunting” and “Oh, Captain!” She headlined as “Mame” at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and toured in productions of “Gypsy,” “Auntie Mame,” “Mame,” “Oliver!” “How to Succeed in Business…” and “The Ziegfeld Follies of 1956.”

Later in life, McGuire volunteered as a receptionist and advocate at the Coalition for Economic Survival legal clinic in Los Angeles to offer support for low-income tenants facing eviction. She was an active resident of The Motion Picture & Television Fund Home. On Channel 22, the on-campus TV station at the retirement community, she hosted her own talk show, “GabFest.”

McGuire has no survivors.

Ian Crafford, Editor of Tommy Chong’s Still Smokin and Field of Dreams Has Passed

 Ian Crafford, the British film editor whose four-decade career included Tommy Chong’s Still Smokin, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Never Say Never Again, and Field of Dreams, has died at 82.

Crafford passed away on July 22 at his home in Brazil following a long battle with cancer, his son Scott Crafford told The Hollywood Reporter.

For Cheech and Chong fans, Crafford’s most notable credit is his work as editor on Tommy Chong’s 1983 comedy Still Smokin. His extensive résumé also includes sound effects on the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), picture editing on Sean Connery’s return as James Bond in Never Say Never Again (1983), and Phil Alden Robinson’s Oscar-nominated Field of Dreams (1989).

A Career Spanning Comedy, Bond, and Oscar Contenders

Crafford’s editing credits further included Frank Oz’s The Indian in the Cupboard, David Anspaugh’s The Game of Their Lives, and two films with Michael Apted: Class Action and Thunderheart.

He collaborated three times with director John Boorman on The Emerald Forest, the Oscar Best Picture nominee Hope and Glory (for which Crafford earned a BAFTA nomination), and Where the Heart Is.

Born June 11, 1944, in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, Crafford began with a summer job at Elstree Studios at age 17 and never returned to school. He started as an assistant editor on Carol Reed’s The Running Man and Michael Anderson’s The Quiller Memorandum, then moved into sound editing on films including Captain Apache, The Darwin Adventure, Fury, and Steppenwolf in the early 1970s.

He handled sound effects on Monty Python and the Holy Grail and, according to his son, became Sophia Loren’s preferred ADR specialist—“much to the chagrin of my mother,” Scott joked.

Crafford transitioned to picture editing with The Medusa Touch (starring Richard Burton and Lee Remick), a film produced by legendary Lawrence of Arabia editor Anne V. Coates. He later edited Snow White: A Tale of Terror and Savior, with his final credit on The Hot Potato in 2012.

He moved to the United States in 1988 to work on Field of Dreams. Time spent filming The Emerald Forest sparked his love for Brazil, where he eventually settled and spent his retirement.

Crafford is survived by his wife, Antonia, and his children Scott, Roberta, Monyka, and Paul.

Cheech & Chong Get Hollywood Walk of Fame Star: Comedy Legends Honored in 2027 Class

Cheech & Chong Get Hollywood Walk of Fame Star: Comedy Legends Honored in 2027 Class

Comedy icons Cheech Marin and Tommy Chongare officially heading to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The legendary duo, known worldwide as Cheech & Chong, has been selected for a star in the Motion Pictures category as part of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's 2027 class.

A Long-Overdue Honor for Stoner Comedy Pioneers

For fans of classic counterculture comedy, this news is massive. Cheech & Chong revolutionized entertainment in the 1970s and 1980s with their groundbreaking stand-up routines, hit comedy albums, and box-office successes like the iconic Up in Smoke (1978). Their influence on stoner comedy, cannabis culture, and mainstream humor remains unmatched decades later.

The announcement came on July 23, 2026, alongside other big names including Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, Kate Hudson, and more in various categories. Cheech & Chong's star recognizes their massive contributions to film and comedy that helped define an era.

Why This Matters: From "Up in Smoke" to Hollywood Immortality

Cheech & Chong didn't just make people laugh—they broke barriers. As one of the most successful comedy teams in history, they sold millions of records, filled arenas, and created films that became cultural touchstones. Up in Smoke, their debut feature, grossed over $44 million on a tiny budget and established the stoner comedy genre.

Their routines like "Earache My Eye," "Basketball Jones," and "Sister Mary Elephant" are still quoted today. Beyond the laughs, they brought visibility to Latin American culture, counterculture movements, and recreational cannabis use at a time when such topics were far from mainstream.

This Walk of Fame honor feels especially sweet after years of advocacy from fans and peers. Back in 2018, during a West Hollywood event celebrating the 40th anniversary of Up in Smoke, supporters (including director Lou Adler) publicly called for their star on Hollywood Boulevard. Now, it's finally happening.

What Fans Can Expect

While the exact date for the star unveiling ceremony hasn't been announced yet (honorees typically have up to two years to schedule it), this induction cements Cheech & Chong's place in Hollywood history alongside the greatest entertainers of all time.

For the duo, still active with tours, projects, and a dedicated fanbase, this recognition arrives at a perfect time. Cheech Marin continues acting and voicing beloved characters, while Tommy Chong remains a cannabis advocate and pop culture staple.

Celebrating a Legacy That Keeps Burning Bright

From dodging the draft and meeting in Vancouver to becoming global superstars, Cheech & Chong's journey is the ultimate underdog success story. Their comedy has aged like fine... well, you know. It resonates with new generations discovering Up in Smoke, Nice Dreams, and their classic albums.

This Hollywood Walk of Fame star isn't just a plaque in the sidewalk—it's validation of a legacy that shaped comedy, film, and culture. Congratulations to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong! The Hollywood Boulevard just got a whole lot dopier.

What’s your favorite Cheech & Chong movie or routine? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s celebrate these legends together!

Share this postwith fellow fans and spread the word about this well-deserved honor. Stay tuned for ceremony updates right here on the ultimate Cheech & Chong fan hub.

Keywords: Cheech and Chong Walk of Fame, Cheech Marin Tommy Chong Hollywood star, 2027 Walk of Fame class, Up in Smoke comedy duo 

Happy 80th Birthday, Cheech Marin!

Today we celebrate a true legend of comedy, a Chicano icon, and one half of the most iconic stoner duo in history. Richard "Cheech" Marin turns 80, and what a ride it's been!

From the early days of Cheech & Chong, dropping classics like Up in Smoke, Nice Dreams, and Still Smokin', to his solo work in films like Born in East L.A., voice roles in Cars and The Lion King, and his tireless advocacy for Chicano art and culture — Cheech has been making us laugh, think, and reach for the munchies for over five decades. 

His chemistry with Tommy Chong created a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation and continues to resonate today. Whether he's painting the town (literally, with his world-class collection of Chicano art), acting, directing, or just being that smooth, hilarious voice we all love, Cheech remains one of a kind. Big thanks to Cheech for the laughs, the memories, and the good vibes. Here's to many more years of "Dave's not here, man!" energy and everything else you bring to the table. 

Much love from the Cheech & Chong blog fam! Keep blazing those trails (the artistic ones, of course 😉). Happy 80th, Cheech! 🥳✌️

#CheechMarin #CheechAndChong #Legend #80AndStillSmokin 

 

Happy Birthday! Tommy Chong is 88 Years Old

  The dopemaster, Tommy Chong, turned 88 today. Tommy was born May 24th, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Happy 88th birthday, Tommy Chong! ✌️🍃 pic.twitter.com/ucJ7ao9gyh

— Cheech & Chong (@cheechandchong) May 24, 2026

CHEECH & CHONG’S LAST MOVIE Heading to Paramount+ in April

 Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie, a documentary that chronicles the comedy duo on a road trip to a destination known as “The Joint," will debut on the Paramount+ Premium plan on April 20.

Told through a mix of road trip footage, animation and archival clips, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie follows the pair as they recall their lives from childhood to joining forces in the 1960s, all the way until their breakup in the 1980s.

After premiering to rave reviews at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, the film debuted with a limited and then nationwide release in April 2025.

The movie is directed by David Bushnell, who also serves as a producer alongside Robbi Chong. Executive producers on the project include John Paul DeJoria, Gary Haseley, Cleo Segura Sherrel and Christian Selleron. Check out the official trailer below.

Cheech and Chong coming to Ypsilanti, Michigan

YPSILANTI, MI — Legendary comedy duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, two of the most iconic figures in stoner culture and comedy history, are heading to Michigan for Astronomicon 9 in 2026.

The Grammy-winning pair, famous for their groundbreaking films like Up in Smoke, stand-up specials, and lasting impact on pop culture, will be at the convention for autograph signings, photo opportunities, and fan meet-and-greets. They are scheduled to appear primarily on Saturday and Sunday.

Astronomicon 9 takes place Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest (1275 S Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI).

The event features a stacked lineup of celebrities from film, TV, horror, comedy, and professional wrestling, including:

• Dave Coulier (Full House)
• David Arquette
• Rose McGowan
• Roger L. Jackson (voice of Ghostface in Scream)
• Danny Trejo (Machete)
• Billy Zane (Titanic)
• Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie's)
• Nick Swardson (The Benchwarmers)
• Thomas Lennon and Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!)
• Alex Vincent (Child's Play)
• Bobcat Goldthwait
• Tim Kazurinsky (Police Academy)
• Voice acting legend Rob Paulsen

Wrestling stars appearing include:

• Mick Foley
• MJF
• Diamond Dallas Page
• Killer Kross
• Scarlett Bordeaux
• Alicia Atout
• Mickie James
• Fred Ottman
• Doink the Clown III

Note: Professional photo ops with Cheech & Chong require a separate ticket or upgrade.

Astronomicon 9 offers the full comic con experience with panels, cosplay, vendor halls, artists, and more—voted Metro Times' Best Comic Con. Tickets, VIP packages, hotel info, and the latest guest updates are available at the official website: https://www.astronomicon.com.

Get your tickets soon for this out-of-this-world weekend with comedy legends and a killer guest roster!

Plaza Theatre to Host Rob Reiner, Cheech Marin in 7th Season of ‘Palm Springs Speaks’

 Actor/director Rob Reiner and comedian/actor Cheech Marin are among the speakers set to take part beginning next month in the seventh season of “Palm Springs Speaks,” an annual series of lectures benefiting the city’s public library.

Reiner is scheduled to speak at the Plaza Theatre event on Dec. 10, with Marin scheduled for Feb. 10. Author and journalist Wade Rouse will be in conversation with author Steven Rowley on Feb. 24 and genetic genealogist CeCe Moore will speak on March 30.

Reiner will discuss his film career, his book “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap” and his work as a political activist. Marin will discuss about his career and his memoir, “Cheech is Not My Real Name … But Don’t Call Me Chong,” organizers said.

Previous speakers at the series have included former Vice President Al Gore, Bob Woodward, Deepak Chopra, Jane Fonda and Rick Steves.

The sole benefactor and presenting sponsor of the event is Friends of the Palm Springs Library.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit palmspringsspeaks.org.

Cheech Marin, Teresa Ruiz, Dean Norris & Katie Tripp Round Out Cast Of Border Thriller ‘Coyote’

 Filmmaker Per Prinz has rounded out the cast of Coyote, a border thriller on which we were first to report, with four additions: Cheech Marin (Up in Smoke), Teresa Ruiz (Narcos: Mexico), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), and newcomer Katie Tripp.

Described as a gritty, modern-day thriller exploring the dangerous underworld of border smuggling, the film’s lead is Esai Morales. Others in key roles include Mel Gibson and Renata Notni.

The story follows Hernán Barroca (Morales), a weathered ex-smuggler pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind. When Hernán helps Julia and her young daughter, Maribel, navigate treacherous borderlands, their desperate journey triggers the wrath of a ruthless trafficking syndicate. As past and present collide — with U.S. Border Patrol agent Liz Bradley (Tripp) joining the pursuit — Hernán must rely on his cunning and grit to survive and find redemption.

Marin plays Javier, a beacon of strength and light in a city controlled by the cartel, with Ruiz as Gabriella, a wise and resilient woman from Nogales who looks after those in need. Norris portrays the cunning and relentless Chief Dennison, with Tripp as Liz Bradley, a border patrol agent with a true-north moral compass, in her first major film role.

Prinz wrote the script with Adam J. Goldstein. Scott Smith is producing for Fire Tiger Studios, along with Hamid and Camille Torabpour of Winter State Entertainment, and Morales and his Richport Entertainment.

Breaking out in the ’70s as one half of the famed comedy duo Cheech & Chong, Marin has nearly 200 film and television credits, though he’s perhaps best known for roles in Tin Cup, Born in East L.A. and Up in Smoke, as well as the CBS police procedural Nash Bridges.

Ruiz first garnered attention for her work in Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico before going on to projects like the Netflix series Mo and the film Father Stu opposite Mark Wahlberg.

Best known for his role as DEA agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, Norris can currently be seen starring alongside Christopher Meloni on Law & Order: Organized Crime. Other credits include Little Miss Sunshine, Carry On and TNT’s Claws, to name just a few.

Richard "Cheech" Marin Turns 79: Celebrating the Iconic Comedian and Actor

Today, July 13, 2025, marks the 79th birthday of the legendary comedian, actor, and art aficionado, Richard "Cheech" Marin. Born on July 13, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Marin has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his humor, talent, and unique cultural contributions.Early Life and Career BeginningsRichard Marin, affectionately known as "Cheech," grew up in a vibrant Los Angeles community. His journey into comedy and acting began with his partnership with Tommy Chong, forming the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Their groundbreaking work in the 1970s and 1980s, including films like Up in Smoke, brought laughter to millions and showcased Marin’s natural comedic talent.A Multifaceted TalentBeyond comedy, Cheech Marin has enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in popular films such as Nash Bridges, The Golden Girls, and Spy Kids. His versatility extends to voice acting, with memorable roles in animated hits like The Lion King and Cars. Marin’s passion for art, particularly Chicano art, has also earned him recognition as a collector and advocate, further enriching his legacy.Celebrating Cheech Marin’s 79th BirthdayAs we celebrate Cheech Marin turning 79 today, fans and admirers reflect on his contributions to comedy, film, and culture. His birthday serves as a reminder of his enduring influence and the joy he has brought to audiences worldwide. Whether through his hilarious performances or his dedication to the arts, Marin continues to inspire.Why Cheech Marin MattersCheech Marin’s career spans decades, making him a cultural icon. His work has paved the way for Latino representation in Hollywood, and his love for art has highlighted the importance of cultural heritage. This birthday is a perfect opportunity to explore his life and legacy.Join the CelebrationShare your favorite Cheech Marin moment or movie in the comments below! Follow us for more updates on entertainment icons and cultural milestones. Happy 79th birthday, Cheech!