Book ~ "Cheech Is Not My Real Name ... But Don't Call Me Chong" (2017) Richard Marin

From Goodreads ~ 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. 

Richard "Cheech" Marin is 71 and is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor, writer and activist.  He was known in the 1970s and early 1980s as part of the comedy act, Cheech & Chong, with Tommy Chong.  He was Don Johnson's partner, Inspector Joe Dominguez, on Nash Bridges.  He has also voiced characters in several Disney films, including Oliver & Company, The Lion King, the Cars series, Coco and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

I like reading bios/autobios and thought his would be interesting.  This is Cheech's story starting with his childhood (his father was police officer).  Dodging the draft during the Vietnam War, he headed to Alberta to work with pottery and lived in a cabin in the mountains.  He moved to Vancouver, BC, where he met Tommy Chong and stared working for him in his club.  They eventually formed a comedy group and made movies and records.  After he and Chong split up, Cheech had success as an actor, voice actor and Chicano Art connoisseur among another things.  He's had many experiences and it sounds like he's had lots of fun along the way.  He's been married three times (currently married to Natasha Rubin) and is the father of three.

Cheech seems like a cool guy so that's what attracted me to his story.  I haven't seen his later stuff but who hasn't seen a Cheech & Chong movie or heard their records?!

I liked the writing style and found Cheech's story interesting.  He was honest in talking about his life and it was fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at all he'd done.  As a head's up, there is swearing.