Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin (born July 13, 1946) is an American comedian and actor who gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech and Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Don Johnson's quick-and-scheme partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges. His stage persona is that of a stereotypical Mexican American, or an uneducated urban Chicano.
"Cheech" is derived from chicharron, a spicy fried pork skin snack.
His father is a 30-year veteran of the LAPD.
Resides in San Francisco's Seacliff neighborhood
Speaks fluent Spanish.
Is a brother of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity
Hated golf until he co-starred in Tin Cup (1996) ; now is a avid golfer
Is among the top collectors of Mexican and Mexican-American art, having put together at least one book on the subject and supported the development of Chicano art on the West Coast.
Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 104-105 (article "Cheech and Chong"). New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
He was the first Celebrity Jeopardy Champion.
Has worked with director Robert Rodriguez seven times starting with Desperado (1995), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Spy Kids (2001) , Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002) , Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) , Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003) and Grindhouse (2007).
Owns and plays Taylor guitars.
Majored in English at Calfornia State University Northridge.
Played in the 2005 All-Star Cup golf tournament, dubbed the 'Celebrity Ryder Cup', at Newport, Wales, UK.
Mexican accent.
