Cheech and Chong’s First Movie Grossed $104 Million. But They Only Made $25K Apiece: ‘A Huge Horrible Deal’

Cheech and Chong, the legendary comedy duo, found themselves in a surprising predicament after their first film, ‘Up in Smoke,’ became a massive success, grossing a whopping $104 million. Despite this impressive box office performance, their financial earnings were shockingly low, with each of them only making $25,000. This revelation comes to light in the new documentary ‘Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie’, which delves into the highs and lows of their careers and the pitfalls of their early business decisions.

During the 1970s, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong were at the peak of their fame, hailed as the torchbearers of stoner culture with their comedy tours, hit records, and successful movies. However, when they ventured into the world of filmmaking with ‘Up in Smoke,’ their lack of business acumen became evident. In a candid moment in the documentary, Chong reflects on their financial struggles post the movie’s success, revealing, “We had a hit movie and both Cheech and I were literally broke, cash poor.”

The root of their financial woes stemmed from a contract clause that granted them a mere 10% of the profits, leaving them with significantly reduced earnings. In a revealing exchange with Geraldo Rivera, Cheech and Chong disclose the harsh reality of their initial deal, where they only received $50,000 to split between them for their extensive roles in writing, directing, starring, and promoting the film. This paltry sum, especially in comparison to the film’s massive earnings, highlights the exploitative nature of their contractual agreement.

After coming to terms with the unfavourable terms of their contract, Cheech and Chong managed to renegotiate for their subsequent films, securing a more equitable deal. For their second film, ‘Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie,’ they each received an advance of $1 million, marking a significant improvement in their financial compensation. Despite their rocky start, the duo went on to collaborate on several more films before eventually parting ways in 1985.

The documentary provides an intimate glimpse into the enduring friendship between Cheech and Chong, showcasing the chemistry that defined their comedic partnership. Through ups and downs, they remained steadfast allies, with Cheech describing Chong as his best friend, highlighting the yin and yang dynamic that made their collaboration so successful. Their on-screen personas mirrored their off-screen relationship, with Chong’s passive nature complementing Cheech’s assertive temperament.

As ‘Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie’ continues to resonate with audiences, the enduring legacy of the iconic duo lives on. Despite the financial setbacks early in their careers, Cheech and Chong’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding the intricacies of the entertainment industry. Their journey from struggling comedians to cultural icons is a testament to perseverance, friendship, and the enduring power of laughter.

In conclusion, the revelations in the documentary shed light on the challenges faced by Cheech and Chong in navigating the complexities of show business. Their experience serves as a valuable lesson for budding entertainers, underscoring the significance of advocating for fair compensation and understanding the intricacies of contractual agreements. Despite their financial setbacks, Cheech and Chong’s enduring camaraderie and comedic brilliance continue to inspire audiences worldwide, cementing their status as comedy legends.