Cheech Marin has reminisced about his time working with the beloved Betty White on the spin-off series, “The Golden Palace.” The 78-year-old comedian shared his delightful memories with the late sitcom icon during the one season run of the show between 1992 and 1993 on CBS. Marin expressed his fondness for White, revealing that he was drawn to the project primarily because of the opportunity to collaborate with her.
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During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE while promoting the new documentary, “Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie,” Marin reflected on his time on the set of the early ’90s sitcom. He disclosed, “Well, I was offered the opportunity to be on this show, but I wanted to work on this show because I wanted to work with Betty White.” Marin’s admiration for White stemmed from his childhood memories, as he recalled, “Betty White was the very first person I ever saw on TV as a kid.”
The comedian further elaborated on his first encounter with Betty White, recounting, “I was a little kid, and she was the hostess of a dance party show called Al Jarvis’s Make Believe Ballroom. She was like 19 or something like that, and she was just the cutest thing I’d ever seen, so I wanted to work on [The Golden Palace] with her.” Marin emphasized the joy he experienced while working alongside White on the show, highlighting the strong bond they developed as good friends.
In addition to Betty White, Cheech Marin also shared the screen with future Oscar nominee Don Cheadle, who joined the cast of the spin-off series. The dynamic on set seemed vibrant as Marin recalled his time hanging out with Cheadle, stating, “Donny, we had a lot of time hanging out together.” The camaraderie among the cast members, which also included Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty, made the experience enjoyable for Marin.
Cheech Marin’s career has seen him collaborate with various talents, including Don Johnson on the CBS series “Nash Bridges” from 1996 to 2001. However, it is his enduring friendship and professional partnership with Tommy Chong that takes center stage in the documentary, “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie.” The film delves into the journey of the comedy duo, which began in 1971 and encompassed hit albums and movies.
Reflecting on the documentary, Tommy Chong expressed his appreciation for the extensive effort put into capturing their story, revealing, “It didn’t come together overnight.” The process spanned several years, involving painstaking efforts to compile footage and narratives that shaped their comedic legacy. Chong commended the director, David Bushell, and his daughter, Robbi Chong, for their collaborative efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
“Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” offers audiences a deeper insight into the iconic duo’s journey, with Chong highlighting that the film transcends a traditional documentary format, describing it as “a movie, and a respected movie.” The culmination of their experiences, humor, and creative endeavors is portrayed with depth and authenticity, resonating with fans and newcomers alike.
As “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie” hits theaters, it celebrates the enduring legacy of two comedic trailblazers whose impact on the entertainment industry remains indelible. The documentary serves as a tribute to the timeless partnership between Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, encapsulating their shared passion for comedy and camaraderie that has entertained audiences for decades.