Cheech Marin, whose real name is Richard Anthony Marin, is one of the most recognizable American actors. His Hollywood career spans over five decades, and during this time, he has worked in various film genres. But it’s not just cinema that makes his life rich and interesting. There’s also room in his life for art and love. Currently, the actor is happily married to the talented pianist named Natasha Rubin.
Childhood
Cheech was born on July 13, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. Richard Marin grew up in a family where his father was a policeman and his mother worked as a secretary. Due to his parents’ busy schedules, Richard often found himself alone and described himself as a typical street teenager in interviews. He had insecurities due to a cleft lip he was born with. Although he attended a Catholic school where he was considered a “problem” child, Marin found his calling in art, forming a rock band and performing puns in front of friends.
Youth
After school, he went to college, but the Vietnam War forced him to flee to Canada, where he hid, practiced pottery, and criticized the government, publicly refusing to serve in the army. That’s when his real creative career began. In Canada, he met Tommy Chong. Together, these young ambitious guys formed the comedy duo “Cheech and Chong”. Their humor was innovative and bold, attracting the attention of the youth. Soon they became stars, and their movies and comedy sketches became cult classics.
After the Cheech & Chong duo ceased to exist, Marin actively starred in films, did voiceovers, and worked on television. Cheech maintained his characteristic image of a cheerful Latino with a mustache, often using Spanish expressions in his roles.
Acting Career
In the 1980s and 1990s, Cheech Marin continued his acting career. From 1996, he became a part of the series “Nash Bridges”, where, together with Don Johnson, he investigated complex cases in San Francisco.
In Cheech’s film career, special attention is paid to his collaborations with Robert Rodriguez, including movies like “Spy Kids” and “Machete”. In the film “From Dusk Till Dawn”, Marin played a role that could have been performed by Erik Estrada, but thanks to his charisma, the actor remained in the project. In this movie, written by Quentin Tarantino, other stars like George Clooney, Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo, and Harvey Keitel also appeared. Marin continues to maintain friendly relations with these actors.
His unique acting style and charisma made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.
But cinema is not Cheech’s only passion. He is also known as an art collector. His collection of Mexican art is considered one of the largest in the world.
Family
As for his personal life, it was no less vibrant than his career. In 1975, Cheech married actress Darlene Morley, but their union was not his last. After nine years together, he married artist Patti Heid. He had two children, and he adopted another boy from an orphanage. In interviews, his ex-wives said that he prioritized his professional activities, which led to their divorces.
After two marriages, Cheech Marin finally found his soulmate in pianist Natasha Rubin. Cheech met her at a musical event in 2004. Five years later, they decided to start a family, and their wedding took place on the coast. Their relationship is now filled with harmony and understanding. Natasha not only supports him in all his endeavors but is also his muse.
In conclusion, Cheech Marin is not just an actor; he is a person who lives a full life, enjoying every moment. His talent, passion for art, and love for his family make him a true inspiration for many.
Five fun facts about Cheech Marin:
- His uncle gave him the nickname Cheech, comparing the young boy to the popular Spanish dish chicharron, made from fried pork skin.
- In his youth, Cheech dreamed of becoming a potter, inspired by books from his father’s library. He often talked about how he was annoyed by friends who called him “Mexican”.
- Despite his roots, Cheech did not fully master the Spanish language.
- In the animated hit “The Lion King”, he lent his voice to one of the hyenas – Banzai.
- Cheech participated in the creation of the album Follow the Leader by the famous band Korn.
