Tommy Chong Got Fined $20,000 And Was Forced To Miss Multiple Seasons Of That ’70s Show
Following season 4 of That '70s Show, Tommy Chong's Leo character seemed to have vanished, but there was more going on behind the scenes.
That ’70s Show was a big hit for eight seasons. The show also featured several unsung heroes, such as the late Lisa Robin Kelly, who played the role of Laurie, Eric’s sister. Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith were also vital to the young cast behind the scenes, especially given their experience compared to the rest of the actors.
Among the other supporting actors on the show, included the lovable Leo, aka Tommy Chong. In the following, we’re going to look back at his time on the show, and the memories he was able to create. We’re also going to reveal the reason Chong left the show for a few seasons.
In addition, we’ll reveal how he felt about his time on the spin-off That ’90s Show, thanks to his revealing interview with Movie Web.
Tommy Chong Returned For The That ’90s Show Spin-Off
Tommy Chong worried an offer wouldn’t come in for the That ’90s Show reboot. However, when the offer finally came in, it was straight to shooting and getting started on the project.
The actor revealed alongside Variety, “I heard they were going to reboot it, but I never got a call,” he says. “I was like, ‘What’s going on here?’ But then the call came, and we were shooting right away.”
The actor admitted that it was as if no time had passed when taking to the set alongside his peers. Speaking alongside Movie Web, Chong admitted to having fond memories during his time on That ’70s Show, especially as a teaching tool on a sitcom.
“Toward the end of That ’70s Show, it was like I was taking classes on the show. I started watching “trainers.” You know when the actors would do their bits instead of sitting in the dressing room? I’d come in and monitor the scene and see how the director taught. It was a teaching session.”
Although his memories of the show were positive, he did have a forgettable situation take place during his time on the series.
Tommy Chong Ran Into Problems In 2003, And It Caused Jail Time And A Temporary Departure From That ’70s Show
Following season 4, it seemed as Tommy Chong was written off That ’70s Show. Suddenly, Hyde was alone at the FotoHut, realizing that Leo had left him the store.
However, behind the scenes, things were a little more complicated. According to ScreenRant, the actor spent nine months in jail for selling bongs and pipes on the internet, a very Leo thing to do.
The sentence included a $20,000 fine. Thankfully for fans, the actor would return to the show during season 7, while also taking part in the final season as well.
These days, the 84 year-old-old is reprising his role in the sitcom. He also had high praise for the paycheck, according to his words with Variety.
Tommy Chong Had A Blast With His Character Leo On That ’90s Show
It was nothing but good times for Tommy Chong, stepping in front of the That ’90s Show cameras. According to the actor, playing the role once again was a positive experience.
“It was just a breath of fresh air for me [returning as Leo]. I really love that character. Mostly because it’s the character I created in Up in Smoke—it’s just a continuation of that guy. I loved his mindset,” Chong revealed with Movie Web.
Chong would also praise the writers for their work on the reboot.
“But really, it’s the writers. You have to give all the credit to the writers of the show. I’ve made a few attempts to write, you know, like, we did in Up in Smoke. And no, it doesn’t work that way. When you get on real television, you need writers. And the same writer is back in That ’90s Show. I have so much respect for writers.”
Chong finished off by praising the show’s message, which is a similar one to That ’70s Show. No matter what the decade, some of the norms seem to stay the same.
“I think what That ’90s Show has done is that it never stops. Kids are always kids. Parents are always going to be parents and grandparents are going to be grandparents. And it doesn’t matter whether we’re riding spaceships, or we’re riding jalopies. That’s the dynamic of it,” Chong concluded with Movie Web.
