Tommy Chong of 'Cheech & Chong' series turns 78: Famous quotes by the comedian-actor

Thomas B Kin "Tommy" Chong, popularly known by his surname Chong, is a comedian, actor, director, musician and an activist. Chong is best known for his marijuana-themed "Cheech & Chong" comedy albums and films, made along with fellow comedian Cheech Martin.

Chong is also known for portraying the character of Leo in Fox's "That '70s Show." As the comedian celebrates his 78th birthday today, we bring to you some of his most popular quotes to celebrate the occasion:

"Religion is run by thought police. 'Obey. Listen. This is what you do. Don't ask questions. Go die for your country.' The spirituality says, 'Okay, you can die for your country, but know what you're doing while you're doing it.'"

"My incarceration was actually a positive thing from the beginning. I needed a gimmick to get my act going again, it gave me material."

"Cigarettes, I won't do cigarettes, nicotine will kill ya."

"When they put me in jail, that's when they turned me into an activist. Up until the time I went to jail, I was just a comedian."

"Everything that happens to me is very cosmic."

"I never did smoke that much pot; never was a big pothead."

"The smartest billionaires I know never finished high school. I got my degree and my doctorate on the street and an advanced degree in jail."

"Awakening your spiritual side is really what artists do. When you hit a groove, it's not you; it's the spirit world."

"The thing is about Cheech & Chong, we've brought more families together than Dr. Phil."

"Comedy is the ultimate truth. Jazz is hitting the notes that that no one else would hit, and comedy is saying words that no one else would say."

"To be in a situation where you have no rights whatsoever is something I wish everybody could experience. People's attitudes would change. It would be a better place."

Source: Brainy Quote