For a prolific comedian Tommy Chong, his first appearance in Point Place, Wisconsin, feels like it was only yesterday. 16 years ago, Chong played Leo, an oblivious and sometimes shrewd stoner and photo hut owner, on a hit sitcom. It’s a 70’s showbut thanks to the upcoming series of reboots It’s a 90’s show, he will have the opportunity to pass it to the left again with his old buddies from the show. His return to the new Netflix series was announced back in May, and Variety got the opportunity to talk to him in their Just for Variety column about what it’s like to reprise a beloved role.
AT It’s a 70’s show Leo was the boss Danny MastersonStephen Hyde of Foto Shop, who acts as a sort of father figure to him thanks to his easy-going attitude and insight. His incredibly poor memory made him one of the city’s most enigmatic residents, until he eventually remembered that he was a World War II hero. However, he developed his hippie personality and love for marijuana on his way home from a trip with several musicians. Constantly confused and high, he was one of the show’s biggest sources of comedy whenever he was on screen.
“The minute Kitty knocked on the door and I opened the door and it was her, it could have been yesterday,” Chong told Variety. Kurtwood Smith as well as Debra Jo Rupp, who played the original Red and Kitty, both reprise their roles alongside Chong, and seeing them again brings him back to his days as Leo in the original series. Of course, they’re not the only ones returning to Point Place. Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, Wilmer Valderramaas well as Laura Prepon everyone is getting ready to return. However, Masterson will not be returning as he is currently facing a lengthy prison term following numerous credible assault charges.
After seeing so many of his former castmates being asked to return to the show, Chong began to wonder if he would ever get a call. “I heard that they were going to reboot it, but they never called me,” he said. “I thought, ‘What’s going on here?’ But then the bell rang, and we immediately started filming.” It would be hard to imagine returning to the world It’s a 70’s show really without it. Leo became more prominent on the show after Kutcher’s departure, taking the place of idiotic comic relief when needed. On a more comedic note, he also told Variety, “I like the paycheck.”
Chong is no longer as active as he was while touring with a comedy partner. Cheech Marinbut he was still occupied with the role from time to time. Up in the smoke star has recently appeared in Alien danger! With Raven Van Slenderalthough he also made several appearances in Nicolas Cage star color from space as well as Jay and Silent Bob reboot in 2019. FROM It’s a 90’s showhe will return to one of his finest roles and pass on his understanding to a new generation of Point Place kids, including Callie Haverda as Eric and Donna’s daughter, Leah Foreman.
No premiere date set at this time It’s a 90’s show. In the meantime, you can check out a selection of Leo’s highlights:
Source: Collider
