A Rising Star
Throughout the years the Las Vegas show has gained more and more popularity because of its hilarious cast members. Austin Lee Russell, better known as Chumlee, plays a big role in the show’s success. His comedic personality really shines through.
A Rising Star
Childhood Friends
Early on in life, Chumlee met and befriended Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, who would go on to become his cast mate on Pawn Stars. Corey’s dad, Rick Harrison was the one who opened up the Gold Silver Pawn Shop way back in 1989.
Childhood Friends
Not Academically Inclined
Chumlee was born in Nevada and things weren’t easy for him during his younger years. He wasn’t an academic in high school and he used to pay other students to do his homework. He eventually decided to drop out of school altogether.
Not Academically Inclined
The Story Behind His Name
We all affectionately know Austin Lee Russell as Chumlee, but we’re sure that you’ve wondered about where this nickname actually came from. We know we’ve been wondering! Although most people’s nicknames come from something positive, the same unfortunately can’t be said for Chumlee…
The Story Behind His Name
The Root Of His Nickname
Other than having difficulties with his schoolwork, he had other issues that made his student life unpleasant. Chumlee may sound like a cute nickname but it was quite insulting. It came from the stout walrus from the cartoon Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales.
The Root Of His Nickname
Friends For Life
Even though he struggled academically and other kids would make fun of his appearance he had a good friend that he could always rely on. Corey, or as we all like to call him “Big Hoss”, was his only friend in high school. At least these two stuck together.
Friends For Life
A Beneficial Friendship
Chumlee and Corey used to hang out at Corey’s father’s shop often. Rick Harrison, along with Corey’s grandfather, owned Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and that’s where he learned the tricks of the trade. When he was 21 years old, Chumlee started working there full time.
A Beneficial Friendship
He Almost Wasn’t Cast
When Pawn Stars was in its early developmental infancy, the original plan was only to feature the Harrison men: “Old Man” Richard, his son Rick, and Rick’s son Corey. Once the cast was expanded to people outside the family, Chumlee was one of 10 employees being considered for the cast.
He Almost Wasn’t Cast
The Tipping Point
Chumlee’s friendship with Corey was the tipping point when it came to casting the show. Corey helped convince the show’s producers that Chumlee was the right choice, and it turned out that he was absolutely right. We can’t imagine the show without him!
The Tipping Point
A Positive Attitude
When Chumlee was first considering taking on the role as a cast member on Pawn Stars, he went in with a very positive and upbeat attitude. He said: “I thought to myself, well, I’ve known these guys my whole life. We have good camaraderie, and I’m just going to be funny and joke with them like we would normally do.”
A Positive Attitude
From Zero To Hero
Working at a pawn shop wasn’t a glamorous job because it mostly entailed doing menial work. But after five years of working there, things began to change for him. He was now in front of the cameras and on the small screen.
From Zero To Hero
Comedic Role
With each season, the show gained more and more popularity and success. Chumlee had taken on the role of comedian, always making his co-stars laugh with his jokes. He also had his viewers in stitches too and they loved him for it.
Comedic Role
iChumlee
In an unexpected but much appreciated TV crossover, Chumlee and Big Hoss made a guest appearance as themselves on the Nickelodeon TV show iCarly, in an episode called “iLost My Head In Vegas.”
IChumlee
His Buying Choices
He would buy items according to his interests, for exmaple, anything to do with rap music and games. Some of these objects were fascinating and unique but they didn’t end up being good choices when it came to making profits.
His Buying Choices
His Preferred Items
The cast of Pawn Stars all bring something to the table, both for the show narratively and also professionally. Each one has a niche area that they are the experts are on for appraising. Chumlee’s specialties include sneakers, video games, and pinball machines.
His Preferred Items
A Costly Mistake
Now, as we’ve seen, Chumlee had a tendency to make a few mistakes here and there, but apparently this has been happening even before the show began. Once, he carelessly placed a client’s upright bass against a shelf and it fell over and smashed to pieces. That mistake cost nearly $20,000!
A Costly Mistake
Learning Through His Mistakes
He was always prone to making silly mistakes, even before the show even started. His co-stars liked to tease him about his mishaps. This just ensured that he was a fan-favorite among the viewers. This dynamic added humor to the show.
Learning Through His Mistakes
Love Despite The Mistakes
Despite his little mishaps here and there, Chumlee’s cast mates didn’t mind and enjoyed teasing him about these mistakes, which you can see for yourself on the show. This is probably one of the factors that led Chumlee to become such a fan-favorite.
Love Despite The Mistakes
He Feels Underestimated
Although Chumlee is often made fun of for lacking wits, he responded to this by saying that he thinks he is often underestimated. He points out that he has areas where his knowledge excels, for example with pinball machines, a point which he proves in season 2’s episode “Pinball Wizards.”
He Feels Underestimated
Growing Popularity
He received so much attention that when the team would make public appearances he would bring his own bodyguard. This was a sign that he had finally made it big and it was evident that he was really enjoying the fame.
Growing Popularity
Taking It All In
In the beginning, he loved the attention he was receiving. He even went as far as launching his own line of personalized merchandise together with his personal assistant. The rest of the cast members followed suit and launched their own line too.
Taking It All In
Exceeding Sales Over The Rest
Even though the other cast members all had their own line of personalized merchandise, sales of Chumlee’s line exceeded that of the rest. But he didn’t stop there, he even opened up a candy store of his own.
Exceeding Sales Over The Rest
Chumlee’s Candy Store On The Boulevard
Chumlee opened up the candy store in Las Vegas on the strip and appropriately named it Chumlee’s Candy Store On The Boulevard. Conveniently, the store is located directly across the street from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
Chumlee’s Candy Store On The Boulevard
His Reasoning
While most of his fans were supportive of the move, many people questioned whether it was a good idea to open up a candy shop while still being on the show. They felt that it wasn’t a good idea for his attention to be divided. Chumlee responded by saying: “Let’s face it, it’s been 13 seasons now. 460 episodes. It’s time to acknowledge the fact that Chumlee might be able to open up his own business by now.”
His Reasoning
His Other Personal Ventures
Chumlee pursued other business ventrues, including opening up his own store and also making personal appearances. In 2010, Chumlee decided to sell half his stake in the company to Rick Harrison so the shop could become more efficient.
His Other Personal Ventures
His Own Soda
In 2019, Chumlee joined forces with soda and candy company Rocket Fizz in order to produce his own soda! The Chumlee root beer is still available to purchase and even features his picture on it. If that’s not a dream come true, we don’t know what is.
His Own Soda
Keeping Things Private
He enjoyed being in the limelight, but he liked to keep his personal life private. He didn’t like to talk about how much he earns. However, it was made public that when he sold his shares in Gold & Silver, he received $155,000.
Keeping Things Private
What He Does In His Spare Time
While being a reality TV series star is quite the demanding job, everyone still needs to make time for their hobbies, and Chumlee is no exception. He enjoys playing the Pokemon Trading Card Game as well as skateboarding, video games, and sports.
What He Does In His Spare Time
What He Watches
So what does a reality TV show star watch when he has the time to watch TV himself? Chumlee is a big fan of shows Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and Boardwalk Empire.
What He Watches
What About Music?
Many times, the type of music you listen to can say a lot about your personality. However, that may not always be the case. Chumlee enjoys listening to punk music but also rap music. He proves that the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive!
What About Music?
A Good Business Mind
He used the money from the sale of his shares to invest it in his merchandise business. Even though he didn’t excel in school it seems he actually had good business sense. Which just proves that his bumbler reputation wasn’t at all accurate.
A Good Business Mind
Making Changes
Things were starting to look up for him as he was making good business decisions. He had also decided that it was time to start improving his life in other ways. Two weeks before Pawn Stars aired something happened that would change his life.
Making Changes
Healthier Life Choices
In 2009, his father passed away at the age of 54 from a terminal illness. After his tragic passing, Chumlee decided to exercise more and start leading a healthier lifestyle. He wasn’t very fit before but now he was motivated to make the change.
Healthier Life Choices
A Healthier Mind, Body, And Soul
In his quest to lead a healthier life he began exercising at the gym, eating healthy foods, and doing yoga. He has also begun meditation and is practicing mindfulness. So not only is the change external, but internal as well.
A Healthier Mind, Body, And Soul
Achieving His Goal
Chumlee had set a goal and was prepared to do whatever was necessary to achieve it. He would go to the gym six times a week, he cut out red meat from his diet, and was drinking fruit smoothies every morning.
Achieving His Goal
Incredible Transformation
After months of hard work and determination, he was able to reach his goal. His transformation was impressive. It just goes to show that if you put the time and effort you can achieve anything. Not only was he healthier physically but in every sense.
Incredible Transformation
A Healthier, Happier Person
The change was so dramatic that people couldn’t believe it. This decision to make healthier choices changed his life completely and that was reflected in his totally dramatic body transformation. So how much weight did he actually lose?
A Healthier, Happier Person
How Much He Actually Lost
Through a healthier lifestyle that included nutritious eating and exercise, Chumlee managed to lose 75 pounds over a 12 month period. So not only is he healthier, but he’s a much happier person. Chumlee’s lifestyle change is truly an inspiration for everyone and shows with enough dedication, anyone can make a change.
How Much He Actually Lost
An Unexpected Benefit
While choosing to live a healthier lifestyle by improving your fitness and eating habits, sometimes there are also unexpected changes that come along with a lifestyle change. Chumlee discovered that he was also able to ride a hovercraft he bought that he was once too heavy to ride!
An Unexpected Benefit
The Motivation
At his heaviest, Chumlee weighed over 300 pounds. He had struggled with his weight since we was very young. When his father passed away at age 54, the tragedy motivated him to make a positive change.
The Motivation
The Most Heartbreaking Fact
Although his father’s passing ultimately led Chumlee to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, there was one fact that could not be erased. Chumlee’s father passed away just two weeks before the premiere of Pawn Stars, meaning he never got to see his son’s huge success.
The Most Heartbreaking Fact
A New Life
Now that Chumlee changed his lifestyle and made health a part of his routine, he was able to focus on other aspects of his personal life. He soon began dating his long-term girlfriend Tanya Hyjazi, who works at the Mirage Casino as a chef at Stack Restaurant & Bar.
A New Life
Another Big Life Decision
The couple has announced that they’re engaged. Chumlee finally popped the question and she said yes. They had a private celebration at The Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki as well as an engagement party with friends and family back in the US.
Another Big Life Decision
Wedded Bliss
Chumlee has since been sharing heartwarming details about his relationship, opening up and saying: “We were friends for a year or two before we were ever a couple, and got together right around the beginning of 2016.” We all know that marrying your best friend is what everyone dreams of!
Wedded Bliss
The Gang
The couple was surrounded by friends and family to celebrate their engagement at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse in Las Vegas. Among them was his best friend Corey Harrison, and the man that got him started in the pawn business, Rick Harrison.
The Gang
Sweet Husband
It’s clear that his wife has been a positive influence in Chumlee’s life and that he loves her very much. Once when they were apart for a while, he posted on social media about her: “Missing my wife , it’s hard living apart, she is off preparing for our future going to school at USCB while I am in Las Vegas working and it’s the little things I miss like waking up next to her or have dinner together But knowing we get to spend the rest of our life’s together and have moments like this picture is enough to make me happy.”
Sweet Husband
Was It Too Good To Be True?
Everything seemed to be going so perfectly for Chumlee. He was finally at a place where he felt truly happy, he was healthier, and was about to get married to the love of his life. But something happened in 2016 that would change everything.
Was It Too Good To Be True?
Investigating An Allegation
Just when everything was going so well, an allegation of assault was made by one of the employees at the shop. There was an investigation and the charges were dropped because of insufficient evidence. But that’s when the downward spiral began.
Investigating An Allegation
Only The Beginning
The case ended well for him but unfortunately, this wasn’t the last time he would need a lawyer. His legal problems were only just beginning. It was as if that incident triggered a series of events and he was charged yet again.
Only The Beginning
A Police Raid
This time the police raided his home, which ended up in more problems for him. They didn’t find what they were looking for regarding the current case but they found something else incriminating. What they found in his possession could result in another charge.
A Police Raid
Illegal Substances
During the search, the police found illegal substances and a firearm in his home. Needless to say, the police were keeping an eye on the reality TV star after what they found in his possession. Those things were enough reasons for that.
Illegal Substances
That Wasn’t All
Because they were keeping an eye on him, the police conducted yet another raid at his home. This time they found even more incriminating items. They found more illegal substances and 11 firearms, of which only four were registered.
That Wasn’t All
Chumlee Arrested
Since police were onto him, it seemed as though Chumlee’s luck had run out and things would take a turn for the worse. Soon after, Chumlee was arrested for possession of illegal substances and unregistered firearms. So what happened next?
Chumlee Arrested
More Issues Followed
Unfortunately for Chumlee, his legal troubles didn’t end there, after a few months he also faced 20 other felony counts. Luckily, they couldn’t find enough substantial evidence so the charges were dropped.
More Issues Followed
His Saving Grace
While things were not looking so great for Chumlee overall, one thing did save him from getting into extremely serious trouble. The firearms that were found were not being used for illegal reasons. So now what?
His Saving Grace
Pleading Guilty
Although the court agreed that the firearms were not being used for illegal activity Chumlee did plead guilty to drug possession, attempted misdemeanor, and unlawful weapons possession. He didn’t get any jail time but was placed on probation for a year.
Pleading Guilty
Putting The Past Behind
Considering he behaves properly during this probation period, all that will remain on his record is the misdemeanor charge. Over and above his probation, he also has to go to counseling sessions. At least it’s better than serving time in jail.
Putting The Past Behind
Overcoming Challenges
It seems like Chumlee is trying to get his life back on track again. He went through a rough patch and is now ready to put it all behind him. Could this scandal be the end of his career and fame?
Overcoming Challenges
It’s Been A Tough Year
At the end of 2016, Chumlee did a follow-up interview and he opened up about how hard the past year had been for him. It’s important to remember that public figures are people too.
It’s Been A Tough Year
Love For The Fans
Chumlee decided to share his hardships with his fans and thanked them for their support through it all. He admitted that their support helped him get through the toughest of times and their uplifting and supportive messages helped him get through it all. He said he’s unsure whether he could have stood it all without their support.
Love To The Fans
Forever Grateful
He posted a photo on social media with a caption that explained how he wanted to give a shout-out to his amazing fans that go to see him at his candy store. He also thanked them for their love and support.
Forever Grateful
So What About The Show?
No one knew what would happen to Pawn Stars, whether it was going to be renewed or discontinued. Surely if the show was cancelled, Chumlee would feel incredibly guilty. Would the fans tolerate the show’s cancellation, or would they suggest Chumlee be booted off in order to save the show?
So What About The Show?
Business As Usual
Much to the fans’ relief, no lasting damage ensued and the Pawn Stars continued airing as usual and luckily Chumlee is still involved. Thankfully his probation period is almost over.
Business As Usual
Getting Back To Normal
During the whole ordeal, Chumlee decided to take a hiatus from the show and took the time to focus on himself. This was the best thing he could have done because he improved himself mentally and physically yet again.
Getting Back To Normal
A Hidden Talent
Chumlee spent some time learning how to be a proper DJ and has shared that he spent a signifiant amount of time practicing with turntables during his spare time at home. He also said that his dream gig would be DJing at the Hakkasan club in Las Vegas.
A Hidden Talent
The Show Reached A Milestone
Pawn Stars has been extremely successful and has celebrated its 500th episode. The success of the show could not have been possible without Chumlee and his lively personality. His humor, kindness, and warmth keeps the viewers coming back for more.
The Show Reached A Milestone
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Pawn Stars is undeniably one of the most successful shows on TV, and is definitely the History Channel’s breakout hit. This is thanks to the entire cast, but we can’t ignore the fact that Chumlee brought a certain X-factor that made the show unique and kept viewers coming back for more.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Spin-Offs Doing Well
The show was doing so well, the History Channel has brought out 9 spin-offs and they’re becoming very popular. Needless to say, Chumlee is doing very well for himself. Not only is he doing well financially, but he’s learned from his mistakes.
Spin-Offs Doing Well
A Chunk Of Change
Although the antique items along with being on the show has earned the cast of Pawn Stars a significant paycheck, nowadays they make a significant amount of money off of branded merchandise. They sell everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs to shot glasses.
A Chunk Of Change
Increased Foot Traffic
Before Pawn Stars was aired, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop would be very happy to see about 4000 customers per month. Obviously, since the show debuted the store’s foot traffic increased and they may see that same amount of people on a daily basis.
Increased Foot Traffic
The Richest Pawn Star
Although Chumlee my be the most popular of the cast of Pawn Stars, he is not quite the richest of the bunch. That title goes to Rick Harrison, who has a net worth that comes out to about $8 million.
The Richest Pawn Star
Chumlee’s Net Worth
Don’t start feeling bad for Chumlee for not being the richest of the Pawn Stars cast. He’s still doing just fine, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. He reportedly earns $25,000 every time an episode of Pawn Stars airs.
Chumlee’s Net Worth
Sweet Digs
It’s obvious that with success, fame, and fortune, a great house comes along with the package. Chumlee has done quite well and it’s safe to say that he has made a great deal of money off his TV shows. He decided to purchase this $1.5 million mansion, which is located in Las Vegas. Check out that pool!
Sweet Digs
Chumlee’s Rides
In addition to his lavish home, Chumlee is also the proud owner of a customized ’86 Buick Regal, which he has decked out with hydraulics. He owns several other cars, including a Maserati GranTurismo, Cadillac Escalade, a Rolls-Royce Phaton, a 1964 Impala SS, and also a Range Rover. Not too shabby!
Chumlee’s Rides
A Death Hoax
It’s hard to tell truth from fiction when it comes to hearing shocking news on the internet. In 2013, a death hoax that claimed Chumlee had passed away started to circulate the web, and it originated with a phony article posted by the Internet Chronicle.
A Death Hoax
A Step Further
The Internet Chronicle took it a step too far by also including false celebrity reactions to Chumlee’s “death.” These included fabricated quotes allegedly of Rick Harrison’s response. These were totally made up and quickly debunked.
A Step Further
Deja Vu
In 2016, yet another death hoax involving Chumlee made the rounds online. This time, a fake article claimed that he had passed away from a heart attack. Once again, fans were furious over the false claims.
Deja Vu
A Great Comeback
Although he may have strayed off the path of success for a little while, it seems like Chumlee has gotten himself together and is back to having a positive life. Hopefully, he keeps this up and stays out of trouble.
A Great Comeback
Stability Is Key
It’s important to note that Chumlee now has a stable life at home. He lives with his wife and their tiny adorable dog. It would appear that he is on the right track for staying out of trouble and keeping his head in the game. After all, as his fans, that’s all we want for him!
Stability Is Key
Better Than Ever
He’s back to his happy, lively self, and continues to strive to better himself every day. Despite his legal troubles, he’s still involved in Pawn Stars but is also involved in several new business ventures. Let’s see what he’s got in store for his fans!
Better Than Ever
