Within the realm of reality television, few personalities have achieved the level of recognition and endearment as Chumlee, the amiable and comedic star of "Pawn Stars." Renowned for his affable on-screen presence and witty banter, Chumlee, born Austin Russell, has become a household name.
Beyond his fame, a subject of perennial curiosity among fans and enthusiasts is the financial prosperity that accompanies his role on the hit History Channel show. In this exploration, we delve into the intriguing facets of
Chumlee net worth, tracing his journey from the pawn shop counter to the heights of reality TV stardom.
Quick Info About Chumlee
Date of Birth | Sep 8, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Henderson |
Nationality | United States of America |
Gender | Male |
Early Life Of Chumlee
On September 8, 1982, Austin Chumlee Russell was born in Henderson, Nevada. At the age of twelve, he was given the nickname "Chumlee" as his father likened him to the walrus "Chumley" from the animated series "Tennessee Tuxedo" due to his big face and protruding chin.
Naturally, the moniker stuck. Chumlee has two siblings: Terra, her sister, and Sage, her brother. Corey Harrison, the grandson of Richard Harrison and son of Rick Harrison, was one of his closest boyhood pals. Situated a short distance from the Las Vegas strip, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop was established in 1989 by Richard and Rick Harrison.
Chumlee Career
At the age of 21, Chumlee started working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Before recording the first season of the reality television series Pawn Stars in July 2009, he worked there for five years. His responsibilities in the store include behind-the-counter labor like testing and loading merchandise as well as writing tickets for products that customers have bought.
His portrayal in the series is that of the comedic foil, often the target of other people's jokes due to his seeming incapacity and lack of intelligence, earning him the moniker "village idiot". In response, Chumlee has said that Corey underestimates him and cites his knowledge of pinball machines which he uses in the second-season episode "Pinball Wizards," much to Corey's astonishment as evidence of his skill.
As the series' standout cast member and popular favorite, Chumlee emerged. The popularity of the program led him to start his own business, which sold novelty things he designed and scheduled appearances. In 2010, he paid Rick Harrison $155,000 for half of his business so that the store could better manage orders for his goods. Because of his popularity, Chumlee has outsold other program stars in goods sales.
In the American TV series iCarly, Chumlee made an appearance as himself in the "iLost My Head in Vegas" episode with Rick and Corey Harrison. Chumlee's Candy, a confectionery, opened its doors on the Boulevard in May 2017, just across from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.
Chumlee Pawn Stars
At age 21, Chumlee started working at Gold and Silver. The first degree of recognition for the pawnshop came from an appearance on the Comedy Central program "Insomniac with Dave Attell." Rick Harrison pitched a full-fledged series to many networks and production firms after that episode aired, and eventually The History Channel acquired it.
After five years of employment, Austin made his "Pawn Stars" debut in 2009. These days, Chumlee is employed at the pawnshop counter and is well-known for his humorous transgressions. The program focuses on the activities of the 24-hour Gold & Silver Pawn Shop located in Las Vegas.
Austin's ability to negotiate was shown when he notably persuaded a nearby Maserati dealership to sell him a $100,000 vehicle for only $85,000. At the moment, "Pawn Stars" is The History Channel's most popular program. Chumlee rose to prominence in the cast and won over many fans on "Pawn Stars."
Chumlee began his own firm selling quirky goods that he invented. Because of his popularity with the show's viewers, Chumlee sells more products than other "Pawn Stars" stars. Chumlee sold half of his ownership in his firm to Rick Harrison so that the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop could sell his novelty products more effectively.
In 2017, Chumlee launched Chumlee's Candy on the Boulevard. It is situated across the street from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. His brother Sage Russell manages the day to day business of the candy shop.
"Pawn Stars" continues its apparently unlimited run on History Channel, which is up to 675 episodes over 21 seasons. A spinoff, "Pawn Stars Do America" began in 2022 in which the group headed on the road in quest of memorabilia in America's most fascinating locales.
Chumlee Net Worth
As of November 2023, Austin Chumlee Russell’s net worth is $5 Million. His creations of enterprises and his involvement on the American television series Pawn Stars are the sources of his income. Chumlee's candy store is quite successful, and he earns around $25,000. It's reasonable to assume that as time passes, his fortune will only rise.
Real Estate Of Chumlee
Chumlee sold his house in Las Vegas for $1.375 million in February 2019. The two-acre property, which is around five miles away from the Las Vegas Strip, has a 6,200-square-foot main house, a guesthouse, and an entertainer's backyard with a swimming pool surrounded by rocks. The "Chum Chum Room," replete with a stripper's pole, was also featured. In 2012, he bought the party home for $1.1 million.
Car Collection
Chumlee has managed to amass a sizable collection of automobiles throughout the years. In the short run, automobiles are horrible investments. Well, unless they are collectors, of course. Over time, vintage, uncommon, and fascinating automobiles gain value. Chumlee has already accumulated a vehicle collection valued at $1 million, and the collection's value will only rise.
Chumlee, also known as Austin Russell, has shared some of his hobbies and interests publicly. While his primary claim to fame is his role on "Pawn Stars," he has diverse interests beyond the pawn business. Some of his known hobbies and interests include:
- Shoe Collection -Chumlee is known for his passion for sneakers. He has an extensive collection of shoes and has occasionally shared glimpses of his favorites on social media.
- Graffiti Art -Chumlee has an interest in graffiti art and street art. He has expressed his appreciation for this form of artistic expression and has even collaborated with street artists.
- Classic Cars -Like many enthusiasts in Las Vegas, Chumlee has shown an interest in classic cars. On "Pawn Stars," he has been involved in transactions related to classic automobiles, showcasing his passion for vintage vehicles.
- Video Games:Chumlee is a gaming enthusiast and has been seen playing video games on various occasions. His interest in gaming aligns with the broader pop culture landscape.
- Basketball -Chumlee has shown an interest in basketball, and he has occasionally shared moments related to the sport on his social media accounts.
- Comic Books and Collectibles -Given the nature of his work at the pawn shop, Chumlee has interacted with a wide range of collectibles, including comic books. His interest in these items extends beyond the show.
- DJing -Chumlee has explored DJing and has been seen DJing at events. This hobby reflects his eclectic taste in music.
What Happened To Chumlee
Chumlee's residence was searched on March 9, 2016, as part of an inquiry into claims of sexual assault. Numerous guns, Xanax, crystal meth, and marijuana were discovered by the police. Chumlee came under arrest. Next day, he was freed on bail.
Chumlee was, nevertheless, charged with 20 felony counts of drug and firearm offenses on May 23, 2016. He entered a guilty plea to three years of probation and treatment in return for his plea to felonies related to weapons possession, unauthorized firearm possession, and gross misdemeanor drug possession.
Personal Life Of Chumlee
He's particularly interested in old-school pinball machines. Chumlee has more than 200 pairs of shoes in his closet and is an obsessive shoe collector. In addition, he likes skating, athletics, video games, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. He enjoys listening to rap and punk rock music. "Boardwalk Empire," "Sons of Anarchy," and "Breaking Bad" are his three favorite TV series.
Chumlee has a 1964 Impala SS, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Range Rover, and a Cadillac Escalade in addition to his Maserati. He modified his 1986 Buick Regal with hydraulic lifts for the front and rear, and he loves to drive it. Before having gastric sleeve surgery, Chumlee weighed 345 pounds; this procedure left him with a stomach that could only hold six ounces.
He changed his diet, eating more vegetables, drinking more juice, and giving up red meat. He also worked out six days a week. Chumlee shed 110 lbs. His father's 54-year-old pancreatic cancer death served as his inspiration to make a significant shift.
Chumlee was sent to Valley Hospital in Las Vegas in March 2020 with excruciating stomach discomfort and respiratory difficulties. Thankfully, his Covid-19 test result was negative. Chumlee and Olivia Russell are wed. Before dating, they were friends for a time. May 2018 saw the couple's formal engagement. August 2019 saw their marriage. Right now, nobody is certain of Olivia's whereabouts.
Fans discovered that Chumlee's Instagram account has been erased of any images of her in July 2020. Chumlee was living in Las Vegas and filming "Pawn Stars," and she was attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. He said on social media that while living apart was difficult, it will be worthwhile in the end.
Interesting Facts About Chumlee
- Chumlee's nickname is inspired by the cartoon character Chumley the Walrus from the animated series "Tennessee Tuxedo."
- Before becoming a reality TV star, Chumlee worked as a vault boy at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
- Chumlee's interest in sneakers extends to him owning an extensive collection, showcasing his passion for footwear.
- Despite his humorous on-screen persona, Chumlee has a genuine appreciation for graffiti and street art.
- Chumlee has expressed his love for classic cars, and he has been involved in transactions related to vintage automobiles on "Pawn Stars."
- He is known to be a basketball fan and has occasionally shared his enthusiasm for the sport on social media.
- Chumlee has a keen interest in video games and has been spotted playing games both on and off-screen.
- In addition to his role on "Pawn Stars," Chumlee has tried his hand at DJing and has showcased his skills at various events.
- Chumlee faced legal troubles in 2016, leading to his arrest on charges of drug and weapon possession during a police raid on his home.
- Beyond the pawn business, Chumlee has explored various business ventures, including merchandise and endorsem*nts.
- He has a fondness for comic books, aligning with the diverse range of collectibles often featured on "Pawn Stars."
- Chumlee has been part of several spin-offs and related shows, contributing to his widespread recognition in the reality TV landscape.
- Despite his laid-back demeanor, Chumlee has faced setbacks and challenges, showcasing his resilience in the public eye.
- Chumlee is an active presence on social media, where he shares insights into his personal life and interests with his followers.
- In addition to his TV fame, Chumlee has made cameo appearances in various films and television programs, broadening his entertainment footprint.
Chumlee Net Worth - FAQs
How Does Austin Chumlee Russell Spend His Money?
Without a doubt, Austin Chumlee Russell has established himself in the television business. Russell has always had a particular interest in old pinball machines and shoes. He is most known for his role in the television series Pawn Stars.
How Did Chumlee Get His Nickname?
His nickname, "Chumlee," was inspired by the cartoon character Chumley the Walrus from the animated series "Tennessee Tuxedo."
What Is Chumlee's Role On "Pawn Stars"?
Chumlee is one of the main cast members on the reality TV show "Pawn Stars," which follows the daily operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.
Conclusion
Chumlee's journey from a pawn shop employee to a television personality with a significant net worth is a testament to the impact of reality TV fame. While he faced challenges along the way, his resilience and ability to bounce back have kept him in the public eye.
As fans continue to tune in to "Pawn Stars" and follow Chumlee's endeavors, his net worth remains a topic of interest, showcasing the financial rewards that can come with being a beloved figure in the world of reality television.
His net worth, estimated to be in the millions, attests to the financial rewards that come with being a recognizable face on television. Chumlee has explored various business ventures, making cameo appearances in films and television programs, and engaging with fans through social media.