Austin Chumlee Russell: The Heart Of Pawn Stars

So, How Much is Austin Chumlee Russell Worth?

Let’s talk about Austin Chumlee Russell, or as you might know him, Chumlee. This guy isn’t just a face on the hit reality show "Pawn Stars"—he’s a businessman with a net worth of $5 million. Now, Chumlee, whose real name is Austin Russell, is the lovable goofball of the show, often the butt of jokes, but let’s be honest—he’s also the heart of the series. As a pawnshop employee at the famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chumlee has carved out a unique niche. Sure, he might not be the best at haggling or playing hardball with customers, but his sweet nature and deep knowledge of toys and video games make him a fan favorite.

While his antics might make his bosses roll their eyes, they’ve also made him a star. Chumlee launched his own company to manage public appearances and sell novelty items, including his signature custom t-shirts. And guess what? It’s doing so well that he sold part of it to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop to handle distribution. That’s right—this guy is not just surviving, he’s thriving. So, next time you hear someone call him the "village idiot," just remember, Chumlee’s got the last laugh.

Chumlee’s Backstory: Where It All Began

Austin Chumlee Russell wasn’t always the star of "Pawn Stars." He was born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada. Now, here’s where things get interesting. At 12 years old, his dad gave him the nickname "Chumlee" because he thought his son resembled the walrus "Chumley" from the cartoon "Tennessee Tuxedo." That name stuck, and the rest is history.

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Chumlee grew up in a close-knit family with a brother named Sage and a sister named Terra. One of his childhood best friends was Corey Harrison, the son of Rick Harrison, one of the founders of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. That connection would later play a huge role in his life. The shop, which opened in 1989 just off the Las Vegas strip, became the backdrop for his rise to fame. But before he became a TV star, Chumlee was just a kid growing up in Henderson, with dreams and aspirations like any other teenager.

Pawn Stars: The Show That Changed Everything

Chumlee’s life changed forever when he started working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at the ripe old age of 21. The shop first gained attention when it was featured on Comedy Central’s "Insomniac with Dave Attell." After that episode aired, Rick Harrison pitched the idea of a full-fledged series to several networks. The History Channel eventually picked it up, and "Pawn Stars" premiered in 2009. By that time, Chumlee had already been working there for five years, so he was a seasoned pro.

On the show, Chumlee shines as the comic relief, often stumbling into hilarious situations. One of his most memorable moments was when he managed to talk a local Maserati dealership into selling him a $100,000 car for just $85,000. That’s right—he proved he’s not all fun and games when it comes to haggling. "Pawn Stars" quickly became the most popular show on The History Channel, and Chumlee became a breakout star.

Capitalizing on his newfound fame, Chumlee started his own company selling novelty items he designed. His merchandise sales even outpaced those of other "Pawn Stars" cast members, thanks to his massive fan base. He eventually sold half of his company to Rick Harrison so the pawn shop could manage distribution more efficiently. In 2017, he opened Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, a candy store across the street from the pawn shop, which his brother Sage runs. The show’s success has been nothing short of phenomenal, with 675 episodes across 21 seasons and a spinoff called "Pawn Stars Do America," where the cast travels across the country searching for collectibles.

The Bumps in the Road: Legal Challenges

Unfortunately, Chumlee hasn’t had it all smooth sailing. In March 2016, his home was raided during an investigation into sexual assault allegations. During the raid, police found crystal meth, marijuana, Xanax, and multiple firearms. Chumlee was arrested but released on bond the next day. On May 23, 2016, he was charged with 20 felony counts related to drugs and weapons. In the end, he pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge, unlawful possession of a firearm, and a gross misdemeanor for attempted drug possession. The court sentenced him to three years of probation and counseling.

Life Beyond the Pawn Shop: Chumlee’s Personal Side

When Chumlee isn’t in front of the camera, he’s all about his hobbies. He’s a huge fan of vintage pinball machines and has an impressive collection of over 200 pairs of shoes. He also loves sports, video games, skateboarding, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. His musical tastes lean toward punk rock and rap, and his favorite TV shows include "Boardwalk Empire," "Sons of Anarchy," and "Breaking Bad." Clearly, this guy knows how to have fun.

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On the car front, Chumlee owns a Maserati, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Range Rover, a Cadillac Escalade, and a 1964 Impala SS. But his true love might be his 1986 Buick Regal, which he customized with hydraulic lifts on the front and back. He’s also no stranger to health challenges. Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, Chumlee weighed 345 pounds. After the surgery, he worked out six days a week, improved his diet, and lost 110 pounds. His motivation? His dad’s untimely death from pancreatic cancer at 54.

In March 2020, Chumlee was rushed to Valley Hospital in Las Vegas with severe abdominal pain and trouble breathing. Thankfully, he tested negative for Covid-19. On the personal front, Chumlee married Olivia Russell in August 2019 after dating for several years. However, in 2020, fans noticed that all pictures of Olivia had been removed from Chumlee’s Instagram. It seems the distance between Las Vegas and her university in California took a toll, but Chumlee remains optimistic about their future.

Chumlee’s Paycheck: What He Earns Per Episode

For every episode of "Pawn Stars," Chumlee pockets a cool $25,000. Not bad for a guy who started as a pawnshop employee, right? His salary reflects just how valuable he is to the show’s success.

Chumlee’s Real Estate Adventures

In February 2019, Chumlee sold his Las Vegas home for $1.375 million. The property, located about five miles off the Las Vegas Strip, was a true entertainer’s dream. It included a 6,200-square-foot main house, a guesthouse, and a backyard with a rock-lined swimming pool. There was even a room called the "Chum Chum Room," complete with a stripper’s pole. Chumlee originally purchased the property in 2012 for $1.1 million, so it was definitely a profitable move for him.