Chumlee is an American television personality, businessman and actor, born September 8, 1982 in Henderson, Nevada USA. He is known for his appearance on the History Channel’s hit show “Pawn Stars”.
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Early life
Better known as Chumlee, Austin Lee Russell was born the first of three children to a middle-class family of Scottish descent. Although there is no information about his parents, it is known that his younger siblings are named Terra and Sage. His physical resemblance to the character of Chumley in the series “Tennessee Tuxedo”, earned him his nickname “Chumlee” in his childhood.
Due to his close friendship with Corey Harrison, as a youth Chumlee spent countless hours in his friend’s family business – The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop – and regularly learned about the antique and jewelry trade, even though it had just been pawned.
Career
Pawn shop
Already familiar with corporate work dynamics, Chumlee became an employee of The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas at the age of 21. Although his main occupation was testing and charging items, his knowledge of history and his passion for sneakers and video games led Chumlee to specialize in pop culture collectibles, valuing objects of shop in these categories.
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop was founded in 1989 by Richard Harrison and his son Rick. Although Harrison only had capital of $5,000 to fund his business, it quickly became a local success as more and more customers with valuables to pawn or sell visited the store. .
Pawn Stars – Television Debut
In 2008, producers Colby Gaines and Brent Montgomery traveled to Las Vegas and, struck by the aesthetics and eclecticism of local pawnshops, the two producers considered creating a show centered in one of those stores. , thinking it would be a success. Looking for an established family business that was ideal for their idea, they found The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.
For years, Rick Harrison had been trying to produce a series featuring his shop, so he enthusiastically accepted the proposal made by Gaines and Montgomery.
In 2009, “Pawn Stars” premiered on the History Channel starring Richard “Old Man” Harrison, his son Rick and his grandson Corey, breaking network ratings records at the time.
Although the show’s concept is appealing and the elements presented in it fascinate audiences interested in American history, the show was “lacking something” in Chumlee’s words. In an interview with PodKats in March 2020, Russell opened up about his debut on the show, also revealing what the missing factor of “Pawn Stars” was: “They (the producers) were doing a short episode, and we had about 12 employees. at the time.
They went through everyone saying, ‘Okay, who’s going to be our fourth member?’ I didn’t watch too much TV, but I decided to go watch TV, reality shows, and I kind of realized that what was missing was the fun part of the show , the scapegoat, that’s what I called him at the time. Someone they could make fun of and laugh with.” Chumlee’s idea of being a “Pawn Stars” comic relief factor proved successful, as his popularity grew rapidly and he became one of the show’s memorable stars.
Reception of the show
“Pawn Stars” has received many positive reviews over the years it has aired. In 2009, Christopher Long of Movie Metropolis generously reviewed the show, stating. “‘Pawn Stars’ is easily the best show on the History Channel, and possibly the best show on cable.”
“Pawn Stars” has become one of the most watched shows on American television, and it has also become a tourist attraction in Las Vegas, receiving an average of 3,000 visitors a day. The show is its network’s highest grossing, earning the History Channel an average of $3 million per episode. Due to its incredible success, The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop’s name was changed to The World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
With the main cast of “Pawn Stars”, the game show “Pawnography” premiered on the History Channel in 2014. Chumlee along with Rick and Corey Harrison acted as panelists on this show, in which participants competed for prizes for cash and to win historic prizes, valuables belonging to The World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
Over the years, Chumlee has made several guest appearances on other shows, such as Nickelodeon’s “Top Gear USA,” “American Restoration,” and “iCarly.”
candy shop
In 2017, Austin Lee Russell opened his own candy store named “Chumlee’s Candy”, located across from Harrisons’ Pawn Shop on Pawn Plaza. The company run by Chumlee and his brother Sage sells a variety of candies, including “Pawn Stars” themed candies. Its candy cigarettes are, however, its most famous product: “For nostalgic candies, in the summer, I can’t keep candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigarettes on the shelves. People come in and buy as many as they can hold in their hands. They want to buy a whole box, and we have boxes in the back. I can’t order enough.
Private life
Legal issues
Facing sexual assault charges, in March 2016, Chumlee’s home was brought up and xanax, marijuana, cocaine and crystal meth were found by police, along with numerous firearms, which led to his arrest. Although the sexual assault charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, he was eventually sentenced to three years probation after being convicted of possession of weapons and drugs.
In a press release issued by Chumlee, he expressed his gratitude for the fans’ support: “I appreciate everyone’s patience in allowing the investigation to take its course, and I have always believed that the truth will eventually come out. to burst.” It was gratifying to see that I wasn’t prejudiced by our fans, and it was gratifying over the past two months. (…). Thank you to everyone who supported me during this time.
romantic life
In 2013, Chumlee began dating Tanya Hyjazi, who was a restaurant chef in Las Vegas. Although the relationship ended in 2013 for unknown reasons, Chumlee quickly found himself attached to Instagram model Olivia Rademann, to whom he proposed in May 2018 after a two-year relationship: “We were friends for a year. or two before we meet again. a couple, and got together around the beginning of 2016.’ In August 2019, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Hawaii.
Interests
Along with owning at least 200 pairs of sneakers, Chumlee’s fortune has allowed him to pursue his other passion: vintage cars. His collection includes a 1964 Impala SS, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Mascerati GrandTurismo and many more.
Posted by ChumLee on Thursday September 1st, 2016
Net value
As of mid-2020, Austin Lee “Chumlee” Russell has an estimated net worth of $5 million, thanks to his work in “Pawn Stars”, earnings obtained from his own candy store, and appearances on several TV shows.
Physical appearance
Chumlee is a man of white ethnicity. Although it is assumed that he is of Mexican and Native American descent, he has not confirmed this information. At the start of “Pawn Stars”, he was visibly overweight, however, Chumlee has recently made some massive changes to his appearance. In 2018, he lost around 38 pounds before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery that year, weighing 230 pounds (104 kg) afterwards.
Interesting facts
Of all the members of “Pawn Stars”, Chumlee’s merchandise is a best seller. “Pawn Stars” aired for 17 seasons and continues to be a TV hit.
The key to the @CityOfLasVegas !! Now let’s see what kind of doors this opens! Does anyone want to buy it for me today at @GoldSilverPawn #chumlee #pionstars #gspawn pic.twitter.com/YRTW2bQywQ
— Austin Russell (@chumlee_) June 21, 2019
Richard Harrison, founder and co-owner of The World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, died on June 25, 2018, after battling Parkinson’s disease for years. In a 2018 interview with Norm!, Chumlee expressed his admiration for his late boss: “He meant the world to me. He was pretty much a grandfather to me and he didn’t have to be. He seemed grumpy, but he was always there to give advice and joke with me. He changed so many lives through his generosity. He was so kind if anyone needed help. He lent money. money to someone when his animal needed surgery.He supported battered women.
Chumlee also shared the best advice the “old man” gave him: “He told me to keep my head up and focus on the good things in front of me and the positive things. He said ‘Don’t worry about people’s opinions.’ It sounds pretty basic, but he had been married for over 50 years and I think he taught me how to be a good husband.”
