Austin Lee Russell, known as “Chumlee,” is a 43-year-old American reality TV personality born September 8, 1982. He has a net worth of $5 million earned primarily through his role on History Channel’s Pawn Stars since 2009. The Henderson, Nevada native works at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and has expanded into multiple business ventures including his own candy store.
Who Is Chumlee? The Man Behind the Nickname
Austin Lee Russell, better known by his stage name Chumlee, is an American businessman and reality television personality, best known for his appearances on the History Channel television show Pawn Stars. Born in Henderson, Nevada, this larger-than-life personality has captured audiences’ hearts with his unique blend of humor and unexpected expertise.
The story of how Austin became “Chumlee” adds another layer to his charm. When he was 12 years old, the father of one of his friends remarked that he resembled Chumley, the walrus sidekick from the animated TV series ‘Tennessee Tuxedo’, because of his large face and chin. The nickname stuck, following him from childhood into television stardom.
His connection to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop runs deeper than mere employment. Russell grew up alongside Corey Harrison, son of shop owner Rick Harrison. Their childhood friendship opened doors that would eventually lead to television fame. This authentic relationship translates into genuine chemistry on screen, contributing to the show’s massive success.
Chumlee’s Journey to Pawn Stars Fame
Before cameras rolled in 2009, Russell worked behind the scenes at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop for five years. His responsibilities included testing items, loading trucks, and writing sales tickets. These unglamorous tasks built the foundation for his later success, giving him real knowledge about the pawn business.
When History Channel producers arrived to film Pawn Stars, they discovered something special in Russell. His natural comedic timing and everyman appeal contrasted perfectly with the more serious personalities of Rick and Richard “Old Man” Harrison. Producers recognized that Russell brought balance to the cast dynamic.
The show’s format showcases daily operations at the Las Vegas pawn shop, with Russell often serving as comic relief while demonstrating surprising knowledge about specific collectibles. His specialties include pinball machines, sneakers, and video games. This expertise frequently catches customers and viewers off guard, creating memorable television moments.
Russell’s popularity grew exponentially as Pawn Stars became History Channel’s highest-rated show. His catchphrases and mannerisms spawned countless memes and social media posts. Fans connected with his relatable personality, seeing him as someone they might know in real life rather than a polished television personality.
Breaking Down Chumlee’s Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Chumlee’s net worth stands at $5 million. This wealth comes from multiple revenue streams that extend far beyond his television salary. Understanding how Russell built this fortune reveals smart business decisions alongside entertainment success.
His Pawn Stars salary forms the foundation of his wealth. Cast members earn substantial per-episode fees, with Russell reportedly earning around $25,000 per episode during the show’s peak. With over 600 episodes filmed, this income alone represents millions in earnings.
Merchandise sales contribute significantly to Russell’s bottom line. His merchandise sales are higher than other Pawn Stars cast members. Products bearing his image and catchphrases sell consistently through the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and online retailers. These items range from t-shirts and bobbleheads to more unique collectibles targeting dedicated fans.
Personal appearances add another lucrative income stream. Russell commands five-figure fees for meet-and-greets, convention appearances, and corporate events. His recognizable face and friendly demeanor make him a popular choice for businesses seeking celebrity endorsements or event draws.
Business Ventures Beyond the Pawn Shop
Russell demonstrated entrepreneurial instincts by launching Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, located near the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. This venture capitalized on his sweet tooth reputation from the show while creating a family-friendly destination for tourists visiting Las Vegas.
The candy shop offers traditional sweets alongside unique items you won’t find elsewhere. Russell personally curates the selection, bringing in specialty candies from around the world. This hands-on approach ensures authenticity that resonates with customers seeking genuine experiences rather than generic tourist traps.
His business model extends beyond simple retail sales. The store features Chumlee-branded merchandise and exclusive items unavailable anywhere else. Photo opportunities with life-sized cutouts and themed decorations turn shopping into an experience worth sharing on social media.
Russell also invested in other ventures outside public view. Real estate holdings in Nevada provide passive income while building long-term wealth. These investments show financial sophistication beyond his television persona, demonstrating careful planning for life after reality TV.
The 2016 Legal Troubles: What Really Happened
On March 9, 2016, Chumlee’s home was raided during the course of an investigation into sexual assault allegations. During searches of his residence, police found crystal meth, marijuana, Xanax, and multiple firearms. This incident marked the darkest period in Russell’s public life.
The raid stemmed from allegations made by a woman, though Russell was never charged with any sexual assault crimes. The police found various drugs and guns in his home. Chumlee was booked for possessing drugs and weapons rather than on any sex crime charges. The distinction matters, as the original allegations that prompted the search never resulted in charges.
On May 23, 2016, he appeared in a Las Vegas court and agreed to plead guilty to two reduced charges: one felony weapons charge and one misdemeanor for attempted drug possession. This plea deal helped Russell avoid potential prison time that could have derailed his career permanently.
The resolution included specific requirements Russell had to meet. The deal spared him jail time, imposing three years of probation, counselling, and the forfeiture of the seized drugs and weapons. He completed all requirements successfully, putting the legal issues behind him.
Life After Legal Issues: Chumlee’s Comeback Story
Despite his legal troubles, Russell’s spot on Pawn Stars was not affected. The History Channel stood by their star, recognizing that his personal struggles didn’t define his value to the show. This support proved crucial for Russell’s recovery and return to normalcy.
Russell used the experience as a wake-up call for personal transformation. He committed to counseling seriously, addressing underlying issues that contributed to his legal problems. This work helped him develop healthier coping mechanisms and lifestyle choices.
His weight loss journey became another positive outcome from this difficult period. Russell lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, shocking fans with his dramatic transformation. The physical changes reflected deeper internal work on self-improvement.
Public reaction shifted from initial disappointment to support as Russell demonstrated genuine change. Fans appreciated his accountability and effort to become a better version of himself. This redemption arc added depth to his public persona beyond the comedic character viewers knew from television.
Current Projects and Recent Developments in 2025
In 2022 Chumlee alongside Corey and Rick starred in a spinoff of Pawn Stars, Pawn Stars Do America where the trio travel across the United States buying items from fans. This expansion of the franchise gave Russell opportunities to connect with audiences nationwide while showcasing different aspects of his personality.
In 2025 he alongside Rick, started the Pawn Stars After Dark Podcast where they discuss behind-the-scenes stories from the Pawn Shop, along with Pawn Stars castmates, and various guests. The podcast format allows deeper conversations about topics the television show can’t explore, giving fans unprecedented access to their favorite personalities.
Russell continues operating his candy shop while exploring new business opportunities. Recent ventures include potential expansions of his candy brand and discussions about franchising opportunities. These plans show continued ambition despite already achieving financial security.
Social media engagement remains strong, with Russell maintaining active profiles across platforms. He shares behind-the-scenes content, personal updates, and interacts directly with fans. This digital presence helps maintain relevance between television seasons.
Personal Life: Hobbies, Interests, and Relationships
Chumlee enjoys collecting shoes, owning more than 200 pairs. He also enjoys sports, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, video games, and skateboarding. These diverse interests paint a picture of someone who remains young at heart despite approaching middle age.
He is a fan of both punk rock and rap music. This musical taste reflects his Las Vegas upbringing and connection to various subcultures. Russell often attends concerts and festivals, supporting both mainstream and underground artists.
His marriage to Olivia Rademann in 2019 marked a personal milestone. The couple dated for several years before tying the knot in Hawaii. Their relationship provides stability and support as Russell navigates fame and business ventures. Though they maintain privacy about their personal life, occasional social media posts show a happy partnership.
He is a fan of the TV series Boardwalk Empire and other prestige television shows. This interest in quality programming shows sophistication beyond his comedic television persona. Russell often discusses television and film on his podcast, revealing thoughtful analysis of storytelling and production.
Chumlee’s Impact on Pawn Stars and Reality TV
Russell’s contribution to Pawn Stars extends beyond simple comic relief. His presence humanizes the pawn shop experience, making it accessible to viewers who might otherwise find the subject dry. This relatability helped Pawn Stars become History Channel’s most successful series.
The character dynamics between Russell and other cast members create natural storylines without forced drama. His friendship with Corey provides brotherly banter, while interactions with Rick showcase mentorship moments. These authentic relationships distinguish Pawn Stars from heavily scripted reality shows.
Russell’s expertise in specific collecting areas adds educational value to entertainment. When he discusses video games, sneakers, or pop culture memorabilia, viewers learn alongside the entertainment. This blend of education and humor became a template for subsequent History Channel programming.
His influence extends to merchandising strategies for reality shows. The success of Chumlee-branded products demonstrated that supporting cast members could generate significant revenue. This model influenced how production companies approach merchandising for ensemble reality shows.
The Business Side: Lessons from Chumlee’s Success
Russell’s journey offers valuable lessons about building wealth through entertainment. His diversification beyond television salary shows understanding that fame has an expiration date. By establishing multiple income streams early, he secured financial stability regardless of Pawn Stars’ future.
The candy shop demonstrates smart brand extension. Rather than opening an unrelated business, Russell chose something aligned with his television persona. This authenticity resonates with customers who want genuine connections to their favorite personalities.
His merchandise success stems from understanding his audience. Products feature humor and references that resonate with fans rather than generic celebrity branding. This attention to what customers actually want drives consistent sales years after initial fame.
Recovery from legal troubles shows the importance of accountability in maintaining a public career. By accepting responsibility and demonstrating change, Russell maintained fan support through difficult times. This approach contrasts with celebrities who blame others or refuse to acknowledge problems.
What’s Next for Chumlee?
Looking ahead, Russell appears positioned for continued success across multiple ventures. The podcast platform offers opportunities for expanded content creation without television’s production demands. This medium allows more creative control while maintaining connection with audiences.
Business expansion possibilities include his candy brand potentially growing beyond Las Vegas. Franchising or online sales could multiply revenue while spreading the Chumlee brand nationwide. These opportunities depend on maintaining quality while scaling operations.
Television opportunities remain strong with Pawn Stars showing no signs of ending. New formats and spinoffs provide fresh contexts for Russell’s personality. His proven ability to connect with audiences makes him valuable for future programming.
Personal growth continues as Russell approaches his mid-forties. His transformation from troubled celebrity to stable businessman provides a positive example for others facing similar challenges. This evolution adds depth to his public persona beyond entertainment value.
FAQs
How old is Chumlee from Pawn Stars?
Chumlee is 43 years old. Born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada, he was 27 when Pawn Stars premiered in 2009.
What is Chumlee’s real name?
His legal name is Austin Lee Russell. The nickname “Chumlee” came from a childhood comparison to a cartoon walrus character.
Did Chumlee go to jail?
No, Russell avoided jail time by accepting a plea deal in 2016. He completed three years of probation and counseling requirements successfully.
Is Chumlee still on Pawn Stars?
Yes, Russell remains a main cast member on Pawn Stars and participates in spinoffs like Pawn Stars Do America and the new podcast.
How much does Chumlee make per episode?
While exact current figures aren’t public, reports suggest Russell earned approximately $25,000 per episode during the show’s peak years.
