From Pawn Shop to Power Player: How Chumlee Became the Wealthiest Star of Pawn Stars!

Pawn Stars is a show built on the buying and selling of unique items, featuring an eccentric cast that has drawn fans from all over the world.

Among the hard-nosed dealmakers and quirky characters, one figure stands out: Chumlee.

You might be surprised to learn that this bumbling fan favorite is actually the richest of them all.

How did he do it? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Chumlee, born Austin Lee Russell on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada.

 

 

Growing up in Las Vegas, Chumlee was surrounded by the vibrant entertainment industry.

His father worked as a DJ, and his mother was involved in the casino business.

This unique upbringing played a significant role in shaping his passion for collecting and selling.

From a young age, Chumlee honed his bartering skills, paving the way for his eventual career in the pawn industry.

Chumlee’s journey in the pawn business began long before the cameras arrived.

His childhood friendship with Corey Harrison, the son of Gold and Silver Pawn Shop owner Rick Harrison, was the catalyst for his future success.

The iconic Las Vegas pawn shop, founded in 1989 by Rick and his father Richard “Old Man” Harrison, became a playground for both boys.

As teenagers, Chumlee and Corey worked at the shop, gaining invaluable experience in the industry.

For five years, Chumlee learned the ropes of the pawn business, starting with less glamorous tasks behind the counter.

His natural ability to connect with customers did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before he graduated to making deals face-to-face with patrons.

When the idea for a reality TV show centered around the pawn shop emerged, Chumlee was determined to secure his place in it.

He leaned into his lifelong friendship with Corey, using their natural camaraderie and playful banter as his secret weapons.

When Pawn Stars premiered on the History Channel in 2009, it changed Chumlee’s life forever.

The show introduced him to a wider audience, and his easygoing personality quickly became a hit with viewers.

 

 

Despite often being the target of playful jabs from his co-stars, who labeled him the “Village Idiot,” Chumlee remained unfazed.

He knew he was underestimated and used this to his advantage.

One pivotal moment came during the “Pinball Wizards” episode, where Chumlee showcased his surprising expertise in pinball machines, much to Corey’s amusement.

This display of knowledge was not a one-off; he later tackled a gas-powered toy car repair and identified a counterfeit pair of Air Jordan sneakers, proving his skills went beyond just humor.

The success of Pawn Stars opened doors for Chumlee’s entrepreneurial spirit.

He started his own company designing and selling novelty items, including t-shirts, and arranged personal appearances to connect with fans.

In 2010, Rick Harrison recognized the potential in Chumlee’s merchandise business and bought half of it for $155,000, allowing the pawn shop to handle the surge in orders efficiently.

Chumlee’s journey continued to flourish as he embraced his onscreen persona.

In 2011, his contributions to Pawn Stars earned him a BMI TV Music Award, marking an early achievement in his career.

He even received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination, further solidifying his status within television.

However, amidst the success, Chumlee faced profound personal loss.

Just two weeks before Pawn Stars premiered, his father passed away after battling pancreatic cancer.

Among his father’s possessions, Chumlee treasured handmade items crafted by his father, which served as constant reminders of their bond.

Motivated by this loss and inspired by Corey’s dramatic weight loss, Chumlee embarked on a health journey, shedding over 100 pounds through exercise and a stringent diet.

Despite his initial success, maintaining drastic lifestyle changes proved challenging.

 

 

By 2016, Chumlee had regained 50 pounds, and his weight fluctuated, peaking at 350 pounds in early 2019.

Determined to make a lasting change, he opted for gastric sleeve surgery in October 2021, which helped stabilize his weight around 190 pounds.

Chumlee’s fame extended beyond the walls of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.

He appeared as himself in shows like iCarly and even tried his hand at baking with his own series.

He showcased his love for cars in Counting Cars and landed a small role in the 2017 film The Polka King alongside Jack Black.

In March 2016, however, Chumlee’s world came crashing down when a sexual assault allegation triggered a police raid on his Las Vegas home.

Authorities discovered troubling evidence, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and an arsenal of weapons.

Chumlee faced 19 drug charges and one weapons charge, severely damaging his reputation.

After posting $62,000 bail, he struck a plea deal, pleading guilty to the felony weapons charge in exchange for probation, while the remaining charges were reduced to misdemeanors.

Despite the scandal, Chumlee showed resilience by navigating the legal system and minimizing the long-term consequences of his actions.

While this period left a scar, it did not mark the end of his journey.

Chumlee actively supports charitable causes, playing a significant role in raising funds for autism research at the annual Anti-Up for Autism event in 2014.

In a surprising move, Chumlee ventured into the candy business, opening Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard in May 2017, directly across from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.

Co-owned with his brother Sage, the candy store offered a sweet treat for fans and tourists alike.

However, the journey to success wasn’t without its hiccups; when launching his online store, he faced a roadblock with domain names being taken by a cyber squatter.

 

 

Chumlee’s diverse interests extend beyond the pawn shop and candy business.

He is a passionate collector of trading cards, particularly Pokémon and sports cards, and even launched an Instagram account to document his collection.

His love for gaming also led him to create an independent project, “Chumley’s Adventure: The Quest for Pinky,” a cartridge-based game designed for the Nintendo Entertainment System, funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Additionally, Chumlee explored his creative side as a budding photographer, showcasing his work on a dedicated website.

His portfolio includes stunning shots of abandoned structures and the vibrant Las Vegas skyline, with some pieces selling out completely.

Chumlee’s personal life took a significant turn when he met Olivia Rodan, a photography student, in 2013.

Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, culminating in a proposal in Hawaii in 2018.

They married in a private ceremony in 2019, seemingly aligning their entrepreneurial spirits.

However, by 2020, changes were evident in their relationship.

The couple stopped posting romantic snapshots on social media, and although they did not unfollow each other, they deleted photos together, hinting at possible troubles.

Chumlee’s struggles with weight and his past legal issues also cast shadows over their marriage.

By 2023, while they still followed each other on social platforms, there were no signs of reconciliation, and Olivia was spotted posting images with other notable figures, suggesting new beginnings.

Chumlee’s success story extends beyond pawn shops and candy.

 

 

In 2019, he showcased his real estate savvy by selling his extravagant Las Vegas home for $1.375 million, reflecting his knack for profitable investments.

With an impressive net worth of around $5 million, Chumlee has proven that his rise to wealth is not merely due to his role on Pawn Stars but also his diverse business ventures.

His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.

Unlike many celebrities, Chumlee’s wealth was not inherited; he rose from humble beginnings as a pawn shop worker to a multifaceted media personality and successful entrepreneur.

His story proves that with ambition and determination, anyone can achieve their financial goals while embracing a little fun and whimsy along the way.