From Fan Favorite to Fired? The Dark Side of Chumlee’s Fame 😬

Chumlee, the lovable yet clumsy star of Pawn Stars, has become a household name through his antics and humorous misadventures at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

While he has garnered a massive fan following, behind the scenes, tensions have brewed, particularly between him and Rick Harrison.

Here are ten surprising things you might not know about Chumlee, including the reasons why he could have been fired from the show.

1.Rick Wants Him Fired

Despite Chumlee’s popularity, Rick Harrison has often expressed frustration with him.

Chumlee’s reckless behavior and lack of expertise have led to a strained relationship between the two.

While Chumlee’s friendship with Rick’s son, Corey, secured him a spot on the show, it’s clear that if he were working anywhere else, his antics would have likely gotten him fired by now.

Rick understands that Chumlee is a fan favorite, but the tension between them remains palpable.

2.Rule Breaker

Chumlee’s playful nature often leads to trouble.

On several occasions, he has been caught breaking valuable items while goofing around in the back room.

One infamous incident involved a bass guitar that he carelessly leaned against a shelf, resulting in its destruction.

Instead of admitting his mistake, Chumlee hid the broken pieces, which ultimately cost the shop $20,000 when the owner returned to claim the item.

Such repeated mishaps have put his job at risk.

3.Big Losses

Chumlee’s lack of experience in the pawn business has led to numerous financial blunders.

His eagerness to impress often results in him purchasing worthless items, costing the shop thousands of dollars.

One notable failure occurred when he was tasked with getting an autograph from Bob Dylan.

Instead of simply asking for a signature, he requested it be made out to him, rendering the album unsellable.

Rick was furious, and Chumlee’s blunders have continued to pile up over the years.

4.Childhood Nickname

Chumlee’s real name is Austin Lee Russell, but he earned his nickname at the age of 12 when a friend’s father jokingly compared him to the walrus character from the animated series Tennessee Tuxedo.

Rather than feeling insulted, Chumlee embraced the nickname, and it stuck with him throughout his life, becoming synonymous with his identity on the show.

5.Legal Troubles

Chumlee’s off-screen life has been marred by legal issues.

In a high-profile case, Las Vegas police raided his home as part of a sexual assault investigation and discovered marijuana, crystal meth, and an unlicensed firearm.

He was arrested but managed to avoid jail time by accepting a plea deal that included probation and counseling.

Despite these serious charges, the History Channel allowed him to keep his job, which raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.

6.King of Merchandise

Despite his perceived incompetence, Chumlee has demonstrated a surprising talent for business.

He was the first Pawn Stars cast member to brand himself, launching a successful merchandise line that includes novelty items and t-shirts featuring his likeness.

He sold half of his stake in the merchandise business to Rick for $155,000, allowing him to sell his products more efficiently at the pawn shop.

Chumlee’s merchandise quickly became a hit, drawing in customers and generating additional revenue for the store.

7.Candy Shop Owner

Chumlee ventured into entrepreneurship by opening Chumlee’s Candy across the street from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

This strategic location capitalized on the heavy tourist traffic in the area.

However, he faced challenges when trying to establish an online presence for his store.

A domain name squatter complicated matters, leading to a potential legal battle over website rights.

Despite these hurdles, Chumlee’s candy shop remains a popular attraction for fans visiting the area.

8.Aspiring DJ

In addition to his work on Pawn Stars and his candy shop, Chumlee once attempted to pursue a career as a DJ.

He even attended DJ school and prepared for public performances.

However, his passion for music quickly waned, especially after his legal troubles surfaced.

His outrageous demands for performances, including requests for Girl Scout cookies and escorts, further complicated his aspirations.

Ultimately, he canceled a major DJ appearance, signaling the end of that chapter in his life.

9.Shoe Collector

Chumlee has a well-known obsession with sneakers, particularly Air Jordans.

He has amassed an impressive collection of over 200 pairs, many of which are still in their original boxes.

His love for shoes showcases a different side of his personality, revealing that he has interests beyond his on-screen persona.

Although his sneaker addiction has calmed down in recent years, he still finds it hard to resist a great pair of kicks.

10.Weight Loss Journey

Chumlee’s health has been a significant focus for him, especially after the loss of his father to pancreatic cancer.

Inspired to change his lifestyle, he lost 75 pounds by exercising regularly and improving his diet.

However, maintaining this routine proved challenging, and he eventually regained some weight.

Chumlee’s journey reflects the struggles many face when trying to balance health and lifestyle, and he continues to work on finding a comfortable and sustainable routine.

Chumlee’s journey on Pawn Stars has been filled with ups and downs, from his comedic mishaps to serious legal troubles.

While he remains a beloved figure in the reality TV world, the challenges he faces, both personally and professionally, raise questions about his future on the show.

Despite the tensions with Rick Harrison and the risk of being fired, Chumlee’s unique charm and connection with fans keep him in the spotlight.

As the show continues, it will be interesting to see how Chumlee navigates the complexities of fame, friendship, and business.