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{{short description|American television personality}}
{{short description|American television personality (born 1982)}}
{{About| the reality television personality|other subjects named "Chumley"|Chumley (disambiguation){{!}}Chumley| the
{{About|the reality television personality|subjects with similar names|Chumley (disambiguation){{!}}Chumley}}
American entrepreneur|Austin Russell (entrepreneur)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
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|caption = Chumlee in 2012
|caption = Chumlee in 2012
|birth_name = Austin Lee Russell
|birth_name = Austin Lee Russell
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|09|08|mf=y}}<ref>Chareunsy, Don (September 10, 2012). [http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/10/photos-pawn-stars-star-chumlee-celebrates-his-30th/ "Photos: ‘Pawn Stars’ star Chumlee celebrates his 30th birthday at LAX"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419014711/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/10/photos-pawn-stars-star-chumlee-celebrates-his-30th/ |date=April 19, 2014 }}. ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]''.</ref>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|09|08|mf=y}}<ref>Chareunsy, Don (September 10, 2012). [http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/10/photos-pawn-stars-star-chumlee-celebrates-his-30th/ "Photos: 'Pawn Stars' star Chumlee celebrates his 30th birthday at LAX"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419014711/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/10/photos-pawn-stars-star-chumlee-celebrates-his-30th/ |date=April 19, 2014 }}. ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]''.</ref>
|birth_place = [[Henderson, Nevada]], U.S.
|birth_place = [[Henderson, Nevada]], U.S.
|other_names =
|other_names =
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|website =
|website =
}}
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'''Austin Lee Russell''' (born September 8, 1982),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3796385/|title=Austin 'Chumlee' Russell|website=IMDb|access-date=August 18, 2016}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Chumlee''', is an American businessman and reality television personality, best known for his appearances on the [[History (U.S. TV channel)|History Channel]] television show ''[[Pawn Stars]]'', which depicts day-to-day business at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in [[Las Vegas]] where he works.<ref name=MeetChumlee>{{cite web|title=Chumlee Russell|url=http://www.history.com/shows/pawn-stars/cast/chumlee-russell|publisher=The History Channel|access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref><ref name=VegasSeven>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Cindi |url=http://vegasseven.com/feature/2011/january/27/austin-russell |title=Austin Russell |publisher=Vegas Seven |date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412013947/http://vegasseven.com/feature/2011/january/27/austin-russell |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chumlee went to work at the pawn shop five years before filming the first season,<ref name=BoomBust>{{cite episode|title=Boom or Bust|series=[[Pawn Stars]]|season=1|number=1|network=History|airdate=July 19, 2009}}</ref><ref name=PlaneCrazy>{{cite episode|title=Plane Crazy|series=Pawn Stars|season=1|number=12|network=History|airdate=September 13, 2009}}</ref> having been a childhood friend of [[Corey Harrison]]<ref name=MeetChumlee/> whose father and grandfather founded the shop.<ref name=LasVegasWeekly>{{cite news|last=Katsilometes|first=John|title=Pawn shop boys|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/apr/08/pawn-shop-boys/|access-date=May 22, 2013|newspaper=Las Vegas Weekly|date=April 8, 2010}}</ref>
'''Austin Lee Russell''' (born September 8, 1982), better known by his stage name '''Chumlee''', is an American businessman and reality television personality, best known for his appearances on the [[History (American TV network)|History Channel]] television show ''[[Pawn Stars]]'', which depicts day-to-day business at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in [[Las Vegas]] where he works.<ref name=MeetChumlee>{{cite web|title=Chumlee Russell|url=http://www.history.com/shows/pawn-stars/cast/chumlee-russell|publisher=The History Channel|access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref><ref name=VegasSeven>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Cindi |url=http://vegasseven.com/feature/2011/january/27/austin-russell |title=Austin Russell |publisher=Vegas Seven |date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412013947/http://vegasseven.com/feature/2011/january/27/austin-russell |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chumlee went to work at the pawn shop five years before filming the first season,<ref name=BoomBust>{{cite episode|title=Boom or Bust|series=[[Pawn Stars]]|season=1|number=1|network=History|airdate=July 19, 2009}}</ref><ref name=PlaneCrazy>{{cite episode|title=Plane Crazy|series=Pawn Stars|season=1|number=12|network=History|airdate=September 13, 2009}}</ref> having been a childhood friend of [[Corey Harrison]]<ref name=MeetChumlee/> whose father and grandfather founded the shop.<ref name=LasVegasWeekly>{{cite news|last=Katsilometes|first=John|title=Pawn shop boys|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/apr/08/pawn-shop-boys/|access-date=May 22, 2013|newspaper=Las Vegas Weekly|date=April 8, 2010}}</ref>


Chumlee is often portrayed on the show as the [[comic foil]],<ref name=BoomBust/><ref name=ChumSmart>Examples include the Old Man's remarks in "Plane Crazy" that Chumlee probably can't spell the word "art" and can barely tie his own shoelaces.</ref><ref name=MovieMetropolis>Long, Christopher (December 29, 2009). [http://moviemet.com/review/pawn-stars-tv-series-dvd-review "PAWN STARS (TV SERIES) - DVD review"]. Movie Metropolis.</ref><ref name=ReadySetPawn/> but he often appraises items in his areas of expertise, including [[Pinball|pinball machines]], sneakers, and video games.<ref name=ChumKnowledge>Chumlee displays the ability to repair a gas-powered toy car in "Never Surrender" (Episode 3.25) and expert knowledge in discerning a fake pair of [[Air Jordan V]] sneakers in the following episode "Honest Abe" (Episode 3.26). Corey refers to Chumlee's knowledge of pinball machines, as well.</ref><ref name=VancouverSun>Fralic, Shelly (September 17, 2011) [http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/09/17/how-in-the-name-of-brad-pitt-did-chumlee-become-a-rock-star/ "How, in the name of Brad Pitt, did Chumlee become a rock star?"]. ''The Vancouver Sun''.</ref><ref name=LasVegasSun>Chareunsy, Don (September 8, 2012). [http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/08/austin-chumlee-russell-celebrate-30th-birthday-ton/ "Austin ‘Chumlee’ Russell to celebrate 30th birthday tonight at LAX"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040051/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/08/austin-chumlee-russell-celebrate-30th-birthday-ton/ |date=December 3, 2013 }}. ''Las Vegas Sun''.</ref><ref name=MensJournal>Brunner, Rob. [http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/the-pawn-stars-guide-to-las-vegas-20130401 "The 'Pawn Stars' Guide to Las Vegas"]. ''[[Men's Journal]]''. Retrieved December 1, 2013.</ref><ref name=Maxim>[http://www.maxim.com.au/archives/3398 "Pawn Stars: When you negotiate with a Pawn Star, you lose..."]. ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' (Australia). April 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.</ref>
Chumlee is often portrayed on the show as the [[comic foil]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katsilometes |first=John |date=2020-03-09 |title=Pawn Stars Chumlee knew whipping boy role could work|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/pawn-stars-chumlee-knew-whipping-boy-role-could-work-1975867/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref> but he often appraises items in his areas of expertise, including [[Pinball|pinball machines]], [[sports memorabilia]], sneakers, toys, and video games.<ref name=ChumKnowledge>Chumlee displays the ability to repair a gas-powered toy car in "Never Surrender" (Episode 3.25) and expert knowledge in discerning a fake pair of [[Air Jordan V]] sneakers in the following episode "Honest Abe" (Episode 3.26). Corey refers to Chumlee's knowledge of pinball machines, as well.</ref><ref name=VancouverSun>{{cite web|author=Fralic, Shelly|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/how-in-the-name-of-brad-pitt-did-chumlee-become-a-rock-star|newspaper=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|title=How, in the name of Brad Pitt, did Chumlee become a rock star?|language=en-US|url-status=bot: unknown|date=September 17, 2011|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084810/https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/how-in-the-name-of-brad-pitt-did-chumlee-become-a-rock-star}}</ref><ref name=LasVegasSun>Chareunsy, Don (September 8, 2012). [http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/08/austin-chumlee-russell-celebrate-30th-birthday-ton/ "Austin ‘Chumlee’ Russell to celebrate 30th birthday tonight at LAX"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040051/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/sep/08/austin-chumlee-russell-celebrate-30th-birthday-ton/ |date=December 3, 2013 }}. ''Las Vegas Sun''.</ref><ref name=MensJournal>Brunner, Rob. [http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/the-pawn-stars-guide-to-las-vegas-20130401 "The 'Pawn Stars' Guide to Las Vegas"]. ''[[Men's Journal]]''. Retrieved December 1, 2013.</ref><ref name=Maxim>[http://www.maxim.com.au/archives/3398 "Pawn Stars: When you negotiate with a Pawn Star, you lose..."]. ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' (Australia). April 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Russell was born on September 8, 1982, in [[Henderson, Nevada]]. When he was about 12 years old, he was given the nickname "Chumlee" due to his large face and chin. The father of one of his friends once said that he looked like Chumley, the [[walrus]] from the animated TV series ''[[Tennessee Tuxedo]]''.<ref name=MeetChumlee/><ref name=ReadySetPawn>{{cite episode|title=Ready, Set, Pawn|season=3|number=18|airdate=September 13, 2010|series=Pawn Stars|network=History}}</ref><ref name=LicenseToPawn>Harrison, Rick; Keown, Tim (2011). ''License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver''. Hyperion. 2011. New York. pp. 3, 151 and 204. {{ISBN|978-1-4013-2430-8}}</ref> As a child, he became good friends with [[Corey Harrison]],<ref name=MeetChumlee/> whose father, [[Rick Harrison]], and grandfather, [[Richard Benjamin Harrison|Richard Harrison]], opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1989.<ref name=LasVegasWeekly/> Chumlee has stated via Instagram he is of part Scottish descent.
Russell was born on September 8, 1982, in [[Henderson, Nevada]]. When he was about 12 years old, he was given the nickname "Chumlee" due to his large face and chin, which prompted the father of one of his friends to remark that he looked like Chumley, the [[walrus]] from the animated TV series ''[[Tennessee Tuxedo]]''.<ref name=MeetChumlee/><ref name=ReadySetPawn>{{cite episode|title=Ready, Set, Pawn|season=3|number=18|airdate=September 13, 2010|series=Pawn Stars|network=History}}</ref><ref name=LicenseToPawn>Harrison, Rick; Keown, Tim (2011). ''License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver''. Hyperion. 2011. New York. pp. 3, 151 and 204. {{ISBN|978-1-4013-2430-8}}</ref>
As a child, he became good friends with [[Corey Harrison]],<ref name="MeetChumlee" /> whose father, [[Rick Harrison]], and grandfather, [[Richard Benjamin Harrison|Richard Harrison]], opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1989.<ref name="LasVegasWeekly" />


==Career==
==Career==
Chumlee began working for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at age 21.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Moon Walking|series=Pawn Stars|season=3|number=12|network=History|airdate=July 12, 2010}}</ref> He worked there for five years before filming the first season of the reality television series ''[[Pawn Stars]]'' in July 2009.<ref name=BoomBust/><ref name=PlaneCrazy/> His duties include behind-the-counter work at the shop, such as testing items, loading items, and writing tickets for items purchased by customers.<ref name=GSPawnChumlee>[http://www.gspawn.com/austin-chumlee-russell/ Profile for Austin "Chumlee" Russel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622065551/http://gspawn.com/austin-chumlee-russell/ |date=June 22, 2013 }}. Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Retrieved August 25, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Some Like It Not|season=5|number=55|airdate=August 27, 2012|series=Pawn Stars|network=History}}</ref>
Chumlee began working for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at age 21.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Moon Walking|series=Pawn Stars|season=3|number=12|network=History|airdate=July 12, 2010}}</ref> He worked there for five years before filming the first season of the reality television series ''[[Pawn Stars]]'' in July 2009.<ref name=BoomBust/><ref name=PlaneCrazy/> His duties include behind-the-counter work at the shop, such as testing items, loading items, and writing tickets for items purchased by customers.<ref name=GSPawnChumlee>[http://www.gspawn.com/austin-chumlee-russell/ Profile for Austin "Chumlee" Russel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622065551/http://gspawn.com/austin-chumlee-russell/ |date=June 22, 2013 }}. Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Retrieved August 25, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Some Like It Not|season=5|number=55|airdate=August 27, 2012|series=Pawn Stars|network=History}}</ref>


In the series, he is depicted as the comic foil, often made the butt of the others' jokes for his perceived lack of intelligence and his incompetence,<ref name=ChumSmart/> for which he has been referred to as a "village idiot".<ref name=BoomBust/><ref name=MovieMetropolis/><ref name=ReadySetPawn/><ref>Harrison; Keown; Russell, Wallace (2011). p. 213.</ref> Chumlee has responded by explaining that he is underestimated and points to his expertise in [[pinball machines]], which he utilizes in the second-season episode "Pinball Wizards", much to Corey's surprise, as an example of an area in which he is knowledgeable.<ref name=ChumKnowledge/>
In the series, he is depicted as the comic foil, often made the butt of the others' jokes for his perceived lack of intelligence and his incompetence,<ref name="ChumSmart">Examples include the Old Man's remarks in "Plane Crazy" that Chumlee probably can't spell the word "art" and can barely tie his own shoelaces.</ref> for which he has been referred to as a "village idiot".<ref name=BoomBust/><ref name="MovieMetropolis">Long, Christopher (December 29, 2009). [http://moviemet.com/review/pawn-stars-tv-series-dvd-review "PAWN STARS (TV SERIES) - DVD review"]. Movie Metropolis.</ref><ref name=ReadySetPawn/><ref>Harrison; Keown; Russell, Wallace (2011). p. 213.</ref> Chumlee has responded by explaining that he is underestimated and points to his expertise in [[pinball machines]], which he utilizes in the second-season episode "Pinball Wizards", much to Corey's surprise, as an example of an area in which he is knowledgeable.<ref name=ChumKnowledge/>


Chumlee emerged as the breakout cast member,<ref name=VancouverSun/><ref name=LasVegasSun/><ref name=MensJournal/><ref name=Maxim/> and a fan favorite of the series.<ref name="HuffingtonPost">Bourdeau, Annette (March 12, 2012). Has a large fan base in many countries like India, China, Sri lanka. Once Samanvay Lamba remarked him as his favourite character.[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/pawn-stars_n_1339667.html "'Pawn Stars': 13 Things You Didn't Know About Chumlee, Rick And Corey"]. ''[[The Huffington Post]]''.</ref><ref name=LVReviewJournal>{{cite web|author=Clarke, Norm|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/its-crazy-life-pawn-stars-chumlee|title=It's a crazy life for 'Pawn Stars' Chumlee|newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|date=September 12, 2013|archivedate=October 15, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015060033/http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/its-crazy-life-pawn-stars-chumlee}}</ref> As a result of the show's success, he formed his own company selling novelty items of his own design and arranged his personal appearances. He sold half of his stake in the company in 2010 to Rick Harrison for $155,000, so that the shop could handle orders of his merchandise more efficiently.<ref>Harrison; Keown; Russell (2011). pp. 215-216.</ref> Chumlee's sales of merchandise have surpassed other stars of the show due to his popularity.<ref name=HuffingtonPost/>
Chumlee emerged as the breakout cast member,<ref name=VancouverSun/><ref name=LasVegasSun/><ref name=MensJournal/><ref name=Maxim/> and a fan favorite of the series.<ref name="HuffingtonPost">Bourdeau, Annette (March 12, 2012). Has a large fan base in many countries like India, China, Sri lanka. Once Samanvay Lamba remarked him as his favourite character.[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/pawn-stars_n_1339667.html "'Pawn Stars': 13 Things You Didn't Know About Chumlee, Rick And Corey"]. ''[[The Huffington Post]]''.</ref><ref name=LVReviewJournal>{{cite web|author=Clarke, Norm|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/its-crazy-life-pawn-stars-chumlee|title=It's a crazy life for 'Pawn Stars' Chumlee|newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|date=September 12, 2013|archivedate=October 15, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015060033/http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/norm-clarke/its-crazy-life-pawn-stars-chumlee}}</ref> As a result of the show's success, he formed his own company selling novelty items of his own design and arranged his personal appearances. He sold half of his stake in the company in 2010 to Rick Harrison for $155,000, so that the shop could handle orders of his [[merchandising|merchandise]] more efficiently.<ref>Harrison; Keown; Russell (2011). pp. 215-216.</ref> Chumlee's sales of merchandise have surpassed other stars of the show due to his popularity.<ref name=HuffingtonPost/>


Chumlee appeared as himself, alongside Rick and Corey Harrison, in the episode "iLost My Head in Vegas", on the American TV series ''[[iCarly]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/04/10/pawn-stars-icarly/|title=''Pawn Stars'' to guest on ''iCarly''|first=Dan|last=Snierson|work=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=iLost My Head in Vegas|season=6|number=11|date=November 3, 2012|series=iCarly|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref>
Chumlee appeared as himself, alongside Rick and Corey Harrison, in the episode "iLost My Head in Vegas", on the American TV series ''[[iCarly]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/04/10/pawn-stars-icarly/|title=''Pawn Stars'' to guest on ''iCarly''|first=Dan|last=Snierson|work=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=iLost My Head in Vegas|season=6|number=11|date=November 3, 2012|series=iCarly|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref>
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Chumlee enjoys collecting shoes, owning more than 200 pairs. He also enjoys sports, the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], video games, and skateboarding. He is a fan of both [[punk rock music|punk rock]] and [[rap music]].<ref name=VegasSeven/><ref name="LVReviewJournal"/> He is a fan of the TV series ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]'', ''[[Sons of Anarchy]],'' and ''[[Breaking Bad]]''.<ref name=HuffingtonPost/> He enjoys driving his 1986 [[Buick Regal]], which he has customized with hydraulic lifts on the front and back.<ref name=VegasSeven/> {{As of|2013}}, he owned a collection of cars which included a [[Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)|Rolls-Royce Phantom]], [[Maserati GranTurismo]], [[Cadillac Escalade]], [[Range Rover]], and a 1964 [[Impala SS]].<ref name=LVReviewJournal/>
Chumlee enjoys collecting shoes, owning more than 200 pairs. He also enjoys sports, the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], video games, and skateboarding. He is a fan of both [[punk rock music|punk rock]] and [[rap music]].<ref name=VegasSeven/><ref name="LVReviewJournal"/> He is a fan of the TV series ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]'', ''[[Sons of Anarchy]],'' and ''[[Breaking Bad]]''.<ref name=HuffingtonPost/> He enjoys driving his 1986 [[Buick Regal]], which he has customized with hydraulic lifts on the front and back.<ref name=VegasSeven/> {{As of|2013}}, he owned a collection of cars which included a [[Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)|Rolls-Royce Phantom]], [[Maserati GranTurismo]], [[Cadillac Escalade]], [[Range Rover]], and a 1964 [[Impala SS]].<ref name=LVReviewJournal/>


By September 2013, Chumlee had altered his lifestyle habits and lost {{convert|75|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in a year by exercising at a gym six days a week and improving his diet, including drinking more juice, eating more vegetables and abstaining from [[red meat]], a change that was inspired by his father's death at age 54 from [[pancreatic cancer]], two weeks before ''Pawn Stars'' debuted.<ref name=LVReviewJournal/> Chumlee's diet has enabled him to be able to ride a hovercraft he had purchased earlier in the series, which had a maximum weight restriction of {{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. He later regained the weight, weighing as much as {{convert|350|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in January 2019. He had [[gastric sleeve surgery]], leading to him losing {{convert|160|lb|kg|abbr=on}} by October 2021.<rewf>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/health/pawn-stars-chumlee-reveals-160-lb-weight-loss-gastric-sleeve/|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|author=Bjornson, Greta|title=''Pawn Stars''{{'}} Chumlee Reveals 160-Lb. Weight Loss: 'Can You Believe It'|language=en|date=October 11, 2021|accessdate=January 24, 2022|archivedate=October 12, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012095211/https://people.com/health/pawn-stars-chumlee-reveals-160-lb-weight-loss-gastric-sleeve/}}</ref>
By September 2013, Chumlee had altered his lifestyle habits and lost {{convert|75|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in a year by exercising at a gym six days a week and improving his diet, including drinking more juice, eating more vegetables and abstaining from [[red meat]], a change that was inspired by his father's death at age 54 from [[pancreatic cancer]], two weeks before ''Pawn Stars'' debuted.<ref name=LVReviewJournal/> Chumlee's diet has enabled him to be able to ride a hovercraft he had purchased earlier in the series, which had a maximum weight restriction of {{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. He later regained the weight, weighing as much as {{convert|350|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in January 2019. He had [[gastric sleeve surgery]], leading to him losing {{convert|160|lb|kg|abbr=on}} by October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/health/pawn-stars-chumlee-reveals-160-lb-weight-loss-gastric-sleeve/|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|author=Bjornson, Greta|title=''Pawn Stars''{{'}} Chumlee Reveals 160-Lb. Weight Loss: 'Can You Believe It'|language=en|date=October 11, 2021|accessdate=January 24, 2022|archivedate=October 12, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012095211/https://people.com/health/pawn-stars-chumlee-reveals-160-lb-weight-loss-gastric-sleeve/}}</ref>


==Legal troubles==
==Legal troubles==
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 [[Methamphetamine|crystal meth]], [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]], [[Xanax]], and multiple firearms. Evidence of possible [[cocaine]] use was also found. Chumlee was arrested but released on bond the following day, with his first appearance in court being set for March 11, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/chumlee-arrested-drugs-weapon-possession-article-1.2559126|title=Chumlee from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on drug and gun charges|website=New York Daily News|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Melanie|last=Dostis|date=March 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pawn-stars-boss-rick-harrison-here-to-help-austin-chumlee-russell-after-his-arrest|title='Pawn Stars' boss Rick Harrison 'here to help' Austin 'Chumlee' Russell after his arrest|date=March 10, 2016|website=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802122605if_/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pawn-stars-boss-rick-harrison-here-to-help-austin-chumlee-russell-after-his-arrest|archive-date=August 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/crime/pawn-stars-austin-chumlee-russell-known-for-partying/|title=''Pawn Stars''' Austin 'Chumlee' Russell Known for Partying Hard, Says Source: 'He Has a Gun and Smokes a Lot of Weed'|work=People|access-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108110308/https://people.com/crime/pawn-stars-austin-chumlee-russell-known-for-partying/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|url-status=live|first=Emily|last=Strohm|date=March 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Chumlee' from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on gun, drug charges |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/03/10/chumlee-pawn-stars-arrested-gun-drug-charges/81572946/ |access-date=August 2, 2021 |date=March 10, 2016 |work=USA Today |agency=AP}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Report shows what cops found at Chumlee's house besides guns, drugs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/03/15/arrest-report-shows-what-cops-found-chumlees-house-besides-guns-drugs/81826328/ |access-date=August 2, 2021 |work=USA Today |first=Maria |last=Puente |date=March 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Motion for Disclosure of Non-Public Information |url=http://mediaassets.ktnv.com/document/2016/03/15/DOC031516-03152016095027_1458066332162_34083064_ver1.0.pdf?_ga=1.143024245.1364747746.1458074252 |publisher=KTNV Channel 13 Action News |access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>
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 [[Methamphetamine|crystal meth]], [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]], [[Xanax]], and multiple firearms. Evidence of possible [[cocaine]] use was also found. Chumlee was arrested but released on bond the following day, and scheduled to appear in court days later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/chumlee-arrested-drugs-weapon-possession-article-1.2559126|title=Chumlee from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on drug and gun charges|website=New York Daily News|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Melanie|last=Dostis|date=March 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pawn-stars-boss-rick-harrison-here-to-help-austin-chumlee-russell-after-his-arrest|title='Pawn Stars' boss Rick Harrison 'here to help' Austin 'Chumlee' Russell after his arrest|date=March 10, 2016|website=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802122605if_/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pawn-stars-boss-rick-harrison-here-to-help-austin-chumlee-russell-after-his-arrest|archive-date=August 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/crime/pawn-stars-austin-chumlee-russell-known-for-partying/|title=''Pawn Stars'' Austin 'Chumlee' Russell Known for Partying Hard, Says Source: 'He Has a Gun and Smokes a Lot of Weed'|work=People|access-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108110308/https://people.com/crime/pawn-stars-austin-chumlee-russell-known-for-partying/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|url-status=live|first=Emily|last=Strohm|date=March 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Chumlee' from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on gun, drug charges |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/03/10/chumlee-pawn-stars-arrested-gun-drug-charges/81572946/ |access-date=August 2, 2021 |date=March 10, 2016 |work=USA Today |agency=AP}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Report shows what cops found at Chumlee's house besides guns, drugs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/03/15/arrest-report-shows-what-cops-found-chumlees-house-besides-guns-drugs/81826328/ |access-date=August 2, 2021 |work=USA Today |first=Maria |last=Puente |date=March 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Motion for Disclosure of Non-Public Information |url=http://mediaassets.ktnv.com/document/2016/03/15/DOC031516-03152016095027_1458066332162_34083064_ver1.0.pdf?_ga=1.143024245.1364747746.1458074252 |publisher=KTNV Channel 13 Action News |access-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref>


On May 23, 2016, Chumlee was charged with 20 felony counts, including drug and weapons charges. David Chesnoff, Russell's lawyer, confirmed that Russell pled guilty to a felony weapons charge (unlawful possession of a firearm) and a gross misdemeanor of attempted drug possession in a deal that calls for three years of probation and counseling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/05/23/chumlee-pawn-stars-wont-see-jail-guns-drugs-charges/84802182/|title='Chumlee' of 'Pawn Stars' won't see jail on guns, drugs charges|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Maria|last=Puente|work=USA Today|date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/55a1a5eb553a4a74b151ede4827883fd|title='Pawn Stars' star Chumlee taking plea deal to avoid jail|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Ken|last=Ritter|work=AP News|date=May 23, 2016}}</ref>
On May 23, 2016, Chumlee was charged with 20 felony counts, including drug and weapons charges. [[David Chesnoff]], Russell's lawyer, confirmed that Russell had pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge (unlawful possession of a firearm) and a gross misdemeanor of attempted drug possession in a deal that calls for three years of probation and counseling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/05/23/chumlee-pawn-stars-wont-see-jail-guns-drugs-charges/84802182/|title='Chumlee' of 'Pawn Stars' won't see jail on guns, drugs charges|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Maria|last=Puente|work=USA Today|date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/55a1a5eb553a4a74b151ede4827883fd|title='Pawn Stars' star Chumlee taking plea deal to avoid jail|access-date=August 2, 2021|first=Ken|last=Ritter|work=AP News|date=May 23, 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 53: Line 54:
==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb name|3796385}}
*{{IMDb name|3796385}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130204003455/http://www.history.com/shows/pawn-stars/articles/about-pawn-stars "About The Series"]. History Channel Online.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130204003455/http://www.history.com/shows/pawn-stars/articles/about-pawn-stars "About The Series"] – History Channel Online (archived)


{{Pawn Stars}}
{{Pawn Stars}}

Latest revision as of 17:45, 30 August 2024

This article is about the reality television personality. For subjects with similar names, see Chumley.

Chumlee
Chumlee in 2012
Born
Austin Lee Russell

(1982-09-08) September 8, 1982 (age 42)[1]
Henderson, Nevada, U.S.
Occupation(s)Businessman, television personality
Years active2003–present

Austin Lee Russell (born September 8, 1982), 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, which depicts day-to-day business at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas where he works.[2][3] Chumlee went to work at the pawn shop five years before filming the first season,[4][5] having been a childhood friend of Corey Harrison[2] whose father and grandfather founded the shop.[6]

Chumlee is often portrayed on the show as the comic foil,[7] but he often appraises items in his areas of expertise, including pinball machines, sports memorabilia, sneakers, toys, and video games.[8][9][10][11][12]

Early life

Russell was born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada. When he was about 12 years old, he was given the nickname "Chumlee" due to his large face and chin, which prompted the father of one of his friends to remark that he looked like Chumley, the walrus from the animated TV series Tennessee Tuxedo.[2][13][14]

As a child, he became good friends with Corey Harrison,[2] whose father, Rick Harrison, and grandfather, Richard Harrison, opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1989.[6]

Career

Chumlee began working for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at age 21.[15] He worked there for five years before filming the first season of the reality television series Pawn Stars in July 2009.[4][5] His duties include behind-the-counter work at the shop, such as testing items, loading items, and writing tickets for items purchased by customers.[16][17]

In the series, he is depicted as the comic foil, often made the butt of the others' jokes for his perceived lack of intelligence and his incompetence,[18] for which he has been referred to as a "village idiot".[4][19][13][20] Chumlee has responded by explaining that he is underestimated and points to his expertise in pinball machines, which he utilizes in the second-season episode "Pinball Wizards", much to Corey's surprise, as an example of an area in which he is knowledgeable.[8]

Chumlee emerged as the breakout cast member,[9][10][11][12] and a fan favorite of the series.[21][22] As a result of the show's success, he formed his own company selling novelty items of his own design and arranged his personal appearances. He sold half of his stake in the company in 2010 to Rick Harrison for $155,000, so that the shop could handle orders of his merchandise more efficiently.[23] Chumlee's sales of merchandise have surpassed other stars of the show due to his popularity.[21]

Chumlee appeared as himself, alongside Rick and Corey Harrison, in the episode "iLost My Head in Vegas", on the American TV series iCarly.[24][25]

In May 2017, Chumlee opened a candy shop, Chumlee's Candy on the Boulevard, across the street from the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.[26]

Personal life

Chumlee enjoys collecting shoes, owning more than 200 pairs. He also enjoys sports, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, video games, and skateboarding. He is a fan of both punk rock and rap music.[3][22] He is a fan of the TV series Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, and Breaking Bad.[21] He enjoys driving his 1986 Buick Regal, which he has customized with hydraulic lifts on the front and back.[3] As of 2013, he owned a collection of cars which included a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Maserati GranTurismo, Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and a 1964 Impala SS.[22]

By September 2013, Chumlee had altered his lifestyle habits and lost 75 lb (34 kg) in a year by exercising at a gym six days a week and improving his diet, including drinking more juice, eating more vegetables and abstaining from red meat, a change that was inspired by his father's death at age 54 from pancreatic cancer, two weeks before Pawn Stars debuted.[22] Chumlee's diet has enabled him to be able to ride a hovercraft he had purchased earlier in the series, which had a maximum weight restriction of 250 lb (110 kg). He later regained the weight, weighing as much as 350 lb (160 kg) in January 2019. He had gastric sleeve surgery, leading to him losing 160 lb (73 kg) by October 2021.[27]

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. Evidence of possible cocaine use was also found. Chumlee was arrested but released on bond the following day, and scheduled to appear in court days later.[28][29][30][31][32][33]

On May 23, 2016, Chumlee was charged with 20 felony counts, including drug and weapons charges. David Chesnoff, Russell's lawyer, confirmed that Russell had pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge (unlawful possession of a firearm) and a gross misdemeanor of attempted drug possession in a deal that calls for three years of probation and counseling.[34][35]

References

  1. ^ Chareunsy, Don (September 10, 2012). "Photos: 'Pawn Stars' star Chumlee celebrates his 30th birthday at LAX". Archived April 19, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Las Vegas Sun.
  2. ^ a b c d "Chumlee Russell". The History Channel. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c Reed, Cindi (January 27, 2011). "Austin Russell". Vegas Seven. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c "Boom or Bust". Pawn Stars. Season 1. Episode 1. July 19, 2009. History.
  5. ^ a b "Plane Crazy". Pawn Stars. Season 1. Episode 12. September 13, 2009. History.
  6. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (April 8, 2010). "Pawn shop boys". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  7. ^ Katsilometes, John (March 9, 2020). "Pawn Stars Chumlee knew whipping boy role could work". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Chumlee displays the ability to repair a gas-powered toy car in "Never Surrender" (Episode 3.25) and expert knowledge in discerning a fake pair of Air Jordan V sneakers in the following episode "Honest Abe" (Episode 3.26). Corey refers to Chumlee's knowledge of pinball machines, as well.
  9. ^ a b Fralic, Shelly (September 17, 2011). "How, in the name of Brad Pitt, did Chumlee become a rock star?". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. ^ a b Chareunsy, Don (September 8, 2012). "Austin ‘Chumlee’ Russell to celebrate 30th birthday tonight at LAX" Archived December 3, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Las Vegas Sun.
  11. ^ a b Brunner, Rob. "The 'Pawn Stars' Guide to Las Vegas". Men's Journal. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  12. ^ a b "Pawn Stars: When you negotiate with a Pawn Star, you lose...". Maxim (Australia). April 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  13. ^ a b "Ready, Set, Pawn". Pawn Stars. Season 3. Episode 18. September 13, 2010. History.
  14. ^ Harrison, Rick; Keown, Tim (2011). License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver. Hyperion. 2011. New York. pp. 3, 151 and 204. ISBN 978-1-4013-2430-8
  15. ^ "Moon Walking". Pawn Stars. Season 3. Episode 12. July 12, 2010. History.
  16. ^ Profile for Austin "Chumlee" Russel Archived June 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Retrieved August 25, 2010
  17. ^ "Some Like It Not". Pawn Stars. Season 5. Episode 55. August 27, 2012. History.
  18. ^ Examples include the Old Man's remarks in "Plane Crazy" that Chumlee probably can't spell the word "art" and can barely tie his own shoelaces.
  19. ^ Long, Christopher (December 29, 2009). "PAWN STARS (TV SERIES) - DVD review". Movie Metropolis.
  20. ^ Harrison; Keown; Russell, Wallace (2011). p. 213.
  21. ^ a b c Bourdeau, Annette (March 12, 2012). Has a large fan base in many countries like India, China, Sri lanka. Once Samanvay Lamba remarked him as his favourite character."'Pawn Stars': 13 Things You Didn't Know About Chumlee, Rick And Corey". The Huffington Post.
  22. ^ a b c d Clarke, Norm (September 12, 2013). "It's a crazy life for 'Pawn Stars' Chumlee". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013.
  23. ^ Harrison; Keown; Russell (2011). pp. 215-216.
  24. ^ Snierson, Dan (April 10, 2012). "Pawn Stars to guest on iCarly". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  25. ^ "iLost My Head in Vegas". iCarly. Season 6. Episode 11. November 3, 2012. Nickelodeon.
  26. ^ Rosch, Denise (May 3, 2017). "'Pawn Stars' spin-off: Chumlee sweetens portfolio with new candy store". KSNV. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  27. ^ Bjornson, Greta (October 11, 2021). "Pawn Stars' Chumlee Reveals 160-Lb. Weight Loss: 'Can You Believe It'". People. Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  28. ^ Dostis, Melanie (March 9, 2016). "Chumlee from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on drug and gun charges". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  29. ^ "'Pawn Stars' boss Rick Harrison 'here to help' Austin 'Chumlee' Russell after his arrest". Fox News. March 10, 2016. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  30. ^ Strohm, Emily (March 11, 2016). "Pawn Stars Austin 'Chumlee' Russell Known for Partying Hard, Says Source: 'He Has a Gun and Smokes a Lot of Weed'". People. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  31. ^ "'Chumlee' from 'Pawn Stars' arrested on gun, drug charges". USA Today. AP. March 10, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  32. ^ Puente, Maria (March 15, 2016). "Report shows what cops found at Chumlee's house besides guns, drugs". USA Today. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  33. ^ "Motion for Disclosure of Non-Public Information" (PDF). KTNV Channel 13 Action News. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  34. ^ Puente, Maria (May 23, 2016). "'Chumlee' of 'Pawn Stars' won't see jail on guns, drugs charges". USA Today. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  35. ^ Ritter, Ken (May 23, 2016). "'Pawn Stars' star Chumlee taking plea deal to avoid jail". AP News. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
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