10 Facts About Austin “Chumlee” Russell’s Life Before and After Shocking Arrest and Legal Issues

Austin “Chumlee” Russell was a prominent cast member on Game Pawn Star For over a decade, and there’s a lot to know about him outside the show. He started working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas in 2003 due to his friendship with Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, the son of Rick Harrison. Known for his candid attitude and sarcastic attitude, Chumlee usually serves as a comedic voice. He grew up in Las Vegas and has been best friends with Big Hoss since they were kids. His nickname, Chumlee, was given to him by a friend, referring to the character from an old cartoon.

On Game Pawn StarChumlee is a salesman alongside Rick and Big Hoss. Outside of the show, Chumlee has pursued various business ventures, and he is known for his interest in collectibles, which adds to his continued public interest. However, Chumlee has also faced legal troubles, including a 2016 arrest related to drug possession and weapons charges. Despite these issues, Chumlee has remained a popular figure on the show and continues to entertain viewers. Is Chumlee still a law-breaking bad boy, or has he reformed?

10

Chumlee went to San Diego Comic-Con in 2024

He is an avid collector

Chumlee Went to the San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, documenting his time on Instagram. In a fun and cute video evocative of Chumlee’s sense of humor, he makes a cup of coffee in a Starbucks mug from Japan, appears in a colorful Keith Haring robe and enjoys his morning brew while showing off his Pokemon from the meeting.

“San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was amazing. Met some awesome people that I’ve looked up to for many years and made stronger bonds with people I’ve met more recently,“He began, continue,”All in all it was a great time. I hope to see you guys at the next con. Now it’s time to go back to the week and open some Pokemon cards.“Chumlee’s fun-loving attitude is definitely on display.

“Can I have your coat when you’re done with it.“

Chumlee’s followers are big fans of the video, saying, “Cham’s voice is so soothing, we should get an audio book [sic] from him,” and, “Can I have your coat when you’re done with it,“Joking around. The Game Pawn Star Cast member has been into collectibles for years, which is unsurprising given his career at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. Chumlee has a separate page to display his collections Called @chumleecollectsWhere he shows off rare Pokemon cards and other fun finds.

9

Chumlee straightened out after his drugs and guns arrest

He was a bad boy before

Chumlee famously faced legal issues in 2016 when he was arrested in Las Vegas on charges including drug possession and illegal firearms. The police found methamphetamine, marijuana and several guns in his home during a search. Perhaps most disappointingly, the police search was initiated by an unrelated sexual assault investigation. Although the sexual assault charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence, Chumlee pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge and a felony drug charge. He avoided prison time by agreeing to three years of probation, along with mandatory counseling and drug treatment.

Despite the legal troubles, Chumlee successfully reinvented himself. After fulfilling the terms of his plea deal, he returned to Game Pawn Star And remained a favorite figure on the show. Chumlee also focused on his personal growth and entrepreneurial ventures, even notably losing a noticeable amount of weight after undergoing weight loss surgery. He launched his candy store, Chumlee’s Candy on the Blvd, in Las Vegas, demonstrating his resilience and ability to turn his life around despite the setbacks. He is also sober, has turned his life around.

8

Chumlee went to the 2024 Pokemon World Championship in Honolulu

He collects Pokemon trading cards

As an avid collector, it’s no surprise that Chumlee Appeared at the 2024 Pokemon World Championship in Honolulu, Hawaii. “Aloha from Pokemon Worlds Day 1!!” Chumlee captioned a video with various scenes from the meeting, including colorful Pikachu balloons and brightly-hued tables. The Pokemon World Championship is an annual competitive event culminating in a series of tournaments held throughout the year, where the best Players from around the world compete in various Pokemon games to determine the world champion in each category.

Since Chumlee’s focus as a collector seems to be Pokemon, his presence in the championship was expected. He likes to unlock rare Pokemon cards on his Instagram, showing off special Halloween cards and original 151 “rips.” Chumlee is always engagingAnd his passion for collecting shines through.

7

Chumlee split with his wife, Olivia Rademan

They allegedly separated in 2020

Chumlee was married to Olivia Rademan, but they unfortunately separated in 2020. The couple tied the knot in 2018 after dating for several years, during which Olivia supported Chumlee through some difficult timesincluding his legal troubles. She went to the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and hoped to pursue cosmetology.

Their relationship was strong, with Chumlee often posting about their life together on social media. however, In September 2020, all mentions and photos of Olivia disappeared from his accounts, leading to the belief that Chumlee and Olivia may have split up. Neither Chumlee nor Olivia have publicly commented on the breakup, but the lack of any further mentions of each other suggests that their marriage ended around this time. Chumlee focused on his sober life, collecting hobbies and getting healthy through weight loss surgery.

6

Chumlee has weight loss surgery

He weighs around 190 pounds

Chumlee underwent a dramatic weight-loss transformation by losing around 160 pounds After his legal issues and shortly before his separation from Olivia. His weight-loss journey began in earnest after he hit his peak weight of 350 pounds in January 2019. Chumlee has struggled with weight fluctuations for years, often losing and regaining as much as 100 pounds at a time, which ultimately led him to make a Balance. More permanent change. He and Big Hoss are seen as the stereotypical big and funny guys on Game Pawn Star.

However, Chumlee’s journey did not stop with surgery. He committed to a healthier lifestyle, Focusing on clean eating and regular exercise to keep his weight around 190 pounds. Chumlee has been open about his experience, sharing his journey on social media to inspire others who may be struggling with their weight. He also embarked on a sober journey to complement his brand new lifestyle. He feels and looks better after his physical and mental journeys.

5

Chumlee is a Virgo

He is hardworking but also goofy

Chumlee was born on September 8, 1982, making him nearly 44 years old and a Virgo astrological sign. Virgos are known for being detail-oriented, reserved and perfectionistic. They are detailed people and often strive for perfection in their work and personal life. Virgos are also known for their strong work ethic, preferring to stay behind the scenes rather than become the center of attention.

Despite being a Virgo, Chumlee is more known for being easy-going and goofy Game Pawn Star. While Virgos are typically meticulous, Chumlee was careless and inattentive to detailAlthough he has matured in recent years. Although he has moments of insight, he is not the most analytical guy. However, Chumlee reflects the dedicated nature of Virgo, having been with the Gold & Silver Pan Shop for many years and remaining loyal. He also downplays his accomplishments and is comfortable being the butt of jokes without taking offense, allowing Rick to be the central star of the show.

Unlike the reserved nature of most Virgos, Chumlee is more outgoing and laid back, Enjoying the spotlight rather than shying away from it. In addition, his relaxed attitude contrasts with the typical Virgo perfectionist tendencies. Chumlee may not display the most stereotypical Virgo traits, but he is a bit more reserved and hard-working, even speaking in a calming voice.

4

Chumlee appears in Pawn Stars Do America

The Harrisons and Chumlee took the show on the road

Chumlee came out Play Pawn Star Do AmericaA spin-off of the original hit History Channel show. After nearly two decades on the air, it’s unsurprising that the network wanted to revitalize Game Pawn Star And get the guys out of Las Vegas. The series takes the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop crew, including Rick, Big Hoss and Chumlee, on the road across the United States. Instead of customers coming to their Las Vegas store, the Game Pawn Star Team travels to various cities to evaluate and potentially purchase items across the country.

The show combines elements of a travelogue with the classic Game Pawn Star Format. In each episode, Rick, Corey and Chumlee explore the history and culture of the cities they visit while interacting with locals and evaluating a wide range of items, from rare collectibles and historical artifacts to strange and odd objects. The road trip format allows the team to experience new adventures and meet people from all walks of life, regardless of whether they ever make it to the Las Vegas store.

3

Chumlee pals around with Rick Harrison

They are goofballs together

Chumlee Is friends with Rick on and off camera, as evidenced by his Instagram. Rick is a no-nonsense main character on Game Pawn StarOften served as the foil for Big Hoss and Chumlee’s antics, though the two have matured over the years. This is not surprising as Chumlee started working for Rick when he was only 20 years old. In a recent Instagram post, Chumlee questioned by asking Rick how much he would buy his Pokemon cards.

“How much will @rick_harrison buy my hits for? Watch and find out. Don’t forget to stop by the @goldandsilver_pawnshop for your Pokemon cards,” Chumlee wrote, removing to a Pokemon collector’s delight at the Gold & Silver Pan Shop in Las Vegas. He described the cards in the video as worth a combined $160, but Rick only offered him ten dollars for the pair. It’s Great to see their relationship is just as genuine off-screen.

2

Chumlee’s A Disney Fanatic

He collects Lorcan trading cards

Not only does Chumlee Loves Pokemon, but is also a Disney fanatic. In an Instagram post from August 2024, Chumlee shared his excitement over LorcanaA range of Disney trading cards:

“Everyone knows how much I love Disney! This is one of the biggest releases of the year! New D23 Lorcana exclusives dropped with the next gear expansion Shimmering Skies! Can’t wait to open some boxes and see what we get!“

Unboxing is often a popular way for collectors to engage with fans, and Chumlee has mastered the art of unboxing. “bro that d23 set is awesome need to get my hands on this and the mickey promo,” wrote one fan. Another raved, “I hope the Disney convention here in Brazil brings the same kits.” While sporting a Mickey T-shirt, Chumlee explained the new cup and shared his expertise on the subject. As a curator of collectibles for nearly twenty years, it is fascinating to see Chumlee’s career trajectory blossom and become more authentic, focusing on what He loves the most.

1

Chumlee is not a “real” family member of Harrison’s

He was best friends with Corey growing up

Chumlee is not biologically related to the Harrisons but might as well be. He is often seen as an honorary member due to his close relationship with the family, especially Big Hoss, whom he has known since childhood. Chumlee and Corey grew up togetherForming a strong bond that eventually led to Chumlee working at the pawn shop featured on the show. Over time, Chumlee became an integral part of the business and the show, even functioning as an honorary family member.

Despite not being a blood relative, Chumlee is often treated like family by the Harrisons. Rick, Big Hoss and even the late Richard “Old Man” Harrison showed affection for Chumlee on and off screen. His long-standing relationship with Big Hoss and his nearly two-decade role in the pawn shop’s operations make him functionally part of the family, even though he wasn’t one by birth. Chumlee is one of the best parts of Game Pawn StarAnd he is part of the Harrison family.

Sources: Chumlee Russell/ Instagram, @chumleecollects/ Instagram, Chumlee Russell/ Instagram, Play Pawn Star Do America/ youtube, Chumlee Russell/ Instagram, Chumlee Russell/ Instagram