Net Worth Ranker
What Is Austin “Chumlee” Russell’s Net Worth?
Austin “Chumlee” Russell, known for his role on the reality television show “Pawn Stars,” has accumulated a net worth of approximately $5 million as of 2025. This wealth stems from various sources including his salary from the show, earnings from his company, and real estate investments.
“Pawn Stars” Salary and Business Ventures
Chumlee earns $25,000 per episode of “Pawn Stars,” contributing significantly to his income. With “Pawn Stars” having aired 675 episodes across 21 seasons, his total earnings from the show alone are substantial. Additionally, Chumlee established his own company focused on novelty items and custom t-shirts, which further bolstered his income. The success of this company led to a partial acquisition by the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop to streamline distribution. In 2017, Chumlee expanded his business portfolio by opening Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, located near the pawn shop. His brother, Sage Russell, manages the day-to-day operations of the candy store.
Real Estate Investments
In February 2019, Chumlee sold his Las Vegas home for $1.375 million. The property, situated about five miles from the Las Vegas Strip, spanned two acres and featured a 6,200-square-foot home, a guesthouse, and a backyard with a rock-lined swimming pool. It also included a customized “Chum Chum Room” equipped with a stripper’s pole. Chumlee had purchased the property for $1.1 million in 2012, demonstrating a profitable real estate investment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada, Austin Russell’s nickname “Chumlee” originated during his childhood when he was compared to the walrus “Chumley” from the cartoon “Tennessee Tuxedo.” Chumlee began working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at the age of 21, long before it gained widespread fame through “Pawn Stars.”
The Rise of “Pawn Stars”
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop first gained recognition after appearing on Comedy Central’s “Insomniac with Dave Attell.” Following this initial exposure, Rick Harrison pitched the idea for a full-fledged series to numerous production companies, eventually securing a deal with The History Channel. “Pawn Stars” premiered in 2009, with Chumlee playing a significant role. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of video games and toys, Chumlee quickly became a fan favorite on the show.
Chumlee’s Merchandise and Retail Ventures
Chumlee’s popularity on “Pawn Stars” enabled him to launch his own merchandise line, which has generated significant revenue. His merchandise sales have reportedly surpassed those of other stars on the show. Chumlee later sold half of his stake in the company to Rick Harrison to leverage the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop’s distribution network, enhancing the efficiency of his merchandise sales.
Legal Issues
In March 2016, Chumlee’s residence was searched during an investigation into sexual assault allegations, resulting in the discovery of crystal meth, marijuana, Xanax, and multiple firearms. He was arrested but subsequently released on bond. Later, he was charged with 20 felony counts related to drug and weapon possession. As part of a plea agreement, Chumlee pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge and a gross misdemeanor of attempted drug possession, receiving a sentence of three years of probation and counseling.
Personal Life and Lifestyle Changes
Chumlee is a collector of vintage pinball machines and owns over 200 pairs of shoes. His interests include sports, video games, skateboarding, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. He is also a fan of punk rock and rap music. In addition to his Maserati, Chumlee’s car collection includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, and a 1964 Impala SS. He also enjoys driving his customized 1986 Buick Regal with hydraulic lifts. Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, Chumlee weighed 345 pounds. The surgery reduced his stomach capacity, and he subsequently adopted a healthier lifestyle that included working out six days a week and improving his diet. As a result, Chumlee lost 110 pounds. His decision to make these changes was inspired by his father’s death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 54.
Relationships
Chumlee was previously married to Olivia Russell. They were engaged in May 2018 and married in August 2019. As of July 2020, all pictures of Olivia had been removed from Chumlee’s Instagram account, suggesting a change in their relationship status. At the time, Olivia was attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, while Chumlee resided in Las Vegas and filmed “Pawn Stars.”
Car Collection
Chumlee has an affinity for cars and owns a collection that includes a Maserati, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Range Rover, a Cadillac Escalade, and a 1964 Impala SS. He also customized a 1986 Buick Regal with hydraulic lifts on the front and back.
Health Transformation
Chumlee underwent a significant health transformation, which included gastric sleeve surgery and lifestyle changes. He reduced his weight from 345 pounds by improving his diet, giving up red meat, and working out. The result was a weight loss of 110 pounds, inspired by his father’s death from pancreatic cancer at 54.
