Behind The Scenes With Chumlee Of ‘Pawn Stars’
In 2009 Pawn Stars premiered on the History Channel, and since then it has only gotten more and more popular. However, things have not been that great for one of the stars of the show, both in his personal and public affairs. What is happening with Chumlee?
The Star Of The Show
Based in Las Vegas, the show owes its great success to the really hilarious cast members, most notably Austin Lee Russell, or more popularly known as Chumlee. The full-of-life guy definitely knows how to switch on his comedic personality when filming.
The Star Of The Show
Not The Best Student In High School
We are going to tell you more about the Nevada native, and we want to start with the fact that he had a hard time growing up, particularly because he was not academically-inclined as a kid.
Not The Best Student In High School
He Never Graduated
When he was in high school, it was not uncommon for him to pay other kids to do his homework. We bet no one was really shocked to hear that Chumlee decided to drop out.
He Never Graduated
The Story Behind It
Besides his academic difficulties, his nickname was also a big issue for him. Chumlee may sound like a cute and funny nickname to give someone, but Russell did not really receive the moniker due to flattering reasons.
The Story Behind It
Cute Nickname But Cruel Intentions
His nickname was coined after a character from the ‘60s cartoon Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales. The stout walrus on the series was called Chumley. Ouch, that must have hurt. We can all imagine why Russell wasn’t too flattered by this given name.
Cute Nickname But Cruel Intentions
Friends From Childhood
It was a good thing that Russell had a childhood friend whom he could rely on all the time. We are talking about Corey Harrison, of course, who become his co-star on Pawn Stars later in life.
Friends From Childhood
A Friendship With Employment Benefits
Russell and Corey spent a lot of time at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop hanging out together when they were younger. The shop is owned by Corey’s father, Rick. Their friendship came with specific benefits. Among other things, Russell started working full time at the shop at the age of 21.
A Friendship With Employment Benefits
Not What He Expected
While it requires a certain precision to work at a pawn shop, it is undeniable that it mostly involves carrying out menial tasks. Many people do not really think of this job as a glamorous career.
Not What He Expected
Five Short Years Later
In spite of this, Chumlee ended up on the small screen half a decade after he started working at Gold & Silver. It is quite possible that he enjoyed working on TV far more than his job at the pawnshop.
Five Short Years Later
Can’t Help It
With each passing season, Pawn Stars earned more fame and success, and Chumlee often fell into the role of a comic relief. He was the guy who always cracked jokes and made viewers and his co-stars laugh.
Can’t Help It
Not The Best Buys
His interest in rap, video games, pinball, and sneakers often showed in the things which he liked to target. We agree that they could be really fascinating objects, but for the business, they were not really good financial decisions. Oops.
Not The Best Buys
Making Many Mistakes
Chumlee tended to make quite a few silly mistakes and this allegedly also happened even at times when the cameras were not rolling. There was one time when he placed the stand-up bass of a client against a shelf. It, unfortunately, fell, causing it to break into pieces. Apparently, the possible worth of the item is an eye-popping $20,000!
Making Many Mistakes
Popularity For His Mishaps
The other members of the cast liked to tease him about mishaps like that one. You will see this dynamic is consistent on Pawn Stars if you watch the show. It was what made Russell dear to fans. Many viewers cite him as their favorite.
Popularity For His Mishaps
Quite The Popular Guy
In the beginning, he apparently got so much attention that he had to have a bodyguard accompany him when the entire team made public appearances together. That alone proves Chumlee has made it big time!
Quite The Popular Guy
Enjoying The Fame
Initially, Chumlee felt good about the attention that he was getting. He, along with his personal assistant, even launched a line of personalized merchandise. The other cast members also did the same thing as him.
Enjoying The Fame
The Fan-Favorite
However, none of them could match Chumlee when it came to selling merchandise. That is how things are if you are the team’s most popular member! More recently, he went into another venture and opened a shop that sells candy on the strip in Vegas!
The Fan-Favorite
Quite The Private Person
Chumlee was not the type to discuss how much he earns. In spite of this, everyone knows that back in 2010, he sold 50% of his shares in Gold & Silver to Rick Harrison and got $155,000 for it.
Quite The Private Person
Surprisingly Business Minded
His reason for doing this was to be able to focus his attention on his line of personalized merchandise. Clearly, Chumlee’s bumbler reputation is not completely true. After all, it can be seen that the man has some business sense!
Surprisingly Business Minded
Time To Make A Change
In addition, Russell also began to show interest in making himself better in other ways. Just two weeks before Pawn Stars premiered, his father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer at only 54 years old. As we could see, Russell was not really the most in-shape person. The death of his father motivated him to exercise more, eat better, and have a healthier lifestyle.
Time To Make A Change
A Healthier Lifestyle
In 2009 when he was 54 years old, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was clear that Russell was not in the best shape of his life. However, his father’s terrible death motivated him to create a healthier lifestyle which included clean eating and regular exercise
A Healthier Lifestyle
The Mind And Soul
Chumlee made healthy eating and exercise regular habits in his daily routine. His preferred forms of exercise are going to the gym and also practicing yoga. Not only does he believe in exercising the body, but also the mind and soul through mindfulness and meditation.
The Mind And Soul
Taking The Necessary Steps
Chumlee had planned how he was going to achieve this goal. Some of the things he began doing were going to the gym six times in a week, not eating red meat, and having fruit smoothies regularly in the morning. The results are truly unbelievable…
Taking The Necessary Steps
Impressive Transformation
The result of this intense health plan is an impressive transformation. If you are thinking about taking better care of yourself, it seems like following in his footsteps is a good idea!
Impressive Transformation
Healthy And Happy
Chumlee’s impressive metamorphosis happened between 2012 and 2013. He dropped a lot of weight. He lost 75 pounds, to be specific! We are happy to say that he looks healthier and happier!
Healthy And Happy
A Major Change
To be specific, Chumlee lost a total of 75 pounds! Good for him! He looks like he is so much happier and healthy don’t you think? This huge adjustment was difficult but he has managed to completely turn his life around.
A Major Change
Turning His Life Around
At last, he would be able to ride the hovercraft. Before his transformation, he was too heavy to get on one. He also started going out with Tanya Hyjazi, his long-term girlfriend. She is one of the chefs at the STACK Restaurant & Bar, which is at the Mirage Casino.
Turning His Life Around
New Relationships
Another change in his life was his new relationship with Tanya Hyjazi. She is a chef at the STACK Restaurant & Bar at the Mirage Casino. Big score for Chumlee! With his healthier lifestyle, he is also creating and strengthening relationships in his life.
New Relationships
Lavish Gift
Chumlee offered to pay for his girlfriend’s boob job after the two hit it off. This was something Tanya wanted to do for a while, so he wanted to help. Given that his salary was much larger than hers, he had no problem offering. Tanya happily accepted.
Lavish Gift
It’s Official
Chumlee recently popped the question, so the couple is now engaged and Tanya has a big ring on her finger. They celebrated in Waikiki’s The Royal Hawaiian Resort and one more time with friends, in Las Vegas’ Andiamo Italian Steakhouse.
It’s Official
The Whole Gang
All of their family and friends gathered together for the joyous celebration. This also included Corey Harrison and his father Rick Harrison which are Chumlee’s Pawn Stars co-stars and good friends
The Whole Gang
Mrs. Chumlee
Rademenn plans to open her own eyelash studio, or hopefully a chain of boutiques. Chumlee may be able to work together with his wife by expanding his current business ” the candy shop” side by side witTanya’s eyelash business.
Mrs. Chumlee
Where Things Went Wrong
With these in mind, you would never guess things for Chumlee were about to change for the worse. In March 2016, signs of trouble first appeared. What could it be?
Where Things Went Wrong
All Charges Were Dropped
During this time, he became a suspect in a sexual assault case. An employee of the shop had made the charges. However, it was eventually dropped owing to insufficient evidence.
All Charges Were Dropped
Just The Beginning
This case ended well for Chumlee, but his legal troubles did not end here. Chumlee found himself in hot water once more when he was charged again…
Just The Beginning
The Results Of A Police Raid
This time around his home was searched as part of the investigation, and this resulted in more problems. While the authorities found nothing valuable related to the case at hand, they did discover other things in Chumlee’s possession.
The Results Of A Police Raid
Illegal Substances Abound
The authorities found a gun, marijuana, and crystal meth in his home. These things, to say the least, gave the police enough reason to place the reality television star under watch.
Illegal Substances Abound
Even More Incriminating Things
When the police did a second raid, they discovered even more contraband items! To be specific, they found 11 firearms. If they were all registered there would not have been any problem. However, only four were.
Even More Incriminating Things
Chumlee Arrested
In addition, the authorities also found more drugs. There was also evidence that suggested cocaine use. You do not have to be a genius to guess what happened next. He was arrested, needless to say.
Chumlee Arrested
At The Very Least
Within several months, the beloved Chumlee found himself having to face 20 separate felony counts. Even though it is not really a consolation, the court, at the very least, did not find evidence that the firearms had been used for illegal matters. Things would have been significantly worse for the TV personality otherwise.
At The Very Least
Nothing Illegal
Luckily for Chum, the firearms they found in his possession were not even being used for illegal matter. If it were otherwise, this would have been another story for the television superstar. That was a close one!
Nothing Illegal
Justice Being Served
Chumlee pled guilty to drug possession, attempted misdemeanor, and unlawful weapons possession. Basically, he avoided getting any prison time because of this. He has been on probation for 12 months.
Justice Being Served
The Worst Is Behind Him
If Chumlee shows good behavior during this period, his record will only show the misdemeanor charge. Also, he has to attend counseling. To us, that sounds fair enough. It seems like the tide is slowly turning for him.
The Worst Is Behind Him
A Rough Patch
It seems like Chumlee is just about finished with his streak of bad luck. It sounds like he’s on his way out of a streak of bad luck. The question that stands is, “Will Chumlee’s career survive this kind of scandal?” The only way to know is to wait and see. Best of luck to you Chum!
A Rough Patch
A Hard Year
At the end of 2016, Chumlee spoke candidly to his fans about the situation he was dealing with. The reality TV star acknowledged and explained how rough the year had been for him and looked to his fans for support.
A Hard Year
Thanking His Supporters
If you think that this scandal will end his career, you might have to rethink your opinion. In an interview towards the end of 2016, he acknowledged that the year had been pretty rough for him. However, more importantly, Chumlee expressed gratitude for the support he received from his fans in a really trying time.
Thanking His Supporters
Endless Gratitude
He took to Instagram and shared this photo with this caption: “I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to all my amazing fans that come and see me daily at @chums_candy – Thank you all for all the amazing love you show me. Come see me this weekend.”
Endless Gratitude
The Fate Of Pawn Stars
You might be wondering what happened to Pawn Stars. During that time, a lot of speculation had been made about the show’s status. The was uncertainty about whether it was going to get renewed or not.
The Fate Of Pawn Stars
Back To Normal
We are happy to say, much to the relief of the show’s fans, that the reality TV series continued airing! Chumlee is still involved as well. Let us hope things will get back to normal for the TV personality in no time! After all, his probation will be ending soon.
Back To Normal
Self-Improvement
Chumlee’s problems with the law caused him to pause his career in Pawn Stars. During this time, the 36-year-old used this as an opportunity to channel his attention for self-love and self-improvement. This was great for him and he was able to really focus on himself both physically and mentally.
Self-Improvement
500 Episodes
This reality show is also doing extremely well. Pawn Stars has just recently celebrated their 500th episode! Chumlee documented the moment on Instagram by posting a photo that said “Come celebrate our 500th episode on Monday night on History [channel]. This is something we could not have done without you!!!! Thank you!!!”.
500 Episodes
Thanks To Chumlee
This Television show would not be as successful as it is today without Chumlee. Audiences keep coming back to see his radiant personality and kind heart. He brings life to the show and makes his viewers keep coming back for more.
Thanks To Chumlee
Spin-Offs
Due to the show’s incredible success, the History channel decided to try a few spin-offs. With already 9 spin-offs today These include, Cajun Pawn Stars, Pawnography, Counting Cars, Pawn Stars: Pumped Up, Pawn Stars UK, Hardcore Pawn, Pawn Queens, Pawn Stars Australia and Harcore Pawn: Chicago.
Spin-Offs
Money, Money, Money
Chumlee has managed to really create a name and fortune for himself. He brings in the cash with his star role on the tv series, side businesses, and also the many appearances he makes. So when is he going to invite us over for a pool day in his $1.5 million mansion?
Money, Money, Money
Back And Better Than Ever
We really hope Chumlee is back to the happy Chumlee he was before! It appears the reality TV star had gone down a bad path. We hope he learned from his mistakes and never do them again.
Back And Better Than Ever
A Stable Life
Currently, Chum is continuing to focus on improving himself every day. He maintains a very stable home life with his lovely wife as well as their dog. Sometimes stability is the force we all need a little more of!
A Stable Life
Weight Problem
Chumlee had always struggled with his weight since he was a kid. In 2014 he managed to lose almost 100 pounds. Although he has been doing extremely well at focusing on his health, this is a battle he faces every single day.
Weight Problem
Surgery
The weight Chum so proudly lost, started to return and he decided to take drastic measures to keep it off. This included a lap band surgery he performed last year. From the surgery alone, he lost 10 pounds. Imagine what he can do when he pairs this with his new health routine!
The Surgery
His Continued Health Plan
Chumlee is determined to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. He has dropped from 340 pounds to 210 and is not far from his goal weight of 170 pounds. He plans to lose more fat while also building muscle.
His Continued Health Plan
New Beginnings
Chumlee remains a cast member of the Pawn Stars cast and is also joining new business ventures every month. Keep your eyes open for Chumlee because he is constantly doing new and exciting things!
New Beginnings