Austin Lee Russell, popularly known as Chumlee, is a beloved reality TV star and entrepreneur, best recognized for his role on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars. As of 2025, Chumlee’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, amassed through his television career, business ventures, and collectibles expertise. Fans searching for details on his age, salary, married status, and dating life will find this comprehensive guide packed with fresh insights, personal anecdotes, and updated information. From his quirky pawn shop antics to his entrepreneurial journey, here’s everything you need to know about Chumlee’s financial and personal success.
Who Is Chumlee? Biography and Early Life
Born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada, Chumlee is 43 years old as of 2025. His nickname, inspired by the walrus “Chumley” from the cartoon Tennessee Tuxedo, reflects his larger-than-life personality. Growing up, Chumlee developed a passion for collecting, often scouring flea markets with his childhood friend Corey Harrison, whose family owns the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. This early exposure laid the foundation for his career. Despite limited formal education, Chumlee’s street-smart savvy and knack for spotting valuable items propelled him to fame.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Austin Lee Russell |
| Nickname | Chumlee |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1982 |
| Age (2025) | 43 years old |
| Birthplace | Henderson, Nevada, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (Swedish, English, Scottish, Irish, German descent) |
| Education | High School Graduate, GED (2009) |
| Siblings | Sage (brother), Terra (sister) |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Businessman, Actor |
| Known For | Pawn Stars |
| Hobbies | Collecting shoes, video games, Pokémon cards, skateboarding |
Chumlee’s Net Worth in 2025: How He Built His Fortune
Chumlee’s net worth of $5 million in 2025 stems from multiple income streams. His primary earnings come from Pawn Stars, where he reportedly earns $25,000 per episode. With over 700 episodes across 22 seasons, this has significantly boosted his wealth. Beyond TV, Chumlee’s entrepreneurial ventures include Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, a popular Las Vegas candy store opened in 2017, managed by his brother Sage. The store’s strategic location near the pawn shop attracts tourists, contributing to his steady income.
Chumlee also launched a merchandise line featuring T-shirts and novelty items, which outsells other Pawn Stars cast members’ products. In 2010, he sold half his company stake to Rick Harrison for $155,000, leveraging the pawn shop’s distribution network. His real estate ventures, including selling a Las Vegas mansion for $1.38 million in 2019, further showcase his financial acumen. Unlike many reality stars, Chumlee’s ability to diversify his income through collectibles expertise and strategic investments sets him apart.
Unique Insight: The Collectibles Market
As a collectibles expert, Chumlee’s knowledge of vintage toys, pinball machines, and Pokémon cards adds significant value to his brand. For example, in a 2023 episode of Pawn Stars, he appraised a rare Pokémon Charizard card, accurately estimating its value at $10,000, impressing both customers and co-stars. This expertise isn’t just for show; Chumlee’s personal collection, including over 200 pairs of sneakers, reflects a deep understanding of market trends. The global collectibles market, valued at $426 billion in 2023, continues to grow, and Chumlee’s niche expertise positions him for future financial gains.
Chumlee’s Salary: Breaking Down His Earnings
Chumlee’s salary of $25,000 per episode makes him one of Pawn Stars’ highest-paid stars. With an average of 30 episodes per season, his annual TV earnings alone can exceed $750,000. Additional income from public appearances, where he earns upwards of $1,000 per event, and his candy store’s revenue, estimated at $200,000 annually based on Las Vegas tourism data, bolster his finances. His DJ gigs at local clubs, inspired by artists like Deadmau5, add another revenue stream, with fees ranging from $500 to $2,000 per performance.
Is Chumlee Married? Dating and Relationship Updates
As of 2025, Chumlee is not married but has a colorful dating history. He was previously engaged to Olivia Rademann, whom he married in a private 2019 ceremony in Hawaii. The couple divorced in 2020, and Chumlee removed her photos from his Instagram, signaling a clean break. Earlier, he dated Tanya Hyjazi, a chef who supported his weight loss journey from 2013 to 2016. Currently, Chumlee is rumored to be dating Kylie Fratto, though he keeps his personal life private. His focus remains on his career and health, endearing him to fans who admire his resilience.
Case Study: Chumlee’s Weight Loss Journey
Chumlee’s health transformation is a testament to his determination. In 2019, weighing 350 pounds, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery, losing 160 pounds by 2021. His ex-girlfriend Tanya Hyjazi, a professional chef, introduced him to healthier eating habits, such as vegetable-heavy diets and juicing. On Instagram (@chumlee), he shares motivational posts, stating, “Health is wealth, and I’m investing in myself.” His journey resonates with fans, offering a relatable narrative of overcoming personal challenges.
Chumlee’s Career: From Pawn Shop to TV Stardom
Chumlee joined the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at 21, initially handling behind-the-counter tasks like testing items and writing tickets. His breakout moment came in 2009 with Pawn Stars’ debut, where his humor and collectibles knowledge made him a fan favorite. Despite being the “comic foil,” Chumlee’s expertise in niche items like pinball machines earned him respect. He’s appeared in other shows, including iCarly and Counting Cars, and even launched a pet supplies line, Chumlee’s Suga Bear, in 2015.
His business ventures extend beyond TV. Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard remains a Las Vegas hotspot, with Yelp reviews praising its nostalgic appeal. His merchandise line, available through the pawn shop’s website, continues to thrive, reflecting his ability to monetize his fame.
Legal Challenges and Resilience
In 2016, Chumlee faced legal troubles when police raided his home over sexual assault allegations, finding unregistered firearms and drugs. He pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge and a misdemeanor drug charge, receiving three years of probation. Reflecting on this, Chumlee told Las Vegas Review-Journal, “I made mistakes, but I’ve learned to focus on what I can control.” His ability to rebound, maintain his Pawn Stars role, and grow his businesses highlights his resilience.
Why Chumlee’s Story Matters
Chumlee’s journey from a pawn shop employee to a $5 million net worth showcases the power of leveraging personality and expertise. His story resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that authenticity and niche knowledge can lead to success. Unlike other reality stars, Chumlee’s focus on collectibles and community engagement—through charity work like Toys for Tots—sets him apart.
For more on Chumlee’s career, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on Instagram. Check out Pawn Stars on the History Channel for his latest episodes.
