Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever watched Pawn Stars, you’ve asked yourself at least once, “Is Chumlee still on the show, or did he finally get lost in that giant pile of vintage video games?” The answer, my friend, is a glorious, cash-register-ringing yes. Chumlee—whose real name is Austin Russell, but let’s not get fancy—is still very much a part of the pawn shop zoo, even after all these years. He’s the human equivalent of a lava lamp: weirdly comforting, slightly sticky, and you can’t quite figure out how he hasn’t broken yet.
But here’s where it gets ridiculous. Chumlee isn’t just still there; he’s basically the shop’s immune system. While Rick Harrison haggles like a skinflint badger, and Corey (Big Hoss) broods about his gold chain collection, Chumlee wobbles around, offering expert opinions on everything from vintage Star Wars figures to antique dildos (yes, that happened, and I need brain bleach). He’s the court jester, the comic relief, and the guy who accidentally sold a $50,000 coin for $50 and still got a raise. It’s a miracle wrapped in a velvet Elvis painting.
The Chumlee Comeback Tour… Wait, Did He Ever Leave?
If you’ve been doomscrolling through Reddit, you’ve seen the conspiracy theories: “Chumlee was fired after that 2016 raid!” “He’s broke! He’s in jail! He’s been replaced by a sentient pile of Beefaroni!” Calm down, keyboard warriors. In 2016, Chumlee did get raided by the Las Vegas police—they found weed, a gun, and some very questionable adult film collections. It was a tabloid feast. But here’s the twist: he took a plea deal, did some community service, and the show barely blinked. The producers were probably like, “Great, now he’s even more famous. More drama, more ratings, bring him back.”
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And bring him back they did. Chumlee is like a cockroach in a radiation suit—he survives everything. He’s been stalked by weird fans. He’s had financial scares. He once ate a funnel cake on camera so aggressively that I think I aged ten years. But the dude keeps rolling. In fact, he’s thriving. He’s got his own YouTube channel now, where he sells signed photos and talks about his love of pugs. If that’s not the American Dream, I don’t know what is.
What Does Chumlee Actually Do at the Shop?
Let’s get real: his job description is loose. Officially, he’s a “pawn broker” and “employee,” but really, he’s the Chief Morale Officer and Professional Over-Pricer of Old Nintendo Cartridges. He’s the guy who overpays for anything with a funny slogan on it. Got a 1987 “World’s Worst Father” mug? Chumlee will give you $50 for it, then Rick will yell at him for ten minutes. It’s a beautiful cycle of incompetence and heart.
Chumlee What Happened To Austin Lee "Chumlee" Russell From Pawn Stars?
But here’s a surprising fact: Chumlee is actually shrewd about pop culture. He’s the only one who can tell a fake Pikachu from a real one. He once correctly identified a rare Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy from 1993 and sold it for triple its value. I know. I’m as shocked as you are. He’s like a secret savant hidden under a cloud of nacho cheese and bad decisions.
And his paycheck? Rumors swirl that he makes around $1 million per year from the show and side gigs. That’s a lot of money for a guy whose main skill is looking confused while holding a cane that he doesn’t actually need for walking. He bought a house. He bought a car that looks like something from a Fast & Furious fever dream. Honestly, he’s living my best life, and I’m jealous of his freedom.
'Pawn Stars': How Much Is Chumlee Paid Per Episode in 2023?
Wait, Is There a Chance He’ll Leave?
Here’s the tea: Pawn Stars is still chugging along, albeit with fewer episodes. The old gang is still there, but the vibe has shifted. Rick’s health has been a concern (he had a bad hip replacement), Corey got divorced and got serious about fitness, and Chumlee… well, Chumlee keeps being Chumlee. He’s the constant in a changing world, like a fuzzy, overweight compass pointing toward do-nothing bliss.
But rumors of his departure pop up like dandelions. Some say he’s too famous now. Some say he’s focusing on his clothing line “Chumlee’s Emporium” (which is mostly Hawaiian shirts for men who hate buttoning them). Others whisper that the show is finally winding down after 25 seasons. But let’s be honest: as long as there’s a gold coin to under-value or a signed Mickey Mantle ball to drop, Chumlee will be there, asking, “So, what’s the bottom dollar on this thing?”
Is Chumlee From Pawnstars Dead? 2022
Final Verdict: Is He Still a Pawn Star?
Yes, folks. Chumlee is still on Pawn Stars, and he’s not going anywhere until he’s either eaten the entire shop’s inventory of beef jerky or achieved world peace through sheer, baffling charm. He is immortal, like a cockroach, or a reality TV trope. If you tune into History Channel on a Tuesday night, you’ll still see him fumbling for a price gun while Rick sighs like a disappointed father. It’s comfort food for the soul.
So pour yourself a glass of something cheap, curl up on your couch, and watch Chumlee accidentally break a Chinese vase worth 300 bucks. He’s still there, still round, and still making us laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. And honestly? In a world full of drama, that’s a very profitable piece of heaven.
