What Happened to Austin Lee Russell?

Austin Lee Russell, better known as Chumlee, gained international recognition as a beloved cast member on the History Channel's reality series "Pawn Stars," which premiered in July 2009. His laid-back demeanor and comedic antics at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, where he had worked since the early 2000s, quickly made him a fan favorite.

However, Chumlee's public image faced a significant challenge in March 2016 when his home was raided during a sexual assault investigation. Although he was never charged with sexual assault, authorities discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax, and unregistered firearms. He was subsequently arrested and faced multiple felony drug and weapons charges. In June 2016, Russell accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to a felony weapons charge (unlawful possession of a firearm) and a gross misdemeanor for attempted drug possession. The agreement stipulated three years of probation and counseling, allowing him to avoid prison time. He successfully completed his probation and counseling by 2019, with the felony charge eventually reduced to a misdemeanor on his record.

Beyond his legal troubles, Chumlee has also undergone a remarkable personal transformation regarding his health. Inspired by his father's death from pancreatic cancer, he initially lost 75 pounds by September 2013 through diet and exercise. After regaining weight and reaching 350 pounds by January 2019, he opted for gastric sleeve surgery. By October 2021, he had lost 160 pounds, bringing his weight down to 190 pounds, a change he has committed to maintaining through a healthier lifestyle.

In his entrepreneurial endeavors, Chumlee opened his own retail venture, Chumlee's Candy on the Boulevard, in May 2017. Located in Pawn Plaza, adjacent to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, the store sells novelty sweets and merchandise and has become a popular tourist attraction. He also co-hosts the "Pawn After Dark" podcast, further expanding his brand.

As of August 12, 2026, Austin Lee Russell remains an active cast member on "Pawn Stars." He recently made headlines with a satirical Instagram post on August 4, 2026, jokingly announcing he had been "fired" from the show, which was quickly clarified as a prank. The "Pawn Stars" series is reportedly set for a relaunch in 2027, with both Rick Harrison and Chumlee expected to be central to the new iteration. Chumlee continues to leverage his fame through public appearances, merchandise, and his candy business, maintaining a significant presence in Las Vegas and the entertainment industry.