adminIt shocked Pawn Stars fans when rumors claimed Austin “Chumlee” Russell had been sentenced to life in prison, but while Chumlee did face serious legal trouble in 2016—stemming from drug and firearm charges during a sexual assault investigation where no assault charges were filed—he ultimately avoided prison, accepting a plea deal of probation and counseling.
Known for his comedic role and lovable personality on Pawn Stars, Chumlee had built a successful career, launching his own business, selling novelty items, and later opening Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard in Las Vegas. Despite his legal troubles, he bounced back, focusing on his health by first losing 75 pounds naturally and later undergoing gastric bypass surgery, shedding over 160 pounds and significantly improving his quality of life. He expanded his ventures, including the release of his retro-style video game Chumlee’s Adventure: The Quest for Pinky, a nod to his love of classic Nintendo games. In 2024, Chumlee appeared at San Diego Comic-Con, looking noticeably slimmer and happier, sharing moments with fans and industry legends like Todd McFarlane and Mitsuhiro Arita while showing off his Pokémon card collection.