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10. Austin “Chumlee” Russell
The likeable but unlikely reality TV star Chumlee has lost a remarkable 75 pounds through love since he started sampling the culinary delights of his girlfriend Tany Hyjazi. Austin Russell was given the nickname “Chumlee” when he was about 12 years old.
Due to his large stature, the father of one of his friends stated that he looked like the walrus Chumley from the animated TV series Tennessee Tuxedo. At age 21, Chumlee started working for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and had worked there for five years by the time of shooting for the first season of the reality television series Pawn Stars (which is set at the shop). Chumlee emerged as the breakout character, and a fan favorite of the series.
As a result of the Pawn Stars’s success, he formed his own company, which sells novelty items, including T-shirts of his own design, and arranges for his personal appearances. In a recent interview to Las Vegas Review-Journal he talked about his weight loss: I’m going to the gym six days a week. I’m eating right. Well-balanced diet.
I drink a juice smoothie every morning. My dad died from pancreatic cancer at 54, two weeks before the show aired. I’m making sure I’m eating my vegetables and staying away from the red meat.”