Paul Teutul Jr. Then & Now: American Chopper's [keyword] Story

Ever wondered what happened to the fiery personalities behind those iconic custom bikes? The dramatic saga of Paul Teutul Jr., a name synonymous with groundbreaking motorcycle designs and intense family dynamics, continues to unfold.

Paul Michael Teutul Jr., born on October 2, 1974, etched his name into pop culture as one of the leading figures on the hit reality television series, "American Chopper." Sharing the screen with his father, Paul John Teutul Sr., the show chronicled the intricate process of crafting custom motorcycles at Orange County Choppers (OCC). However, the show became equally known for the tempestuous relationship between father and son, a dynamic that often overshadowed the impressive bikes they created.

The constant clashes and disagreements, which often erupted over design choices and deadlines, became a staple of "American Chopper," captivating audiences for four seasons and 67 episodes within two years. Yet, behind the entertainment, the tension between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. remained unresolved. Despite the show's popularity, their personal relationship continued to deteriorate.

• Tyrus Net Worth In 2025 How Rich Is The Wrestler Host
• Sharna Burgess Age Dwts Life Story Of The Star

The series' cancellation in 2012 marked a significant turning point. Following the end of "American Chopper," Paul Jr. and Paul Sr. reportedly had limited contact, drifting further apart. The estrangement was so profound that Paul Sr. allegedly did not attend Paul Jr.'s wedding, even though he received an invitation. This absence spoke volumes about the deep rift that had formed between them, a stark contrast to the on-screen partnership that had once captivated millions.

Paul John Teutul Sr., the patriarch of the Teutul family, established Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle manufacturing powerhouse that served as the central stage for "American Chopper." Paul Sr. first appeared on the show alongside his sons, Paul Jr. and Michael (Mikey), quickly becoming known for his gruff demeanor and unwavering vision. He is also father to Daniel and Christin.

After the end of the show in 2012, Paul Sr. started his new show in 2013, Orange County Choppers, that premiered on CMT. Paul Sr. was married to Beth Ann Santos in 2007, but the couple separated in 2015. Pauls current girlfriend is Joan Bulger. Paul Sr. is father to Paul Jr., Daniel, Michael and Christin.

• Richard Saghian Fashion Nova Ceo Life Net Worth News
• George Soros Net Worth In 2025 Investments Philanthropy

In March 2018, Paul Teutul Sr. faced significant financial challenges, leading him to file for bankruptcy. Court documents revealed that he allegedly owed $1,070,893.44. These financial struggles added another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr.

The legal battles and personal disagreements between Paul Jr. and his father ultimately led Paul Jr. to chart his own course. In 2009, he founded Paul Jr. Designs in Montgomery, New York, a venture that allowed him to fully express his creative vision without the constraints of OCC. He still resides in Montgomery, NY today.

Paul Michael Teutul Jr. found success outside of the family business. His company, Paul Jr. Designs (PJD), quickly garnered attention for its innovative and artistic approach to motorcycle customization. PJD became a platform for Paul Jr.'s distinctive style, allowing him to design and build bikes that reflected his personal aesthetic. Paul Jr. Designs specializes in custom bike builds, as well as designing products for other companies such as Scion and Ford Motor Co.

One of Paul Jr.'s notable projects outside of his shop was his collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment, where he helmed the Aezeroth Choppers project. This ambitious undertaking involved designing motorcycles inspired by the popular video game, World of Warcraft. The project showcased Paul Jr.'s versatility and ability to translate fantastical concepts into tangible, rideable machines.

Paul Jr.'s early life, predating his television fame, remains relatively less explored compared to his career highlights and the well-documented family feuds. Born in 1974, he was the first son of Paul Teutul Sr. and his first wife, Paula. Growing up, Paul Jr. frequently worked in his fathers steel business (Orange County Ironworks) starting at the age of 12. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a foundational understanding of metal fabrication. He also grew to be an avid New York Yankees fan, and appeared in a game.

The eldest of four children, Paul Jr. grew up alongside his siblings: Daniel, Michael, and Christin. Daniel now owns and is the general manager of Orange County Ironworks LLC, while Michael also featured on "American Chopper." The youngest of the Teutul siblings, Christin, works as a nurse in Rochester, New York. The large family became a central point of "American Chopper."

Paul Jr.'s mother is Paula Teutul, Paul Sr.'s first wife. While she remained largely behind the scenes, her presence was a stabilizing force within the family. She helped build the strong foundation that the family needed to grow.

Paul Jr.'s departure from "American Chopper" and OCC marked a pivotal moment in his career. The decision to leave was driven by the increasingly strained relationship with his father and the desire to pursue his creative vision independently. Leaving meant starting over and facing the challenges of establishing his own brand in a competitive industry. The legal issues between him and his father left Paul Teutul Jr. starting over.

Since leaving "American Chopper," Paul Jr. has carved out a successful career for himself with Paul Jr. Designs, according to Michael Frank from Hagerty. Known for his creativity and unique approach to custom motorcycles, Paul Jr. has built a loyal following of fans who admire his work. He has been able to build a new life for himself.

Paul Sr.'s Orange County Choppers is still around, but not where it used to be. OCC is now smaller and less flashy than it was in the days of "American Chopper." The family company became a celebrity 20 years ago when he, his brother, and his father were featured on the Discovery Channel reality series, American Chopper, chronicling their custom motorcycle business.

In the new Discovery two hour special, "American Chopper: The Last Ride," Paul Teutul Jr. and Paul Sr. go back to where it all started. Does this mean that the mercurial relationship between father and son is over? Are the two getting along? Viewers tuning in to see the special get the chance to see if the family is over.

In addition to Paul Jr. and Mikey Teutul, Paul Sr. is also father to Christin Teutul and Daniel 'Dan' Teutul. Dan Teutul took over Orange County Ironworks when his father started building more bikes than buildings. His daughter Christin is a nurse in New York City who works in pediatrics. She spent her working years as a quality control manager in Norwood, New Jersey.

The show "American Chopper," which follows Paul Teutul Sr. as he, his team, and his sons, Michael and Paul Jr., build custom big motorcycles, became know for its big fights. He went his own way after the family drama, created Paul Jr. Technologies), specializing in custom bike builds, as well as designing products for other companies such as Scion and Ford Motor Co.