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Orange County Choppers son dies cause of death2020
Biography of the Key Members of Orange County Choppers
Orange County Choppers (OCC) is a renowned American company specializing in the production of custom motorcycles. It gained worldwide fame primarily due to the reality TV series American Chopper, which showcased the lives and work of the Teutul family—most notably, Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. Over the years, OCC has been the subject of various headlines, including rumors and misinformation, such as the widely circulated but incorrect claim about Orange County Choppers’ son dies cause of death 2020. Below is a comprehensive biography of Paul Teutul Sr., his son Paul Teutul Jr., and his other son, Michael “Mikey” Teutul. This information includes their birthdates, professional backgrounds, achievements, and key aspects of their personal lives and family relationships.
Paul Teutul Sr.
Early Life and Career
Paul John Teutul Sr. was born on May 1, 1949, in Yonkers, New York. He is the founder and owner of Orange County Choppers (OCC) and is well known as a designer and builder of custom motorcycles. Alongside his children, Paul Sr. gained recognition through the reality TV show American Chopper, which first aired in 2002. With his signature mustache and tough personality, he became one of the most recognizable figures in reality television.
Professional Background
Before establishing OCC, Paul Sr. ran a steel fabrication business called Orange County Ironworks, which was later managed by his son Daniel Teutul. His passion for building custom motorcycles led him to pursue this craft professionally in the late 1990s. In 1999, he officially founded Orange County Choppers, creating unique custom motorcycles that quickly gained widespread attention. The bold and innovative designs of OCC bikes soon made headlines, and the company became a staple in the custom motorcycle industry. The success of OCC eventually led to the creation of the TV series American Chopper, which chronicled the working and personal dynamics of the Teutul family.
Achievements and Notable Projects
Under Paul Sr.’s leadership, OCC became an internationally recognized brand in the world of custom motorcycle building. Over the course of American Chopper, the company produced hundreds of one-of-a-kind motorcycles for a variety of clients, including major corporations and celebrities. Paul Sr. also made appearances in various other media projects, such as the 2013 TV series Orange County Choppers on CMT and the 2007 comedy film Wild Hogs, where he made a cameo appearance. Despite facing ups and downs, Paul Sr. remains active in the industry. In 2020, he relocated OCC’s operations to Florida to start a new chapter for the company. He also launched the OCC Road House & Museum, a restaurant and museum in Florida that showcases custom motorcycles and memorabilia from OCC’s history. The venue officially opened in mid-2021.
Paul Teutul Jr.
Early Life and Role in OCC
Paul Michael Teutul Jr. was born on October 2, 1974, in New York. He is the eldest son of Paul Sr. and was the lead designer and fabricator at OCC before leaving the company. Paul Jr. rose to fame through American Chopper, where he was known for his creative designs and craftsmanship. Before joining OCC, he worked in the family’s steel business, focusing on fabricating metal railings.
Departure from OCC and Founding of Paul Jr. Designs
As a key figure in OCC’s success, Paul Jr.’s contributions became overshadowed by growing tensions with his father. Their frequent clashes on American Chopper eventually led to Paul Jr. being fired by Paul Sr. in 2009 after a heated argument. Although he briefly returned, he ultimately decided to leave permanently. After serving a one-year non-compete clause, Paul Jr. launched his own company, Paul Jr. Designs (PJD), in 2009. The company specializes in custom motorcycles and branded merchandise.
Michael “Mikey” Teutul
Role at OCC and Personal Struggles
Michael Joseph Teutul, known as Mikey, was born on November 26, 1978. The youngest of Paul Sr.’s children, Mikey was an essential part of OCC’s day-to-day operations and provided comic relief on American Chopper.
Mikey started working at Orange County Ironworks as a teenager before transitioning to OCC, where he handled administrative and promotional tasks. However, family conflicts and personal struggles—including a battle with alcoholism in 2009—led him to step away from the company. After a brief stint with Paul Jr. Designs, Mikey distanced himself from the family business to focus on personal interests.
Creative Pursuits
Mikey explored various creative outlets, including painting and stand-up comedy. In 2011, he launched an art gallery, Wolfgang Gallery, though it closed by 2013 due to low sales. He also started a homemade pasta sauce business and launched a podcast called Between the Lines, where he shares personal insights and interviews guests.
Unlike his father and brother, Mikey has never married and prefers to focus on his passions. However, he maintains occasional involvement with OCC and PJD projects.
Conclusion
The Teutul family has left a lasting impact on the custom motorcycle industry through their work at OCC and American Chopper. Despite their family feuds, business rivalries, and personal struggles, they remain icons in the world of custom bike building. While each member has taken a different path, the name Orange County Choppers continues to be synonymous with high-end custom motorcycles.
