Paul Teutul, Sr., American motorcycle designer, co-founded Orange County Choppers

Paul John Teutul Sr., born on May 1, 1949, stands as an iconic figure within the custom motorcycle world and a celebrated personality in reality television. Widely known as "Senior," he is the visionary founder of Orange County Choppers (OCC), a renowned manufacturer of bespoke, high-performance motorcycles that captivated audiences globally.

Before venturing into the flamboyant world of custom choppers, Teutul honed his skills in a more traditional industry. He initially founded Orange County Ironworks, a successful steel fabrication business. It was this foundation, coupled with a deep passion for motorcycles, that paved the way for the creation of Orange County Choppers in 1999. OCC quickly distinguished itself by crafting unique, theme-based motorcycles that were not only powerful machines but also intricate works of art, pushing the boundaries of custom bike design and engineering.

The company, and Senior himself, shot to international fame as the central focus of the highly popular reality television series American Chopper. Premiering on Discovery Channel in 2003, the show offered an unvarnished look into the often-turbulent daily operations of OCC, chronicling the intense process of designing and building these extraordinary bikes from concept to completion. A significant draw of the series was the dynamic, often explosive, relationship between Paul Sr. and his two sons, Paul Teutul Jr. and Michael Teutul, who also played prominent roles in the business and on the show. Paul Jr., as the lead designer and fabricator, was frequently at loggerheads with his father over creative differences and management styles, leading to many memorable on-screen confrontations. Meanwhile, Michael (Mikey) often provided much-needed comedic relief and served as the shop's general manager and, at times, its public face. This compelling family drama, set against the backdrop of elaborate, one-of-a-kind motorcycle builds, resonated deeply with millions of viewers, transforming OCC into a household name and solidifying the custom motorcycle culture in mainstream media.

Following the immense success and eventual conclusion of American Chopper, Paul Sr. continued his television presence, showcasing his enduring commitment to the custom bike industry. In 2013, a new series titled Orange County Choppers premiered on CMT, offering fans a fresh perspective on the ongoing ventures, challenges, and creative projects undertaken by his iconic motorcycle company in a new chapter of its story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Teutul Sr. and Orange County Choppers

When was Paul John Teutul Sr. born?

Paul John Teutul Sr. was born on May 1, 1949.

What is Orange County Choppers (OCC)?

Orange County Choppers is a renowned custom motorcycle manufacturing company, founded by Paul Teutul Sr. in 1999, famous for its unique and theme-based bike designs.

What was the name of the reality TV show that first featured Paul Teutul Sr. and OCC?

The primary reality television series that brought them to international prominence was American Chopper, which premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2003.

Who were Paul Teutul Sr.'s sons featured on American Chopper?

His sons, Paul Teutul Jr. (Paulie) and Michael Teutul (Mikey), were central figures on the show, each playing significant roles within the company and contributing to the series' compelling family dynamics.

Did Paul Teutul Sr. have other television shows after American Chopper?

Yes, in 2013, his new show titled Orange County Choppers premiered on CMT, continuing to document the work and developments at his custom motorcycle company.