Pawn Stars – Heartbreaking Tragedy Of Rick Harrison From “Pawn Stars” | HO

Rick Harrison, the star of *Pawn Stars*, has faced significant personal tragedies in recent years. In January 2024, his son, Adam Harrison, tragically passed away at the age of 39 from a drug overdose. Adam had worked at the family’s pawn shop, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, but later moved on to a career as a plumber. He had occasionally appeared on the show but preferred to stay out of the public eye.

This loss was particularly heartbreaking for Rick, especially since he had already experienced another painful loss—his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison, better known as “The Old Man,” passed away in June 2018 after battling Parkinson’s disease.

Both losses have been deeply felt by Rick, who has shared his grief publicly, showing a more personal side of his life outside of the pawn shop. The family’s struggles have left an emotional impact on the show, and fans have expressed their sympathy for Rick during this difficult time.

Few reality TV shows genuinely captivate audiences worldwide, but “Pawn Stars,” which premiered on the History Channel in 2009, has done precisely that. Blending historical fascination, real-life negotiation, and family dynamics, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

At its heart is co-founder Rick Harrison, whose determination and charismatic presence have driven both the series and his family’s pawn shop, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, to impressive success. Yet, beneath the fame and fortune, Rick Harrison’s life story is marked by personal tragedies and challenges that remain largely unknown to the public.

Born Richard Kevin Harrison on March 22, 1965, Rick grew up in a family deeply rooted in hard work and resilience. His father, Richard Benjamin Harrison, a U.S. Navy veteran, and mother, Joanne Rue Harrison, raised four children—Sherry, Joseph, Rick, and Chris.

Rick, their third child, experienced profound loss early on. His older sister, Sherry Joanne Harrison, born with Down syndrome, tragically passed away at just six years old. This early heartbreak left an indelible impact on Rick’s childhood.

At only eight years old, Rick faced yet another significant hardship when he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Forced to spend considerable time confined to bed, he turned to books, discovering a passion for reading and history.

Particularly inspired by John D. Fitzgerald’s “Great Brain” series, Rick developed a lifelong fascination with history and physics, notably the era of the British Royal Navy from the late 1700s to early 1800s. This early adversity shaped not only his character but also laid the foundation for his expertise on historical items later featured on “Pawn Stars.”

Rick’s teenage years were equally tumultuous. Dropping out of Taft Middle School in tenth grade, he began selling fake Gucci bags, earning significant income for a teenager. In 1981, financial hardship forced the Harrison family to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking new opportunities after the collapse of his parents’ real estate business.

At just seventeen, Rick faced adult responsibilities when his girlfriend Kim became pregnant. The young couple endured the painful loss of their first child to miscarriage, but their resilience saw them marrying shortly thereafter, welcoming their first son, Corey, in 1983. Corey would later become a key figure alongside his father in “Pawn Stars.” Two years later, they had another son, Adam, but Rick and Kim separated shortly after.

Despite personal turmoil, Rick continued striving for stability. He married Tracy shortly after his divorce from Kim, and the pair jointly raised Corey and Adam. Meanwhile, Rick and his father ventured into business, establishing a small second-hand coin shop in Las Vegas.

Rick’s extensive historical knowledge was instrumental in their success, providing authenticity to the shop’s inventory. However, the path to the thriving business fans know today was riddled with obstacles.

Initially unable to open a pawn shop due to strict Las Vegas licensing regulations, Rick and his father strategically waited for the city’s population to surpass the threshold that allowed for additional pawn licenses. In 1989, after persistent legal battles, the duo finally secured a pawn license, founding the now-iconic Gold and Silver Pawn Shop near the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The shop quickly gained a reputation for unique sports memorabilia, rare antiques, and jewelry, becoming a lucrative enterprise. Its prominence caught the attention of TV producers Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines, who envisioned a reality show focused on the intriguing dynamics of a family-run pawn shop. Thus, “Pawn Stars” was born, airing its first episode in July 2009.

Rick Harrison, his father Richard “Old Man” Harrison, his son Corey “Big Hoss,” and Corey’s friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell became household names almost overnight.

As “Pawn Stars” soared in popularity, topping ratings charts and becoming a cultural staple, Rick’s personal life continued its rollercoaster trajectory. He published his autobiography, “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold and Silver,” which reached number 22 on the New York Times bestseller list. However, success in business and fame were counterbalanced by turmoil in his personal relationships.

He divorced Tracy in 2011 after a long marriage, quickly becoming engaged to Deanna Burditt, whom he married in 2013, gaining three stepdaughters in the process.

But the fame and financial success did not erase the scars of past tragedies. In June 2018, Rick faced profound grief with the passing of his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison. Known affectionately as “The Old Man,” his father had been a cornerstone of both the family and the show. This loss deeply affected Rick, marking yet another tragic chapter in his eventful life.

Despite his hardships, Rick Harrison’s resolve and entrepreneurial spirit remained unshaken. He expanded his business ventures, including becoming the spokesperson for products like the MicroTouch One Razor and appearing in various television series beyond “Pawn Stars.” Yet, his heart remained close to the pawnshop and the show that made him famous.

Today, Rick Harrison continues to navigate the complexities of personal loss, business success, and public scrutiny. The story behind “Pawn Stars” and Rick himself is a powerful reminder that behind the glitz of fame and reality TV often lie profound personal trials. Harrison’s life exemplifies resilience, the capacity to overcome adversity, and the relentless pursuit of success despite heartbreaking setbacks.

In an era when reality stars come and go, Rick Harrison’s authenticity, historical passion, and perseverance have not only sustained “Pawn Stars” but also earned him lasting respect and admiration worldwide. His journey through loss, illness, and challenges illustrates a powerful truth: sometimes, the most compelling histories aren’t just in the artifacts we see on TV, but in the people who bring them to life.