Richard Harrison Death: Key Facts and Timeline
Richard Benjamin Harrison, known as the Old Man on History's Pawn Stars, died on June 25, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at age 77. The cause of death was Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that had been diagnosed years earlier. He co-founded the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at 713 Fremont Street in Las Vegas, which became the setting for the long-running reality series Pawn Stars. The shop remains a tourist attraction and operating business in downtown Las Vegas according to Forbes. His death was widely reported by outlets including the Las Vegas Review-Journal and TMZ, and his family confirmed the passing through a public statement.
At the time of his death, Harrison's net worth was estimated at around $8 million, built from the pawn shop, TV royalties, and personal investments. The History Channel series Pawn Stars, which premiered in 2009, made him a household name and significantly boosted the shop's revenue and brand value. The show's longevity, with over 20 seasons and hundreds of episodes, contributed to the family's financial stability and expanded their merchandise and licensing opportunities. His estate was handled privately, with no major public probate disputes reported, and his son Rick Harrison continued to manage the shop's day-to-day operations per Business Insider.
Richard Harrison's Family and Business Legacy
Richard Harrison is survived by his wife Tracy Harrison and his sons Rick Harrison and Corey Harrison, both of whom are central figures on Pawn Stars. Rick Harrison, born on March 22, 1965, is the current co-owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and frequently serves as the show's lead negotiator and public face. Corey Harrison, known as Big Hoss, was born on April 27, 1983, and managed the shop's floor operations and appraisal work on camera. The family structure remains central to the business model, with multiple generations involved in inventory sourcing, customer relations, and media appearances.
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to operate at its original Las Vegas location, drawing visitors from around the world and maintaining an active social media presence. The shop's inventory ranges from firearms and jewelry to historical artifacts and pop culture memorabilia, reflecting the eclectic mix that defined the show. Richard Harrison's role as the patriarch and deal-closer helped establish the shop's reputation for fair pricing and unique items, a legacy that his sons have continued to uphold. The business has expanded its online sales and branded merchandise, adapting to changes in retail and digital commerce as noted by Forbes.
Financial Impact and Estate Details
Richard Harrison's estate planning was not made fully public, but reports indicate that his assets were structured to support his family and the ongoing operations of the pawn shop. The primary income streams included the shop's profits, appearance fees and royalties from Pawn Stars, and licensing deals for the show's brand. The Harrison family has not disclosed detailed financials of the estate, but the continued operation of the shop and the show's ongoing seasons suggest a stable financial transition. The business remains a key part of Las Vegas's tourism and entertainment economy, with the pawn shop frequently cited as a top attraction for visitors.
Following Richard Harrison's death, his family has honored his memory through