Richard Benjamin Harrison Age, Nationality, TV Shows

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., affectionately known as “The Old Man” and “The Appraiser,” left an indelible mark on the world as an American businessman and reality television personality. Best remembered as the co-owner of the iconic Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, featured prominently on the History Channel’s hit series ‘Pawn Stars,’ Harrison’s life was a captivating journey filled with business acumen, Navy service, and the creation of a family legacy that would become a television sensation.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings:

Born on March 4, 1941, in Danville, Virginia, Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. grew up in Lexington, North Carolina. Raised in modest circumstances, he attended Lexington High School but left during his junior year to support his family. Even in his teenage years, Harrison displayed resilience, driving a school bus to make ends meet and contributing to the family’s financial stability.

Richard Benjamin Harrison
Image Credit: USA Today

Marriage, Military Service, and Family Tragedy:

At the age of 17, Harrison met his future wife, Joanne Rhue, at a barn dance. Their union in 1960 marked the beginning of a family that would later become central to the ‘Pawn Stars’ narrative. Harrison’s commitment to family was tested when their first child, Sherry, was born with Down syndrome. Despite the challenges, Harrison served in the United States Navy for 20 years, achieving the rank of petty officer first class. His Navy service allowed him to provide essential healthcare for Sherry, who sadly passed away at the age of six.

Entrepreneurship in Las Vegas:

In April 1981, faced with financial challenges, Harrison and his wife, with only $5,000 to their name, moved to Las Vegas. Teaming up with his son Rick, they opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, a venture that would eventually evolve into the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. The journey wasn’t without obstacles, including legal struggles to obtain a pawn license. However, by 1989, they opened the pawn shop at 713 Las Vegas Boulevard South, laying the foundation for a business that would gain international fame.

Pawn Stars Fame and Legacy:

From July 19, 2009, until his passing on June 25, 2018, Harrison, alongside his son Rick, grandson Corey, and Austin “Chumlee” Russell, starred in the reality television program ‘Pawn Stars.’ Portrayed as the stern yet wise “Old Man,” Harrison contributed to the show’s massive success. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop’s popularity soared, and the program became the highest-rated show on the History Channel within ten weeks of its debut.

Awards and Recognition:

Harrison’s contributions to the community and the success of ‘Pawn Stars’ were acknowledged through various awards and recognitions. In March 2010, he, along with his son, grandson, and Chumlee, received the key to the city of Las Vegas. Similar honors followed, including a key to his hometown, Lexington, and a declared “Pawn Stars/Gold & Silver Pawn Day” by the Clark County Commission.