Rick Harrison Age, Height, TV Shows, Nationality

Richard Kevin Harrison, widely known as Rick Harrison, is an American businessman, reality television personality, and the proprietor of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which gained fame through the History Channel series “Pawn Stars.” Born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, Rick has built a successful career in the pawn business and television.

Rick Harrison
Image Credit: Distractify.com

Early Life:

Rick Harrison was born to Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., a U.S. Navy veteran, and Joanne Rhue Harrison. Raised in San Diego, California, he developed a love for reading during his childhood, spending much of his time in bed due to epileptic seizures. Inspired by books like “The Great Brain,” he cultivated a passion for literature and learning. Despite dropping out of high school in the tenth grade, Rick embarked on a journey that would lead him to the pawn business.

Career in Business:

In 1981, Rick’s father opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop in Las Vegas, marking the family’s entry into the pawn business. After obtaining a pawn license in 1989, Rick and his father opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on Las Vegas Boulevard South. The shop gained a reputation for unique sports items and became a popular destination, serving both locals and tourists.

The business expanded, and by 2005, the Harrisons were loaning out about $3 million annually, generating substantial interest income. Rick’s expertise and business acumen contributed to the shop’s success, making it a prominent pawn destination in Las Vegas.

Television Fame:

Rick Harrison’s journey into television began when the History Channel developed the concept for a reality show based in a Las Vegas pawn shop. The resulting series, “Pawn Stars,” premiered in 2009, featuring Rick, his father (known as “The Old Man”), his son Corey (“Big Hoss”), and family friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell. The show’s format included expert appraisals and showcased the dynamics of the shop’s staff and patrons.

“Pawn Stars” became a massive hit, propelling Rick Harrison and his family to television stardom. The show’s success led to numerous accolades, including the National Pawnbrokers Association’s Pawnbroker of the Year Award in 2010. Rick’s on-screen charisma and business insights endeared him to viewers, making him a household name.

Authorship and Beyond:

In addition to his television career, Rick Harrison is an accomplished author. In 2011, he published his autobiography, “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver.” The book achieved notable success, reaching No. 22 on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Beyond “Pawn Stars,” Rick has made appearances in various TV shows, including “iCarly” and “The Middle.” He also served as the spokesperson for the Micro Touch One Razor, a men’s shaving product. In 2014, he appeared in the History Channel series “United Stuff of America,” exploring historical artifacts.