Rick Harrison Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Rick Harrison

Richard “Rick” Kevin Harrison is an American businessman, reality television personality, and author, best known as the face of the globally successful reality show “Pawn Stars.” As the co-owner of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, Harrison transformed a family-owned business into a cultural phenomenon. His encyclopedic knowledge of historical artifacts, sharp negotiation skills, and on-screen charisma have made him a household name. The show, which premiered on the History Channel in 2009, not only provided viewers with a fascinating glimpse into the world of pawnbroking but also elevated Harrison and his family to international stardom. Beyond the pawn shop, he is a published author and has diversified his business interests, solidifying his status as a savvy entrepreneur.

Rick Harrison Overview

Early Life and Education of Rick Harrison

Richard Kevin Harrison was born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, to Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., a U.S. Navy veteran, and Joanne Rhue Harrison. He was the third of four children. The family faced tragedy early on when his older sister, Sherry, who had Down syndrome, passed away at the age of six. In 1967, his father’s naval duties prompted the family to relocate to San Diego, California. Harrison’s childhood was significantly impacted by a diagnosis of epilepsy at age eight. The frequent and intense seizures often left him bedridden, and during these long periods of confinement, he developed a voracious appetite for reading. This led to a lifelong passion for books, particularly those on history and physics. He was greatly influenced by John D. Fitzgerald’s book series “The Great Brain,” which features a resourceful young protagonist with a knack for creating money-making schemes. This early exposure to literature and history would prove invaluable in his future career. Despite his intelligence, Harrison’s formal education was short-lived. He attended Taft Middle School in San Diego but dropped out during the tenth grade to pursue a lucrative, albeit illicit, business selling fake Gucci bags, which he claimed earned him $2,000 a week. In April 1981, following the collapse of his parents’ real estate business, the Harrison family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking a fresh start.

Rick Harrison’s Career

Upon arriving in Las Vegas in 1981, Harrison’s father, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison, opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, a small 300-square-foot store. Rick worked for his father during the day while also repossessing cars at night. Both father and son envisioned turning the coin shop into a full-fledged pawn shop, seeing it as a logical business progression. However, a Las Vegas city ordinance at the time restricted the issuance of new pawn licenses until the city’s population reached 250,000. Rick diligently monitored the city’s population growth, and in 1989, after years of waiting and some legal hurdles, the Harrisons finally secured their pawn license. They opened the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at 713 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Recognizing he couldn’t compete with larger corporate pawn chains, Rick decided to specialize, using his extensive historical knowledge to deal in unique and rare items like antiques, historical artifacts, and fine art.

The shop slowly built a reputation for its eclectic inventory, from Super Bowl rings to rare coins. Rick actively sought media exposure, and the shop was featured in a 2001 PBS documentary and later on the Comedy Central show “Insomniac with Dave Attell” in 2003. These appearances sparked Rick’s idea for a reality show centered on his family’s business. He spent four years pitching the concept to various networks with little success. In 2008, producers Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines of Leftfield Pictures approached him with a similar idea. After an initial pitch to HBO was rejected, they retooled the concept for the History Channel. Renamed “Pawn Stars,” the show debuted on July 19, 2009, featuring Rick, his father “The Old Man,” his son Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, and Corey’s childhood friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell. The show was an instant success, becoming the highest-rated program on the History Channel and the second-highest-rated reality show in the U.S. behind “Jersey Shore.” The series’ popularity turned the pawn shop into a major tourist attraction, with daily visitors soaring from around 70 to several thousand. The show’s blend of historical lessons, shrewd negotiations, and family dynamics resonated with a global audience. Capitalizing on his fame, Harrison authored a biography, “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver,” which became a New York Times Best Seller in 2011. He has also expanded his business portfolio, opening a retail complex called Pawn Plaza next to his shop, which includes businesses like Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke BBQ & Tavern.

Rick Harrison Personal Life & Family

Rick Harrison’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. At 17, his then-girlfriend Kim became pregnant. Though she had a miscarriage, the young couple married in 1982. Their first son, Richard Corey Harrison, was born in 1983, followed by their second son, Adam, two years later. Rick’s marriage to Kim ended in 1985. He met his second wife, Tracy, on a blind date and they married in 1986. Tracy helped raise Corey and Adam, and she and Rick had a son of their own, Jake. After 25 years of marriage, Rick and Tracy divorced in 2011. In 2013, Harrison married his third wife, DeAnna Burditt, in a ceremony officiated by “Counting Cars” star Danny Koker. Through this marriage, he became a stepfather to DeAnna’s three daughters. They divorced in 2020. A subsequent marriage to Amanda Palmer in 2021 was also short-lived, ending in 2023. As of early 2025, Harrison is engaged to Angie Polushkin. Harrison’s family has been central to his public persona, particularly his father, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison, who was a beloved, curmudgeonly figure on “Pawn Stars” until his death from Parkinson’s disease in 2018. In January 2024, the family faced another profound loss with the tragic death of Rick’s son, Adam, from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 39. Adam had worked at the pawn shop but preferred a life out of the spotlight and later became a plumber.

Awards and Achievements of Rick Harrison

• In 2010, the National Pawnbrokers Association honored Harrison with the “Pawnbroker of the Year Award” for his work in educating the public about the pawn industry.
• In March 2010, Harrison, along with his father, son, and Chumlee, received the key to the city of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman.
• In 2011, his autobiography, “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver,” reached number 22 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
• In 2012, Rick and his father were nominated for the Time 100 list.
• On July 17, 2012, the Clark County Commission officially declared the date “Pawn Stars/Gold & Silver Pawn Day”.
• In 2023, he was named a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.

Rick Harrison Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Rick Harrison’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. His wealth is derived from multiple sources, with the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop being the cornerstone of his financial empire. Prior to the television show, the shop was already a profitable enterprise, loaning out millions of dollars annually. The global success of “Pawn Stars” significantly amplified his income. He reportedly earns a substantial salary per episode. His best-selling autobiography, “License to Pawn,” also added to his earnings through book sales and royalties. Harrison has further diversified his income streams by investing in commercial real estate, most notably with the development of Pawn Plaza, a container park-style retail center adjacent to his pawn shop that houses various tenants. He also profits from public speaking engagements and various endorsements.

Legacy and Influence

Rick Harrison’s primary legacy is the demystification and popularization of the pawn industry. Through “Pawn Stars,” he transformed the public perception of pawn shops from seedy, last-resort lenders to fascinating treasure troves of history. The show’s educational format, which often includes expert appraisals and historical context for the items being negotiated, has been widely praised and has spawned numerous copycat reality programs. Harrison’s “everyman” expertise and passion for history have made him a relatable and trusted television personality. He has demonstrated that a niche family business can become a global brand with the right media strategy. His success has turned the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop into a landmark Las Vegas tourist destination, fundamentally changing the scale and nature of his business. Furthermore, his outspoken libertarian political views and commentary have also made him a figure in political discourse.

Interesting Facts about Rick Harrison

• As a child, his battle with epilepsy led to his love of reading, which became the foundation for his vast historical knowledge.
• His nickname on “Pawn Stars” is “The Spotter,” earned for his keen ability to identify fake and valuable items.
• Before becoming a pawn star, he dropped out of high school to sell fake Gucci bags, a venture he claims was highly profitable.
• He is an avid reader, with a particular interest in the history of the British Royal Navy.
• Harrison is a car enthusiast with an impressive collection.
• He has appeared as himself in guest roles on television shows like “iCarly” and “The Middle.”
• Harrison is actively involved with philanthropy, particularly supporting the Epilepsy Foundation as a national spokesperson.

Controversies

In 2022, Rick Harrison was sued by his own mother, Joanne Harrison. The lawsuit alleged issues of ownership and finances related to the family business, the pawn shop, and other assets following the death of her husband, Richard Harrison. The legal dispute centered on claims of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Public records regarding the final outcome of the lawsuit are not widely available. Harrison has also faced criticism for some of his public political statements and views on social issues.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram: Information not disclosed.
• Twitter: Information not disclosed.
• YouTube: Information not disclosed.

Final Words about Rick Harrison

Rick Harrison’s journey from a high school dropout dealing with epilepsy to a multi-millionaire television star and business magnate is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He successfully blended his passion for history with a sharp business acumen to create a globally recognized brand in “Pawn Stars.” The show not only revolutionized reality television but also fundamentally altered the public’s perception of the pawn industry. Despite facing significant personal tragedies, including the loss of his father and son, Harrison continues to operate his businesses and entertain audiences. His legacy is that of a master negotiator, a self-taught historian, and a media pioneer who proved that with the right story, even a Las Vegas pawn shop can become a window to the world.