Corey Harrison, known to fans as “Big Hoss,” has been a prominent figure on the reality television show *Pawn Stars* since its inception in 2009.

As the son of Rick Harrison and the grandson of Richard “Old Man” Harrison, Corey was practically raised in the family business, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.

While viewers have watched him grow from a young boy learning the ropes to a key player in the pawn shop’s operations, his journey has been fraught with challenges, personal struggles, and heartbreaking tragedies that many fans may not fully understand.

 

Growing up in the pawn industry, Corey Harrison was immersed in the family business from a young age.

By the time *Pawn Stars* premiered, he had already become a skilled negotiator, learning how to price items and spot valuable treasures among the clutter.

The show transformed him into a household name, but with fame came scrutiny and the pressure to live up to expectations.

Fans witnessed his clashes with his father over business decisions and the constant struggle to carve out his own identity within the family legacy.

 

Despite the public persona he projected, Corey faced immense pressure.

The expectations placed upon him were not just from fans but also from his family, particularly his father, Rick.

The tension between wanting to assert his independence and fulfilling the role of Rick’s son created an internal conflict that would shape much of his adult life.

 

As *Pawn Stars* gained popularity, Corey’s physical appearance became a topic of conversation. At one point, he weighed over 400 pounds, and the constant scrutiny took a toll on his self-esteem.

In 2010, after receiving a stark warning from his doctor about the risks of obesity, Corey made a life-changing decision to undergo gastric band surgery.

This surgery led to a dramatic transformation, as he lost over 150 pounds, gaining a new lease on life.

 

However, the journey to maintaining his weight loss was not without its challenges.

Despite the physical transformation, Corey admitted that the emotional scars from years of insecurity lingered.

The fame he had sought magnified every flaw and mistake, making it difficult for him to maintain not just his physical health, but also his mental resilience.

 

Corey’s personal life has also been marked by ups and downs. He has been married twice; first to his childhood sweetheart, Charlene, and later to Karina, whom he met in Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, both marriages ended in divorce, leaving Corey grappling with the emotional fallout.

He often kept the details of his relationships private, but it was evident that balancing fame and personal life was a significant challenge.

 

The pressures of being in the public eye strained his personal relationships, and just when it seemed he was beginning to stabilize, tragedy struck in 2014 when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident.

The accident resulted in a broken hand and back injuries, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.

As *Pawn Stars* progressed through its later seasons, viewers began to notice a shift in Corey’s role within the show.

Initially, he was front and center, often engaging in heated debates with Rick and asserting himself as a key player in the business.

However, over time, his presence seemed to diminish, leading to speculation about tensions behind the scenes.

 

While some fans speculated that Corey was frustrated with the show’s direction, he acknowledged that the pawn shop was more than just a set for him; it was his real job.

Balancing the responsibilities of filming a hit series with the day-to-day operations of the shop proved challenging, especially after the death of his grandfather, Richard Harrison, in 2018.

With the old man’s passing, the weight of the family legacy fell squarely on Corey’s shoulders, raising questions about his readiness to carry on the family business.

 

Despite the challenges he faced within the pawn shop, Corey has always expressed a desire to create a life outside of *Pawn Stars*.

He began investing in various businesses, including bars and restaurants in Las Vegas, striving for independence and proving he could succeed on his own terms.

While some ventures thrived, others faltered, illustrating the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

However, the constant public attention that came with fame complicated his efforts to reinvent himself.

Corey often felt that fans and the media only saw the television version of him, not the real man behind the scenes.

This disconnect fueled his desire to establish a separate identity, one that was not solely defined by his reality TV persona.

 

For Corey, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop was not just a business; it was a family legacy. Working alongside his father and grandfather shaped his career and personal identity.

The relationship with his grandfather, known for his strict demeanor, was pivotal in Corey’s development.

When the old man passed away, Corey described it as one of the most devastating moments of his life, losing not just a mentor but also a guiding presence.

 

The dynamics with Rick have always been complicated. While their on-screen arguments entertained viewers, they reflected a deeper struggle for balance.

Corey sought more ownership and independence, while Rick aimed to maintain control over the family empire.

This tension was not merely about business; it was about legacy and the desire to uphold the Harrison name without losing himself in the process.

One of the most significant relationships in Corey’s life has been his friendship with Austin “Chumlee” Russell. Their bond, characterized by humor and loyalty, has been a highlight of *Pawn Stars*.

Fans appreciated the camaraderie between the two, but their friendship also faced challenges.

When Chumlee encountered legal troubles in 2016, Corey stood by him, demonstrating unwavering loyalty despite the backlash he faced from the media and fans.

 

This loyalty came at a cost, as it subjected Corey to scrutiny and speculation about the stability of the pawn shop crew.

Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his support for Chumlee, showcasing a side of himself that fans might not have fully recognized—one that values friendship and loyalty above all else.

 

Corey Harrison’s story is not just one of a reality TV star; it is a narrative of resilience, personal growth, and the struggle for identity.

From a young boy learning the ropes of pawn broking to a global television personality, Corey has navigated a life filled with challenges, heartbreaks, and near-tragedies.

Despite the pressures of fame, health battles, and personal losses, he has shown remarkable strength.

While he may not always be the loudest personality on *Pawn Stars*, his journey reveals a quieter truth: behind the deals and family drama lies a man determined to prove he is more than just Rick’s son.

 

Today, Corey continues to balance his responsibilities at the pawn shop with his business ventures, all while striving to carve out his own identity beyond the show.

His story is still unfolding, but one thing is clear—Corey Harrison is a survivor.

As he faces the future, the question remains: can he find his place in the world while navigating the pressures of fame and family? Only time will tell, but his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of life in the spotlight and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.