Corey Harrison, known to fans as “Big Hoss,” is a prominent figure on the hit reality television show *Pawn Stars*.

Born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Corey grew up in a family deeply entrenched in the pawn business.

His grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison, opened the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in 1981, and it quickly became a staple of the Las Vegas community.

While many know Corey for his charming personality and sharp negotiating skills on the show, few are aware of the darker aspects of his life that have shaped him into the man he is today.

This article explores Corey Harrison’s journey, highlighting his family’s legacy, his rise to fame, and the personal struggles he has faced along the way.

 

Corey Harrison was practically born into the pawn business.

Growing up, he was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, co-owned by his father, Rick Harrison, and grandfather.

The shop’s origins were humble, starting as a small secondhand store before evolving into a well-known pawn shop.

Throughout his childhood, Corey witnessed firsthand the hard work and dedication that went into building the family business.

 

Rick Harrison’s relentless pursuit of success was evident when he fought for a pawn license in Las Vegas, a battle that lasted years.

In 1989, after much perseverance, the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop officially opened its doors.

By 2005, the shop was loaning out millions of dollars annually, showcasing its growth and popularity.

As a child, Corey absorbed the lessons of entrepreneurship from his father and grandfather, setting the stage for his future involvement in the family business.

The transformation of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop into a television sensation began in 2008.

Rick Harrison spent years pitching the idea of a reality show centered around their pawn shop, facing numerous rejections.

However, after the shop was featured on a program called *Insomniac with Dave Attell*, interest began to grow.

Eventually, the History Channel picked up the concept, leading to the launch of *Pawn Stars*.

 

The show quickly became a hit, showcasing the unique items that came through the shop and the colorful personalities of the staff, including Corey, Rick, and their childhood friend, Chumlee.

With its blend of history, negotiation, and entertainment, *Pawn Stars* resonated with audiences, making it one of the highest-rated programs on the History Channel.

Corey Harrison, as “Big Hoss,” became a household name, enjoying the fame and fortune that came with the show’s success.

 

Despite the glitz and glamour of reality television, Corey Harrison’s life has not been without its challenges.

Beneath the surface, he has faced a series of personal struggles and controversies that have marred his public image.

One notable incident occurred in 2014 when Corey was involved in a wild night out at a bar in Missouri.

After a week of heavy partying, he became excessively drunk and engaged in inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself in public.

The incident attracted significant backlash, and Corey later expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging it as “not my finest moment.”

 

In addition to public scandals, Corey has also faced severe health issues. In 2020, he survived a major motorcycle accident while on a supply run for his birthday party.

The accident left him with a broken hand, requiring surgery and the insertion of eight screws and two plates.

Remarkably, instead of heading straight to the hospital, Corey returned to the party, showcasing his resilience despite the pain he was enduring.

 

Corey’s relationship with his family has also been a source of tension.

Although he learned valuable skills from his father and grandfather, he has often found himself at odds with them regarding the management of the pawn shop.

In a dramatic episode of *Pawn Stars*, Corey confronted Rick and Richard about his desire for a larger stake in the business.

This confrontation highlighted the complexities of their family dynamics, as Corey threatened to leave the family business if he didn’t receive a 10% partnership.

Ultimately, he secured a 5% partnership, boosting his net worth to an impressive $5 million.

However, the family’s struggles did not end there. In June 2018, the patriarch of the family, Richard Harrison, passed away at the age of 77 from Parkinson’s disease.

This loss was a significant blow not only to Corey but to the entire Harrison family and the fans of *Pawn Stars*.

Corey paid tribute to his grandfather, reflecting on the deep bond they shared and the impact Richard had on his life.

 

Corey’s life has also been marked by personal tragedies, particularly concerning his brother, Adam.

Although Adam never appeared on *Pawn Stars*, he maintained a good relationship with Corey and Rick.

Tragically, Adam struggled with addiction for years and succumbed to a fentanyl overdose in Las Vegas at the age of 39.

Corey shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his love for his brother and the profound impact Adam’s death had on him.

 

These losses have served as a reminder that beneath the allure of fame and fortune, everyone faces their own share of pain and struggles.

Despite achieving significant success with *Pawn Stars*, Corey has not been immune to life’s challenges.

In 2021, Corey found himself back in the headlines for less-than-ideal reasons. After renting an RV for a getaway in the California desert, he allegedly failed to return it in the promised condition.

The vehicle was returned damaged, with reports estimating the repair costs at around $30,000. The situation escalated to the point where the owner had to involve the authorities, highlighting the ongoing challenges Corey faced in managing his responsibilities.

 

Additionally, in 2023, Corey was arrested for DUI after being pulled over for erratic driving. The incident raised concerns about his well-being and the impact of his lifestyle choices on his personal and professional life.

 

Corey Harrison’s journey from a pawn shop heir to a television star is a testament to his resilience and determination.

However, his life story is also a cautionary tale about the challenges that come with fame, family dynamics, and personal struggles.

Despite the success of *Pawn Stars*, Corey has faced numerous obstacles, including public scandals, health issues, and personal tragedies.

 

As fans continue to watch Corey navigate his life on and off the screen, it is essential to recognize the complexities of his journey. Behind the cameras and the pawn shop’s doors lies a man who has experienced both the highs of fame and the lows of personal loss.

Corey’s story serves as a reminder that even those who seem to have it all can face profound challenges and heartache.

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