Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison: Triumphs, Tragedies, and the Life Behind Pawn Stars

Corey Harrison, popularly known as “Big Hoss,” is a prominent figure in American reality television and the pawn industry.

Best known for his role on the History Channel’s hit show Pawn Stars, Harrison has spent decades navigating the challenges of family business, public fame, and personal life.

While fans often see his calm and competent demeanor on television, the reality behind the scenes paints a picture of a life filled with both remarkable success and significant hardships.

A Family Business and Early Life

Corey Harrison was born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Rick and Kim Harrison.

He grew up under the guidance of his grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison, also known as “The Old Man,” whose vision and dedication shaped the family’s legendary pawn shop, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

Corey’s upbringing was steeped in the world of pawning; he witnessed firsthand the family’s persistence, negotiation strategies, and work ethic.

The Harrison family’s journey into the pawn business began modestly.

In 1981, Richard Benjamin Harrison opened a 300-square-foot coin shop on Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Rick Harrison worked alongside his father, managing the store during the day and even repossessing cars at night to sustain the family business.

Over the next several years, the shop relocated multiple times, facing challenges such as lease losses and licensing restrictions, but the family’s resilience allowed them to eventually secure a pawn license in 1989.

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop was then officially established at its current location near the Las Vegas Strip, setting the stage for the family’s eventual rise to television fame.

Corey absorbed the family’s expertise in buying, selling, and appraising items.

Jewelry and collectibles were often the most common items brought in by customers, giving him a solid foundation in precious metals and appraisal skills.

He also learned to handle clients from all walks of life, from casual pawners to serious collectors, observing the personal stories behind every transaction.

The Rise of Pawn Stars

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop’s transformation into a cultural phenomenon began with Rick Harrison’s vision for a reality television show.

After years of pitching the concept, producers Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines of Leftfield Pictures noticed the shop.

In 2008, Pawn Stars debuted, featuring Rick Harrison, Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison, and Austin “Chumley” Russell, Corey’s childhood friend.

Initially, the show was to be titled Pawning History, but it was later rebranded to Pawn Stars for broader appeal.

The series quickly became a hit, highlighting the personalities of the staff and the fascinating histories of the items brought into the shop.

Corey emerged as a central figure, managing day-to-day operations and overseeing the shop’s 30 employees.

His knowledge of high-value items, willingness to take calculated risks, and strong negotiation skills earned him recognition as an essential member of the business.

By January 2011, Pawn Stars was the highest-rated program on the History Channel and one of the top reality shows in the United States.

Personal Struggles and Family Tragedies

Despite his professional success, Corey Harrison’s personal life has been marked by tragedy and challenges.

In 2018, he experienced the loss of his brother Adam, who passed away at the age of 39 due to a fentanyl overdose.

The death deeply affected Corey, who shared his grief on social media, posting a heartfelt tribute alongside a childhood photo of the brothers, stating, “You will always be in my heart.

I love you, Adam.

” This loss followed closely after the death of his grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison, who passed away in June 2018 from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 77.

Corey’s personal life has also seen its share of ups and downs.

He has been married twice, first to his high school girlfriend Charlene in 2009.

Their marriage lasted nearly six years before ending in divorce.

In 2017, Corey married Karina, and the couple welcomed their son, Richard Harrison, in 2018.

Unfortunately, the marriage ended within a year.

Despite these challenges, Corey has maintained an active role in co-parenting his son, demonstrating his commitment to family responsibilities.

Legal Troubles and Public Scrutiny

In addition to personal tragedies, Corey has faced several legal challenges.

In September 2023, he was arrested in Las Vegas on DUI charges.

This was not his first run-in with the law; in 2011, Corey was involved in an altercation at a California bar that resulted in another arrest.

These incidents have placed additional stress on Corey and his family, highlighting the pressures of balancing public life with personal accountability.

The Harrison family has also faced internal conflicts.

In 2022, Corey’s grandmother, Joanne Harrison, filed a lawsuit against Rick Harrison, Corey’s father.

The lawsuit was reportedly prompted by disputes over family finances, including Rick’s decision to stop providing her with monthly payments and sell family assets, which Joanne claimed cut her out of her rightful share of the business.

While Corey was not directly involved in the lawsuit, he experienced stress due to the family tension, demonstrating that fame does not shield one from familial challenges.

Professional and Public Life

Despite personal hardships, Corey Harrison has remained committed to the family business and his public persona.

On Pawn Stars, he has consistently showcased his business acumen, negotiating skills, and ability to make high-stakes decisions.

Corey has proven that he can balance the demands of running a world-famous pawn shop with maintaining relationships with family, staff, and customers.

The shop has occasionally been criticized by viewers and commentators who suggest that certain elements of the show are scripted for entertainment.

Despite such claims, Corey and the Harrison family have maintained that the show accurately represents the dynamics of the shop, even if certain moments are enhanced for television.

Resilience and Influence

Corey’s life story is a testament to resilience.

Despite legal issues, family tragedies, and personal setbacks, he continues to navigate his career with determination.

His journey demonstrates that success often comes with challenges that require strength and perseverance.

Corey has also inspired fans worldwide with his dedication to the pawn industry, his commitment to family, and his ability to manage complex situations under public scrutiny.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Corey Harrison’s legacy appears secure.

As a prominent figure in both the pawn industry and reality television, he has helped transform the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop from a local business into a cultural landmark.

Fans continue to follow his work, both on television and through social media, where he shares insights into pawning, collectibles, and family life.

The challenges Corey has faced also serve as a reminder that public figures are not immune to hardship.

From losing loved ones to navigating legal issues, Corey’s life underscores the complexity behind the fame and entertainment seen on television.

Yet, through all of this, he has continued to demonstrate resilience, a strong sense of responsibility, and a commitment to both his family and his profession.

Corey Harrison’s story is not just one of television fame and financial success; it is a narrative of human struggle, perseverance, and growth.

He has faced loss, legal troubles, and public scrutiny, yet remains a central figure in the pawn industry and a beloved personality to millions of fans.

His journey offers valuable lessons about family loyalty, personal accountability, and the resilience required to navigate life’s unpredictable challenges.

As Pawn Stars continues to entertain audiences, Corey Harrison remains a figure who embodies both the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.

His professional expertise, combined with his personal experiences, makes him a relatable and inspiring figure for fans around the world.

Despite hardships, Corey continues to demonstrate that with determination, skill, and resilience, it is possible to overcome adversity while leaving a lasting impact on both business and popular culture.

Through the lens of Corey Harrison’s life, it becomes clear that fame and fortune are only part of the story.

The real journey lies in the personal struggles, the triumphs over adversity, and the unwavering commitment to family and craft.

Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison’s life serves as a compelling reminder that behind every public figure is a human story filled with complexity, resilience, and heart.