Corey ‘Big Hoss’ Harrison: Behind the Fame, Fortune, and Family Drama

Corey Harrison, famously known as Big Hoss from the hit reality show Pawn Stars, has lived a life under the spotlight that many dream of, but few truly understand.

Born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Corey grew up in the heart of the pawn business.

As the son of Rick Harrison and the grandson of Richard Benjamin Harrison, Corey was practically born with a pawn ticket in his hand.

The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop wasn’t just a family business; it was his playground, classroom, and eventually, the stage for his rise to television fame.

From humble beginnings, the Harrison family’s pawn empire grew into a worldwide phenomenon.

Corey’s grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison—known affectionately as “The Old Man”—opened a modest 300-square-foot coin shop on Las Vegas Boulevard South in 1981.

With Rick Harrison working tirelessly alongside his father, the business expanded despite setbacks, including losing their lease two years after moving to Fremont Street.

Yet the Harrisons persevered, eventually relocating to a commercial building on Las Vegas Boulevard, determined to build a lasting legacy.

Rick Harrison’s vision and determination paved the way for what would become a TV sensation.

Despite legal hurdles, including a 1955 Las Vegas law limiting pawn licenses, Rick’s persistence paid off.

By 1989, the Harrisons secured their license and opened the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop at 713 Las Vegas Boulevard South, just a stone’s throw from the Strip.

By the early 2000s, the shop was generating millions in revenue and lending money to countless customers, often helping gamblers and locals in desperate situations.

Corey grew up absorbing every detail—watching his father and grandfather negotiate, appraise, and restore items.

However, Corey’s journey was far from smooth.

While he learned the business from the best, he also faced personal demons and public scandals that often overshadowed his professional achievements.

Known for his quick wit and outgoing personality on TV, Corey has had moments off-camera that shocked fans and tarnished his public image.

One infamous episode occurred in 2014 during a motorcycle tour in Jefferson City, Missouri.

After days of partying, Corey entered a bar visibly intoxicated.

Reports describe him exposing himself, urinating on a bar stool, and even throwing furniture, causing chaos and earning him a swift ejection from the venue.

The incident quickly went viral, and Corey publicly apologized, calling it “not my finest moment.

” Yet it was just one of many episodes that highlighted the sometimes reckless side of Big Hoss.

Corey’s personal life has also been marked by accidents and near-tragedies.

During a birthday supply run in 2014, he suffered a major motorcycle accident, breaking his hand and requiring eight screws and two plates.

Remarkably, he returned to the party before seeking medical attention—a testament to his tenacity, but also a reflection of the sometimes reckless lifestyle he led.

Family tensions have played a significant role in Corey’s life.

While he learned negotiation and appraisal skills from Rick and the Old Man, Corey also had to assert his place in the family empire.

In Season 7 of Pawn Stars, he famously confronted his father and grandfather, demanding a stake in the business.

After tense negotiations, he secured a 5% partnership and a raise, a move that demonstrated both his business acumen and his determination to prove himself.

Today, Corey manages the shop’s day-to-day operations and oversees a team of 30 employees, continuing the Harrison legacy.

Yet fame and fortune have not shielded Corey from personal tragedy.

In June 2018, the family suffered a devastating blow when the patriarch, Richard Benjamin Harrison, passed away at age 77 due to Parkinson’s disease.

Corey, who had shared a close bond with his grandfather, was profoundly affected.

The grief compounded when tragedy struck again with the death of his brother, Adam Harrison, in January 2024.

Adam, who battled addiction for years, died from a fentanyl overdose at just 39 years old.

Corey paid tribute to his brother on Instagram, sharing a childhood photo with the heartfelt caption, “I will always love you, Bub,” revealing the deep bond they shared.

Corey’s romantic life has also been tumultuous.

He married his high school sweetheart, Charlene, in 2009, but the couple divorced in 2015, reportedly due to Corey’s demanding schedule and love of partying.

In 2017, he remarried Karina, nicknamed Ke, but the union lasted only a year.

Karina gave birth to their son, Richard Benjamin Harrison, shortly after the divorce.

Corey has been linked to other women, including Tara Paisley, but his love life has often mirrored the highs and lows of his professional and personal journey.

Even in recent years, Corey has faced legal troubles.

In 2023, he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in Las Vegas.

Police reported that he was swerving in his truck, with bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol.

Although a breathalyzer machine failed, a blood test was administered, and Corey was booked for DUI.

Incidents like this have reminded the public that despite his wealth, fame, and influence, Corey remains human, prone to mistakes and struggles like anyone else.

Corey’s career, however, has been marked by undeniable achievement.

His TV appearances have cemented his place in pop culture, from memorable episodes on Pawn Stars to crossovers with shows like iCarly.

He has proven himself as a savvy businessman, often taking calculated risks to showcase his understanding of collectibles, jewelry, and historical items.

Fans have come to admire his blend of street smarts, charisma, and knowledge, which complement the more methodical approach of his father and grandfather.

Yet it is Corey’s ability to navigate the pressures of fame, family, and personal turmoil that truly defines his story.

Behind the glitz and reality TV lights, he has faced scandals, accidents, legal troubles, and personal loss.

These experiences have shaped him into a man of resilience, someone who continues to manage the family empire while grappling with the challenges that life has thrown at him.

Corey’s story is also a cautionary tale about the perils of living life in the public eye.

While he enjoys financial success and worldwide recognition, the scrutiny that comes with being a reality TV star exposes every misstep.

From drunken antics to personal tragedies, the highs and lows of Corey’s life have been played out for millions to witness, making his perseverance and continued management of the family business all the more remarkable.

The Harrison family’s journey from a modest coin shop to global recognition highlights Corey’s growth and development.

As a child, he watched his father and grandfather transform their business through hard work and innovation.

He learned to value collectibles, understand the market, and negotiate deals—all skills that would later serve him well on television.

Yet he also learned that life is unpredictable and often harsh, as evidenced by personal tragedies and public scandals.

Corey’s ability to balance business, family, and personal life demonstrates a unique resilience.

Despite the challenges, he has managed to uphold the Harrison legacy while carving out his own identity.

His determination to secure a stake in the family business, manage operations, and maintain the shop’s reputation reflects a deep commitment to the values instilled in him from childhood.

At the same time, Corey’s personal experiences underscore the human side of celebrity.

Behind the fame, he deals with heartbreak, loss, and mistakes—reminders that wealth and visibility do not shield one from life’s difficulties.

The deaths of his grandfather and brother, coupled with his own legal and personal troubles, have left indelible marks on his life.

Yet Corey continues to face each challenge head-on, demonstrating both vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

His story also reflects broader societal issues.

Adam’s death from a fentanyl overdose highlights the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on families nationwide, even those in the public eye.

Corey’s own struggles with partying, DUI incidents, and public controversies underscore the challenges many face when balancing personal indulgence with public responsibility.

These narratives offer a window into the complex reality behind reality TV fame—where personal struggles coexist with professional success.

Despite the chaos, Corey’s impact on the pawn industry and reality television is undeniable.

Pawn Stars remains one of the History Channel’s most popular programs, and Corey has become a recognizable figure worldwide.

His combination of charm, knowledge, and hands-on experience has helped shape the show’s success, while also providing fans with a glimpse into the human side of the pawn business.

Ultimately, Corey Harrison’s story is one of resilience, family legacy, and the complicated intersection of fame and personal life.

He has navigated scandals, accidents, heartbreak, and legal challenges, yet continues to manage the family business, maintain his public profile, and provide for his son.

While the spotlight often reveals missteps and challenges, it also illuminates his perseverance, intelligence, and dedication.

Corey’s journey reminds us that reality TV stars are real people with real struggles.

Behind the humor, drama, and entertainment lies a man shaped by family, ambition, and personal trials.

He has faced loss, battled demons, and made mistakes, yet he remains a central figure in one of the world’s most beloved reality shows.

Fans may remember him for his TV antics, but those who know his full story understand that Corey Harrison is more than just Big Hoss—he is a son, brother, father, businessman, and survivor.

From his early days observing his father and grandfather to managing day-to-day operations at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, Corey has embodied the highs and lows of life in the public eye.

His personal tragedies, including the deaths of Richard Benjamin Harrison and Adam Harrison, have left lasting scars.

His scandals, DUI arrest, and wild nights have generated headlines and criticism.

Yet through it all, Corey has remained a figure of resilience, determination, and family loyalty.

As the Harrison family continues to operate their pawn empire, Corey’s role as Big Hoss will likely evolve, but his legacy is already firmly established.

He represents the human side of reality TV fame—the flaws, triumphs, heartbreak, and perseverance that define a life lived both under the camera’s lens and beyond it.

In the end, Corey Harrison’s story is more than just pawn tickets, TV appearances, or scandalous headlines.

It is a tale of family, resilience, loss, and personal growth.

It is the story of a man who has faced the public eye and personal hardship with determination, wit, and an undeniable sense of identity.

Despite the controversies, accidents, and heartbreak, Corey continues to uphold the Harrison legacy, reminding fans that behind every reality TV star is a very real human being, facing very real challenges.

For Corey Harrison, life has been a rollercoaster of fame, fortune, scandal, and tragedy.

He has been a mischievous son, a determined businessman, a devoted father, and a flawed human navigating a complicated world.

While the world watches his every move, Corey’s journey serves as a testament to perseverance, ambition, and the enduring power of family bonds—even in the face of heartbreak.