Pawn Stars in Tears: Rick Harrison’s Life Shattered by Family Deaths and Bitter Lawsuits

In the world of reality television, few shows have captured the hearts of viewers quite like “Pawn Stars.”

Since its premiere in 2009 on the History Channel, it has become a staple of entertainment, cleverly blending history, negotiation, and the unique stories behind various items that come through the doors of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.

At the center of this phenomenon is Rick Harrison, a man who has dedicated his life to the pawn business and has become a beloved figure on the show.

However, behind the scenes, Rick has faced a series of personal tragedies and challenges that have shaped his life in profound ways.

 

 

Early Life and Family Tragedy

Rick Harrison was born on March 22, 1965, to Richard Benjamin Harrison and Joanne Ru Harrison.

He was the third of four children, with siblings Sher, Joseph, and Chris.

Tragically, Rick’s family faced heartbreak early on when Sher, the oldest sibling, passed away at just six years old due to complications from Down syndrome.

This loss profoundly impacted the family, leaving a lasting shadow over their lives.

Rick’s childhood was further complicated by health issues.

At the age of eight, he began experiencing epileptic seizures, which forced him to spend a significant amount of time in bed.

During this period, he developed a deep love for reading, particularly enjoying books by John D.

Fitzgerald, which sparked his interest in history and physics.

Despite these challenges, Rick’s passion for knowledge would later serve him well in the pawn business.

In 1981, the family relocated to Las Vegas after his father’s real estate business failed.

At just 17, Rick faced another significant life challenge when his girlfriend Kim became pregnant.

Tragically, they lost their first child to a miscarriage.

Nevertheless, the couple persevered, marrying in 1982 and welcoming their first son, Corey, the following year.

A second son, Adam, was born two years later, but Rick and Kim divorced in 1985.

 

 

Building a Business and Finding Success

After his divorce, Rick began dating Tracy, whom he married in 1986.

Together, they took on the responsibility of raising his two sons.

In the late 1980s, Rick’s father opened a small secondhand gold and silver coin shop, and Rick’s knowledge of history and negotiation played a crucial role in the shop’s success.

The family business evolved into a pawn shop, and in 1989, they finally secured a pawn license after overcoming legal challenges.

The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop quickly gained popularity, becoming a well-known establishment in Las Vegas.

By 2005, they were lending millions each year and attracting the attention of the History Channel, leading to the creation of “Pawn Stars.

” The show premiered in July 2009 and quickly became a hit, showcasing the unique items that came into the shop and the fascinating stories behind them.

 

 

Personal Loss and Challenges

Despite the show’s success, Rick’s personal life was marked by tragedy.

In June 2018, he lost his father, Richard Harrison, affectionately known as “the Old Man” on the show.

His father’s death from Parkinson’s disease was a devastating blow for Rick, who had relied on his father’s wisdom and guidance throughout his life.

The loss left Rick with the immense responsibility of managing the family business and caring for his family.

Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing unprecedented challenges to the pawn shop industry.

While many assumed pawn shops would thrive during the economic downturn, Rick faced significant struggles.

The shop’s revenue plummeted, and Rick had to make tough decisions to keep the business afloat.

He adjusted interest rates and offered customers more flexible repayment options, demonstrating his commitment to helping those in need during a difficult time.

Adding to his challenges, Rick went through a divorce from his third wife, Deanna Burdit, in 2020.

The couple had married in September 2020 but found that their differences were too great to sustain their marriage.

Despite the pain of the divorce, Rick remained focused on his family, continuing to express love and support for his stepdaughters.

 

 

Legal Battles and Family Strife

In 2022, Rick faced legal issues with his mother, Joanne Harrison, who filed a lawsuit against him regarding family assets and ownership of the pawn shop.

The lawsuit alleged that Rick had manipulated his mother into signing over her share of the business while she was in a vulnerable state.

This lawsuit strained their relationship and painted a troubling picture for fans who had long viewed Rick as a family-oriented person.

Rick publicly denied the allegations, stating that his mother was being influenced by others.

The legal battle highlighted the complexities of running a family business, especially when financial matters become intertwined with personal relationships.

 

 

Tragedy Strikes Again

The most devastating blow came in January 2024 when Rick tragically lost his son, Adam, at the age of 39.

Adam’s death was ruled an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine, a heartbreaking reminder of the opioid crisis affecting many families across the country.

Rick shared his grief on social media, expressing his love for Adam and urging for more serious attention to the fentanyl crisis.

Rick’s emotional tribute resonated with many, and condolences poured in from fans and friends alike.

Despite the immense pain of losing his son, Rick has remained resilient, focusing on his family and continuing to work in the pawn business.

 

 

Moving Forward

Despite the challenges and tragedies he has faced, Rick Harrison continues to navigate life with a positive outlook.

He has embraced semi-retirement, spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying the continued success of “Pawn Stars.”

In recent years, he has also explored opportunities in politics, considering a run for governor of Nevada and potentially for the U.S.Senate.

Rick’s journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

While he has experienced profound losses and challenges, he remains committed to his family, his business, and the legacy of the show that has brought joy to so many viewers.

As he continues to navigate the complexities of life, Rick Harrison’s story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family, even in the darkest of times.