The Heartbreaking Journey of Corey Harrison: From Pawn Stars to Personal Struggles

Corey Harrison, known to fans of Pawn Stars as “Big Hoss,” seemed to have it all: fame, fortune, and a family business that was thriving.

However, beneath the glitz and glamour of reality television, Corey’s life was unraveling in ways that would leave him and his family reeling.

His journey is a poignant reminder that success does not shield one from life’s harsh realities, and the pressures of family legacy can sometimes become overwhelming.

 

Born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Corey was raised in a family deeply entrenched in the pawn business.

His grandfather, Richard Harrison, co-founded the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, and his parents, Rick and Kim, ran it.

From a young age, Corey was immersed in the world of antiques, negotiations, and the intricacies of running a business.

By the age of nine, he was already polishing jewelry and learning the ropes of the family trade, absorbing the lessons that would shape his future.

As Corey grew older, the expectations placed upon him became more pronounced.

By the time he was a teenager, he was handling real sales and making decisions that would impact the shop’s bottom line.

His father, Rick, had high expectations, pushing Corey to prove himself daily.

The pressure was immense; he was not just a son or grandson but the future of the family business.

This weight of expectation began to take its toll on him.

 

At 16, Corey had become a formidable presence in the shop, standing at six feet tall and weighing over 400 pounds.

His size earned him the nickname “Big Hoss,” but it also signified the growing responsibilities on his shoulders.

As he navigated the complexities of running a pawn shop, he faced challenges that many of his peers could not comprehend.

While other teenagers were enjoying their youth, Corey was making deals and learning the hard lessons of business.

Despite his talents, the family dynamic was fraught with tension.

Arguments over purchases and decisions often played out in front of customers and staff, creating a volatile environment.

As Pawn Stars gained popularity, these family disagreements became a highlight of the show, drawing viewers into the drama of the Harrison family.

However, the reality behind the scenes was more complex and painful than what was portrayed on screen.

The show premiered on July 19, 2009, and quickly became a sensation, catapulting the Harrison family into the spotlight.

With the newfound fame came heightened expectations and scrutiny.

Corey found himself under a microscope, and the pressures of being a reality TV star began to weigh heavily on him.

He was thrust into a world where every decision was analyzed, and the stakes were higher than ever.

As the show’s success grew, so did the tensions within the family.

Corey’s desire for ownership and respect culminated in a dramatic moment during season 7 when he boldly demanded a 10% stake in the business.

This request was not just for financial gain; it was a cry for recognition and validation.

The family eventually reached a compromise, granting him a 5% partnership, but the emotional toll of constant negotiations and family drama lingered.

 

In 2010, Corey received a wake-up call when he learned he weighed 402 pounds.

His doctor’s warning about impending diabetes was a harsh reality check.

Determined to change his life, Corey made the drastic decision to undergo lap band surgery, maxing out credit cards to afford it.

This choice reflected his desperation and determination to reclaim his health and future.

The surgery proved successful, and within a year, Corey lost over 150 pounds.

This transformation was not just physical; it symbolized his commitment to overcoming the challenges that had plagued him for years.

However, just as he began to regain control of his life, tragedy struck again.

Corey’s 31st birthday, meant to be a celebration, turned into a near-fatal motorcycle accident.

While riding home to prepare for his party, a mechanical failure forced him to jump off his bike at high speed.

He survived but suffered severe injuries that required surgery, adding another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous life.

Around this time, his marriage to Charlene Steel, whom he had married in 2009, ended in divorce in 2015.

The split was surprisingly quiet, lacking the drama often associated with celebrity breakups.

However, the emotional fallout lingered, and Corey found himself navigating the challenges of single life while managing the family business.

In 2016, Corey remarried, this time to Karina “Kiki” Harrison.

Their relationship seemed promising, and they welcomed a son, Richard Benjamin Harrison, named after Corey’s late grandfather.

However, just 15 months after their wedding, the couple filed for divorce, complicating an already difficult situation.

 

As if personal tragedies weren’t enough, Corey’s life took a darker turn in October 2020 when he rented an RV that he returned in a disastrous state.

The damage led to legal disputes, further tarnishing his public image.

Despite his significant net worth, Corey refused to take responsibility for the damages, leading to a police complaint and a lengthy battle over the incident.

In September 2023, Corey faced a DUI arrest, which added to the mounting pressures he was already experiencing.

The incident further highlighted the struggles he faced in balancing fame, family, and personal demons.

The Harrison family endured another devastating blow with the death of Richard Harrison, the family patriarch, on June 25, 2018.

His passing marked the end of an era, leaving a profound impact on Corey and his family.

The emotional toll of losing a beloved figure was compounded by the pressures of maintaining the family legacy in the wake of such a loss.

Tragedy struck again when Rick’s youngest son, Adam Harrison, was found dead in January 2024.

Adam’s struggles with addiction and the circumstances surrounding his death highlighted the profound challenges the Harrison family faced.

The fentanyl crisis claimed another life, underscoring the urgency of addressing addiction in today’s society.

 

As Pawn Stars faced an indefinite pause after 16 seasons, Corey made the bold decision to step away from the spotlight.

He relocated to Tulum, Mexico, seeking a fresh start and a new venture in the restaurant business.

This choice marked a significant shift in his life, leaving behind the fame and pressures of reality television.

Corey’s journey is a testament to the complexities of life behind the camera.

The pressures of family legacy, personal struggles, and the weight of public expectations can be overwhelming.

As he embarks on a new chapter, Corey Harrison’s story serves as a reminder that even those who seem to have it all can face profound challenges.

His resilience and determination to forge a new path reflect the strength that lies within, even in the face of heartbreak and loss.