Rick Harrison Net Worth 2024 – Career, Wife, Age, Height, and …
Richard Kevin “Rick” Harrison has led an intriguing life, transitioning from a high school dropout with a penchant for entrepreneurial schemes to a successful businessman and reality television personality.
As the co-owner of the renowned Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas and the star of the hit History Channel series “Pawn Stars,” Harrison has captivated audiences worldwide with his vast knowledge, sharp negotiation skills, and charismatic persona. This comprehensive biography delves into the remarkable story of Rick Harrison, exploring his early life, personal journey, professional achievements, and the various facets that have contributed to his incredible success.
Who is Rick Harrison?
Rick Harrison is an American businessman, reality television personality, and co-owner of the Las Vegas, Nevada Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, Harrison’s early life was marked by challenges and setbacks that ultimately shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.
As a child, he experienced epileptic seizures, which led to a lifelong passion for reading and learning. This thirst for knowledge would later prove invaluable in his career as a pawn shop owner and television personality.
Rick Harrison Early Life and Education Qualification:
Rick Harrison’s early life was a testament to his determination and resourcefulness. Born to Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. and Joanne Rhue Harrison, he was the third child with an older sister, Sherry, and two brothers, Joseph and Chris. When Harrison was just two years old, his family relocated to San Diego, California, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Navy.
Growing up, Harrison faced a unique challenge – he began experiencing epileptic seizures at the age of eight. This condition often confined him to bed, allowing him to indulge in his growing love for reading.
During this time, Harrison became enamored with a series of books by John D. Fitzgerald called “The Great Brain,” which featured a young con artist as the protagonist. This early exposure to the art of entrepreneurship and moneymaking schemes would later prove influential in Harrison’s career path.
Harrison’s entrepreneurial spirit manifested at a young age despite his academic struggles. At 17, he dropped out of Taft Middle School during his sophomore year to pursue a lucrative “$2,000-a-week business of selling fake Gucci bags.” This early foray into business and commerce would foreshadow his later success in the pawnshop industry.
Rick Harrison’s Personal Life and Relationships:
Rick Harrison’s life has been a tapestry of joy and sorrow. At 17, Harrison’s girlfriend, Kim, became pregnant, leading to their decision to marry.
Although the pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, the couple went ahead with their wedding plans. Their first child, Corey, was born on April 27, 1983, followed by their second son, Adam, two years later. However, the marriage was short-lived, and Harrison and Kim soon separated.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Kevin “Rick” Harrison |
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Lexington, North Carolina, USA |
| Parents | Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. (Father), Joanne Rhue Harrison (Mother) |
| Siblings | Sherry (Sister), Joseph (Brother), Chris (Brother) |
| Marriages | Kim (first wife, divorced), Tracy (second wife, divorced), Deanna Burditt (third wife, divorced), Amanda Palmer (current wife, married in 2021) |
| Children | Corey Harrison (Son), Adam Harrison (Son) |
| Stepchildren | Sarina, Ciana, Marissa (Stepdaughters through marriage to Deanna Burditt) |
| Health Condition | Epileptic seizures from age eight |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Physical Appearance | Average height, sturdy build, graying hair, beard, piercing eyes |
Nine months after the separation, Harrison met the woman who would become his second wife, Tracy, on a blind double date. After dating for six months, they moved in together and eventually married, assuming the responsibility of raising Corey and Adam.
In 2012, Harrison, now twice divorced, announced his engagement to Deanna Burditt, who was also twice divorced. The couple tied the knot on July 21, 2013, in Laguna Beach, California, with “Counting Cars” star Danny Koker officiating the ceremony and Pawn Stars co-star Austin “Chumlee” Russell serving as a ring bearer. Harrison gained three stepdaughters through this marriage: Sarina, Ciana, and Marissa. Sadly, the couple divorced in September 2020.
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In 2021, Harrison remarried, this time to a woman named Amanda Palmer.
Rick Harrison Physical Appearance:
Rick Harrison’s physical appearance is that of a seasoned businessman with a commanding presence. Standing at an average height, Harrison possesses a sturdy build that reflects his active lifestyle and involvement in the physical aspects of his pawn shop business. His graying hair, beard, piercing eyes, and sharp features lend him an air of authority and experience that complement his role as a savvy entrepreneur and television personality.
Rick Harrison Professional Career:
- Businessman and Pawn Shop Owner
Rick Harrison’s professional journey has been linked to the pawn shop industry. In 1981, his father, Richard Benjamin Harrison, opened the first iteration of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, a 300-square-foot secondhand store on Las Vegas Boulevard South. Harrison worked alongside his father during the day and repossessed cars at night to supplement the family’s income.
Over the years, the Harrisons’ pawn shop business expanded, moving to more prominent locations in downtown Las Vegas and eventually settling in a commercial neighborhood on Las Vegas Boulevard. In 1989, Harrison and his father seized the opportunity to obtain a coveted pawn license, finally realizing their long-standing dream of transforming the store into a full-fledged pawn shop.
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop quickly developed a reputation for its diverse inventory, which included unique sports memorabilia and items catering to the needs of local gamblers. By 2005, the Harrisons were loaning approximately $3 million annually, generating around $700,000 in interest income.
- Television Fame and “Pawn Stars”
Rick Harrison’s rise to television fame began in 2003 when the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop was featured on the Comedy Central show “Insomniac with Dave Attell.” Inspired by this exposure, Harrison spent the next four years pitching the idea of a reality show centered around his pawn shop, but his efforts did not initially yield success.
In 2008, Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines of Leftfield Pictures approached Harrison with an idea for a reality show based in a Las Vegas pawn shop. The series, originally titled “Pawning History,” was later renamed “Pawn Stars” at the suggestion of a Leftfield staffer. The show debuted on the History Channel in 2009. It quickly became a massive hit, featuring Harrison, his father Richard (“The Old Man”), his son Corey (“Big Hoss”), and Corey’s childhood friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Businessman, Reality Television Personality |
| Famous For | Co-owner of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Star of “Pawn Stars” |
| Career Highlights | Expanded Gold & Silver Pawn Shop into a Las Vegas landmark, “Pawn Stars” TV show star since 2009 |
| Awards | 2010 Pawnbroker of the Year Award by the National Pawnbrokers Association |
| Notable Appearances | “Pawn Stars,” “iCarly,” “The Middle” |
| Public Aspirations | I considered running for Governor of Nevada, contemplating a U.S. Senate run in 2024 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 million (as of 2024) |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram: 300,000+ followers, Twitter: 150,000+ followers |
“Pawn Stars” has been the highest-rated program on the History Channel and the second-highest-rated reality show, trailing only “Jersey Shore.” The show’s success has propelled Harrison to celebrity status, leading to various appearances and endorsements, including a 2011 biography titled “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver.”
Rick Harrison Net Worth:
Rick Harrison’s net worth is estimated at approximately $9 million as of 2024. This substantial wealth is primarily the result of his successful business ventures, particularly the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and his lucrative television career with “Pawn Stars.”
We’re off to Ann Arbor, Michigan on tonight’s all new episode of “Pawn Stars do America!” Catch us on @HISTORY at 8/7c pic.twitter.com/f9MlJ3wJ4x
— Rick Harrison (@GoldSilverPawn) April 17, 2024
The pawn shop’s prominence as a tourist destination in Las Vegas and the show’s widespread popularity has significantly contributed to Harrison’s financial success. His savvy business decisions and investments have also augmented his net worth.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| 300,000+ followers | |
| 150,000+ followers | |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 million (as of 2024) |
Rick Harrison Social Media Presence:
Rick Harrison maintains an active social media presence, primarily on Instagram and Twitter. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 150,000 on Twitter, he uses these channels to interact with fans, share updates about his life and business, and promote his various projects.
On his social media accounts, Harrison often posts behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set of “Pawn Stars,” showcases exciting items from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and engages with his followers through Q&A sessions and other interactive content. His active social media presence allows him to connect with his fans and maintain celebrity status in the digital age.
Rick Harrison Interesting Facts:
- According to his son Corey, Harrison is distantly related to U.S. President William Henry Harrison.
- He experienced epileptic seizures starting at the age of eight, which led to a lifelong love of reading.
- Harrison dropped out of high school during his sophomore year to pursue a “$2,000-a-week business of selling fake Gucci bags.”
- The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has a reputation for carrying unique sports memorabilia and catering to the needs of local gamblers.
- Harrison spent four years pitching the idea of a reality show about his pawn shop before “Pawn Stars” was greenlit by the History Channel.
- In 2010, the National Pawnbrokers Association awarded Harrison the Pawnbroker of the Year Award for his contributions to enlightening the public about the pawn industry.
- Harrison has appeared as himself in the T.V.V. episodes “iCarly” and “The Middle.”
- He has considered running for governor of Nevada and is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
- Harrison’s mother, Joanne, filed a lawsuit in 2018 over a dispute about the family’s pawn shop assets following the death of his father, Richard.
- Harrison’s backyard features a lagoon-style pool, a lazy river, and an outdoor kitchen, among other luxurious amenities.
Rick Harrison Other Interesting Hobbies:
Beyond his work in the pawn shop and on television, Rick Harrison has a variety of interests and hobbies that reflect his curious and adventurous nature. An avid reader since childhood, Harrison continues to devour books on history, science, and various other subjects, constantly expanding his knowledge base.
He’s also a passionate collector, not just of the items that come through his shop but of specific categories that interest him, such as antique firearms and rare coins. Harrison enjoys outdoor activities, mainly fishing and hiking in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Las Vegas.
He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys rides through the Nevada desert. Harrison has developed an interest in politics and public speaking in recent years, often attending events and conferences to share his views on business and economics.
Final Words:
Rick Harrison’s journey from a high school dropout with a penchant for entrepreneurial schemes to a successful businessman and reality television star is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for the pawnshop industry.
Through his co-ownership of the iconic Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and his starring role in the hit series Pawn Stars, Harrison has captivated audiences worldwide and amassed a substantial net worth. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and entertainment, Rick Harrison’s story inspires those who seek to turn their dreams into reality.