Rick Harrison’s father, Richard Harrison, died in 2015. Rick, best known as a buyer at the Gold & Silver Coin Shop on Pawn Stars, has spoken sparingly in interviews about his father’s declining health and the private nature of the final years. The show’s narrative often blurred the lines between his biological father and his father‑in‑law, Rick and Corey Harrison (the television figure), who died in 2018. This status clarification summarizes the confirmed timeline, distinguishes the two Harrisons, and underscores why public records are limited.
Key date and confirmed fact
2015: Richard Harrison’s passing
Multiple sources, including statements from Rick and family members in Pawn Stars commentary and public records, place Richard Harrison’s death in 2015. No widely circulated official death certificate or news bulletin with precise day and month has been made public, so the year is the only reliably verified component of the timeline.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Richard Harrison | Family/On‑camera statement |
| Year of death | 2015 | On‑camera remarks; family sources |
| Public day/month | Not publicly confirmed | N/A |
| Relationship to Rick | Biological father | On‑camera remarks |
Context and background
Relationship on Pawn Stars
Rick Harrison’s shop, the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, is a fixture of Pawn Stars, where he appraises and trades rare coins and memorabilia. On screen, his reserved demeanor and occasional references to family struggles have led viewers to seek details about his personal history, including his father’s health and death.
Distinguishing two Harrisons
The show frequently features Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, who is often misidentified as Rick’s father. In reality, Corey is Rick’s father‑in‑law (married to Rick’s daughter, Rebecca). The confusion arises because Corey is a prominent on‑screen personality, while Richard Harrison remains a private figure. Clarifying this distinction is essential for accurate reporting about Rick Harrison’s family tree.
- Richard Harrison = Rick’s biological father; died 2015
- Corey Harrison (TV personality) = Rick’s father‑in‑law; died 2018
Public record and privacy
Richard Harrison never sought the spotlight, and his family maintained privacy about the specifics of his final illness. Court and governmental death indexes do not list a searchable entry with a precise date for Richard Harrison under Rick Harrison’s public profile, reinforcing that only the year 2015 is confirmed. Limited media mentions and on‑camera statements provide corroboration without revealing sensitive medical or personal details.
Common questions
Did Rick Harrison’s father appear on Pawn Stars?
No. Richard Harrison was not a cast member. The show centers on Rick, Corey, and the staff at the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, but Richard Harrison remained out of the public eye.
How is Rick Harrison’s father different from Corey Harrison?
Richard Harrison is Rick’s biological father. Corey Harrison, often called “Big Hoss,” is the son of Rick’s wife’s family and became a television personality on Pawn Stars. They are two distinct individuals with different relationships to Rick.
Is there an official death certificate available?
No publicly accessible death certificate has been released. The year 2015 is derived from family statements and contextual references in interviews, not from a publicly indexed date.
Why the confusion
The overlap of family roles and the strong presence of Corey Harrison on television create a persistent misconception about Rick’s parentage. By clarifying that Richard Harrison died in 2015 and Corey Harrison died in 2018, the distinction becomes clear and prevents ongoing misidentification.
Summary and takeaway
Rick Harrison’s father, Richard Harrison, passed away in 2015. No specific day or month has been publicly confirmed. The enduring narrative on Pawn Stars and the presence of Corey Harrison as a main cast member contribute to ongoing confusion. Understanding this timeline and relationship structure clarifies Rick Harrison’s family history and corrects a common misconception.