Behind the Pawn Stars: The Untold Heartbreak and Resilience of Corey Harrison

For millions of viewers, Corey Harrison was the charismatic, quick-witted “Big Hoss” at the center of History Channel’s hit show, Pawn Stars. Fame, fortune, and a family business worth millions seemed to promise a life most could only dream of. But behind the glimmer of television lights, Corey’s journey was marked by private battles, family tension, and heartbreaks that nearly broke him.

Born Into the Family Business

Corey Harrison’s story begins in Las Vegas, where he was born on April 27, 1983. The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, co-founded by his grandfather Richard “The Old Man” Harrison and run by his parents Rick and Kim, was more than a business—it was the heartbeat of the family. Corey wasn’t just a regular kid; he was raised in the world of appraisals, negotiations, and family drama.

By age nine, Corey was working in the shop, polishing jewelry and organizing shelves while absorbing lessons from his father and grandfather. He learned not just how to spot gold or silver, but how to read people—their tells, their tricks, and their truths. By 12, Corey was handling real sales, often outsmarting adult customers who didn’t realize the kid behind the counter was already a business prodigy.

Pressure, Expectations, and the Making of Big Hoss

Corey’s teenage years were a crash course in business and responsibility. At 13, he could identify rare coins and military items with uncanny accuracy. By 16, he was trusted with thousands of dollars in purchases and big decisions—sometimes clashing with his elders, but often proving himself right.

The nickname “Big Hoss” wasn’t just about Corey’s imposing size (he stood six feet tall and weighed over 400 pounds by his mid-teens), but his growing leadership and presence in the shop. Customers asked for him by name, and older employees began to respect his judgment. The pressure was relentless, with family disagreements and business decisions playing out in front of staff and customers.

Rick, Corey’s father, was especially tough. Family ties meant nothing unless you proved yourself, and Corey had to earn his place every day. The Old Man was equally demanding, but in his own way. By 17, the tension was already taking a toll, and Corey began pushing back—setting the stage for the must-watch drama that would later define Pawn Stars.

Pawn Stars: Fame, Fortune, and New Challenges

In 2009, a simple YouTube video of Rick Harrison handling a difficult customer caught the eye of History Channel producers. Within months, Pawn Stars premiered and became an overnight sensation—second only to Jersey Shore in reality TV ratings. The timing was perfect, as viewers were drawn to the family-run shop hustling through hard times.

Corey, just 26 and with no acting experience, became a fan favorite. His relaxed style, sharp humor, and deep knowledge made him relatable and real. He wasn’t just explaining history—he was living it. His passion for antiques, classic cars, and motorcycles wasn’t staged, and his unpredictability kept fans hooked.

But the show’s success brought new pressures. Corey was running daily operations, managing 30 employees, and making the shop’s biggest purchases—yet he owned none of the business. By 28, he demanded a 10% stake, threatening to walk away unless the family recognized his contributions. The emotional showdown on camera was real, echoing years of behind-the-scenes frustration.

After intense negotiations, Corey was granted a 5% partnership. It wasn’t the full 10%, but it gave him authority, a substantial raise, and a promise of more in the future. For Corey, it was validation—he was no longer just an employee but a true owner, helping shape the future of the business.

Battling Health and Personal Demons

Corey’s journey wasn’t just about business. In 2010, a doctor’s visit revealed he weighed 402 pounds and was at risk for diabetes. Faced with a medical emergency, Corey took a desperate step—maxing out four credit cards to pay for lap band surgery. It was a life-or-death decision, choosing debt over the risk of dying young.

The results were dramatic. Corey lost 50 pounds in six weeks and more than 150 pounds within a year. The transformation was physical and emotional, giving him momentum to keep fighting for his health and future.

But personal struggles continued. Corey’s first marriage to high school sweetheart Charlene Steel ended quietly in 2015, and his second marriage to Karina “Kiki” Harrison lasted just 15 months. The couple divorced while Kiki was pregnant, and their son, Richard Benjamin Harrison, was born four months after Corey’s grandfather passed away. The timing was bittersweet—legally divorced, yet welcoming a new life named after the family patriarch.

Public Scrutiny and Private Pain

As Corey’s fame grew, so did the scrutiny. In 2020, an RV rental dispute made headlines when Corey allegedly refused to pay for damages, leading to police involvement. In September 2023, he was arrested for DUI after his truck swerved in Las Vegas. Corey claimed he’d only had one drink, and the breathalyzer malfunctioned, but the incident added to a growing list of public challenges.

The family faced even greater heartbreak in 2018 when Richard “The Old Man” Harrison died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Rick Harrison’s emotional tribute went viral, and fans mourned the loss of the shop’s founder. Then, in January 2024, Rick’s youngest son Adam was found dead of fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity—a tragedy that highlighted the nation’s opioid crisis.

A New Chapter: Leaving the Spotlight

By 2024, Corey’s role in Pawn Stars was changing. Viewers noticed his slouched posture and speculated about lingering injuries from a 2014 motorcycle accident. The show, after 16 seasons, was put on indefinite pause. Corey made it clear he wouldn’t return for any reboot, saying he couldn’t keep pretending to be 23 when he was now 41.

Three months after filming wrapped, Corey relocated to Tulum, Mexico, leaving behind Las Vegas, the shop, and the fame. He’s now working with investors to open Big Horses Smoke and Joint, a barbecue restaurant—a complete shift from his television life.

Conclusion: The Real Corey Harrison

Corey Harrison’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and transformation. Behind the cameras, he faced pressures few could imagine—family expectations, health scares, failed relationships, and unimaginable loss. Yet through it all, Corey kept fighting, reinventing himself and refusing to let tragedy define his future.

As Pawn Stars fades from the spotlight, Corey’s journey reminds us that even those who seem to have it all can face battles no one sees. His story is not just about fame or fortune, but about the strength it takes to keep going when everything falls apart.