Nadine Mallory

Written by Nadine Mallory

Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

25-unbelievable-facts-about-richard-old-man-harrison
Source: Ew.com

Richard “Old Man” Harrison was a beloved television personality and entrepreneur known for his appearances on the hit reality show “Pawn Stars.” As the patriarch of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, Old Man captured the hearts of viewers with his quick wit, sharp business acumen, and larger-than-life personality.

But beyond the TV screen, there are many fascinating and unbelievable facts about Richard Harrison that fans may not be aware of. From his early life to his rise to fame, and even his surprising hobbies and interests, this article will uncover 25 extraordinary details about the man affectionately known as the Old Man.

Key Takeaways:

  • Richard “Old Man” Harrison was a Navy veteran, successful businessman, and a caring family man with a net worth of $8 million. His iconic white beard and no-nonsense attitude made him a fan favorite on “Pawn Stars.”
  • Known for his dry humor and love for history, Richard Harrison’s catchphrase “You never know what’s gonna come through that door” and his iconic suspenders made him a television legend. His philanthropic spirit and dedication to family left a lasting impact.
Table of Contents

Richard Harrison was born on March 4, 1941.

Richard Benjamin Harrison, fondly known as “Old Man,” was born on March 4, 1941, in Danville, Virginia. His birthdate makes him a Pisces, known for their intuition, creativity, and wisdom.

He served in the U.S. Navy.

Before becoming a television star, Richard Harrison served in the U.S. Navy. His time in the military helped shape him into the disciplined and no-nonsense character that fans adored.

Richard Harrison was a successful businessman.

Prior to his appearances on “Pawn Stars,” Richard owned and operated the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. His expertise in the pawn industry contributed to the success of the show.

He was known for his iconic white beard.

One of Richard Harrison’s most recognizable features was his long and distinguished white beard. It became a trademark for him and added to his unique charm and persona.

Richard Harrison served as a mentor to his son and grandson.

Not only was Richard Harrison a devoted family man, but he also played a crucial role in mentoring his son, Rick Harrison, and grandson, Corey Harrison, teaching them the ins and outs of the pawn business.

He had a vast collection of historical artifacts.

Richard Harrison’s passion for history extended beyond the pawn shop. He had an extensive collection of historical artifacts, including rare coins, firearms, and antique items.

Richard Harrison was an avid reader.

The “Old Man” had a thirst for knowledge and was often seen reading books in the pawn shop. He enjoyed expanding his mind and was well-versed in various subjects.

He was a proud Navy veteran.

Richard Harrison was extremely proud of his military service and often shared stories of his time in the Navy. He displayed patriotism and reverence for his country throughout the show.

Richard Harrison had a net worth of $8 million.

Through his successful business ventures and television appearances, Richard Harrison accumulated a net worth of $8 million, making him a true testament to the American dream.

He had a no-nonsense attitude.

Richard Harrison was known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, often delivering quick-witted comebacks and words of wisdom throughout the show.

Richard Harrison did not suffer fools gladly.

With his vast experience in the pawn business, Richard Harrison had a keen eye for spotting fake and misrepresented items. He had little patience for dishonest sellers or inexperienced negotiators.

The “Old Man” was a man of few words.

While Richard Harrison was not the most talkative member of the cast, his presence and dry sense of humor added a unique dynamic to each episode of “Pawn Stars.”

He loved collecting gold and silver.

True to his business, Richard Harrison had a passion for gold and silver. He recognized their value and invested in precious metals throughout his life.

Richard Harrison was a caring grandfather.

Behind his tough exterior, Richard Harrison had a soft spot for his grandchildren, always looking out for their well-being and offering guidance whenever needed.

The “Old Man” was a fan favorite.

Richard Harrison quickly became a fan favorite on “Pawn Stars” because of his no-nonsense personality and wealth of knowledge. Viewers admired his honesty and straightforward approach.

He was married to JoAnne for 58 years.

Richard Harrison had a long and loving marriage to his beloved wife, JoAnne Rhue Harrison. The couple remained committed to each other for 58 years until his passing in 2018.

Richard Harrison had a soft spot for vintage cars.

In addition to his love for historical artifacts, Richard Harrison had a passion for vintage cars. He enjoyed collecting and restoring classic automobiles in his spare time.

He was known for his iconic suspenders.

Richard Harrison’s fashion statement included his iconic suspenders, which became as synonymous with him as his white beard. They added a touch of charm to his overall appearance.

The “Old Man” loved a good negotiation.

Richard Harrison thrived on the thrill of a good negotiation. He used his expertise and knowledge to strike the best deals for the pawn shop and often outwitted his competitors.

He was a dedicated family man.

Richard Harrison always put his family first and cherished spending time with his loved ones. He believed in the importance of building strong bonds and creating lasting memories.

Richard Harrison was a World War II history buff.

Honoring his interest in history, Richard Harrison had a particular fascination with World War II. He collected memorabilia and extensively studied the events and figures of that era.

The “Old Man” had a unique sense of humor.

Richard Harrison had a dry and sarcastic sense of humor that brought laughter to both the cast and viewers. His quick wit often caught people off guard.

He was a philanthropist.

Beyond his success on “Pawn Stars,” Richard Harrison was known for his philanthropic endeavors. He supported various charities and believed in giving back to the community.

Richard Harrison’s catchphrase was “You never know what’s gonna come through that door.”

The “Old Man” had a catchphrase that became synonymous with the show. His iconic line reminded viewers that every day at the pawn shop was filled with surprises and unique items.

He will forever be remembered as a television legend.

Richard Harrison’s contributions to the success of “Pawn Stars” and his memorable personality have solidified his status as a television legend. He left an indelible mark on the industry and will be deeply missed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Richard “Old Man” Harrison was a truly remarkable figure in the world of reality television. His presence on the hit show “Pawn Stars” made him a beloved household name, and his knowledge and expertise in the field of historical artifacts and collectibles were unparalleled.

Throughout his life, Richard Harrison amassed an incredible wealth of experience and wisdom, which he shared with viewers through his memorable interactions with customers and his sharp wit. His unmistakable presence and unique banter with his son, Rick Harrison, brought laughter and entertainment to millions of fans around the globe.

The passing of Richard “Old Man” Harrison was a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy will continue to live on through his lasting contributions to “Pawn Stars” and the lasting impact he made on his viewers’ lives. He will always be remembered as a beloved and iconic television personality.

FAQs

Q: How did Richard Harrison get the nickname “Old Man”?

A: Richard Harrison earned the nickname “Old Man” for his profound knowledge, wisdom, and experience in the pawn shop industry. His grizzled appearance and no-nonsense attitude also contributed to the nickname.

Q: What was Richard Harrison’s role on “Pawn Stars”?

A: Richard Harrison was one of the main cast members on the hit reality show “Pawn Stars.” He played the role of the patriarch of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, offering his expertise in assessing the authenticity and value of various items brought into the shop.

Q: Was Richard Harrison a military veteran?

A: Yes, Richard Harrison served in the United States Navy for 20 years. He proudly served his country and was deployed to various locations around the world during his military career.

Q: Did Richard Harrison write any books?

A: Yes, Richard Harrison co-authored a book titled “License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver.” In the book, he shared stories and insights from his years in the pawn business.

Q: What is Richard Harrison’s net worth?

A: At the time of his passing, Richard Harrison had an estimated net worth of $5 million. However, his true wealth lies in the impact he made on the lives of millions of fans and his enduring legacy in the world of reality television.

Richard "Old Man" Harrison's legacy lives on through his family and the iconic TV show, Pawn Stars. His son, Corey Harrison, has also made a name for himself in the pawn shop business and beyond. If you're curious to learn more about this father-son duo, keep reading to uncover 23 mindblowing facts about Corey Harrison that will give you a deeper appreciation for the Harrison family's contributions to popular culture and the world of pawn shops.

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