Rick Harrison is an American businessman, reality television celebrity, and owner of a famous gold and silver pawn shop.
Rick has become a well-known figure in the pawnbroking industry and popular culture for his entrepreneurial spirit and charismatic screen presence.
This comprehensive biography will delve into the essential details of Rick Harrison’s life, including his early years, personal life, career achievements, net worth, social media presence, and notable contributions to the film industry.
File
- Full name: Richard Kevin Harrison
- Date of birth: March 22, 1965
- Age: 58 years
- male
- Place of birth: Lexington, North Carolina, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Businessman, TV presenter
Early life and education
Rick Harrison, now 58 years old in 2023, was born on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina. He grew up the son of Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., a United States Navy veteran, and Joanne Rhue Harrison.
Rick has two siblings, Sherry Joanne Harrison (sadly passed away at the age of 6) and Joseph Kent Harrison, and a younger brother, Chris Harrison.
His grandfather mentioned a distant relative of US President William Henry Harrison, although Rick did not take this claim very seriously.
However, his father claimed that the family was distantly related to Benjamin Harrison, the nephew of President William Henry Harrison.
Rick Harrison moved to San Diego, California with his family when he was a child when his father was transferred there in 1967.
At the age of eight, Rick began suffering from epilepsy, which forced him to spend a lot of time in bed. During this time, he developed a deep love of books and reading.
The book series that had a significant impact on him was “Great Brain” by John D. Fitzgerald, which follows the adventures of a young con artist named Tom D. Fitzgerald. Rick’s passion for reading extends to his fascination with physics and history, especially the Royal Navy from the late 1700s to the early 1800s.
Rick Harrison attended Taft Middle School in the San Diego Unified School District. However, he dropped out in the tenth grade to pursue a counterfeit Gucci handbag business, earning a substantial income of $2,000 per week.
Personal life
Rick Harrison’s life has been full of ups and downs. He has been married four times and is currently married to Amanda Palmer since 2021.
Rick’s previous marriages include Kim Harrison (1982–1985), Tracy Harrison (1986–2011), and Deanna Burditt (2013–2020).
During their marriage, Rick became the father of three children. His first child, Corey, was born on April 27, 1983, and his second child, Adam, was born a few years later.
Rick’s third child, Jake Harrison, was born from his second marriage to Tracy. Despite some personal challenges, Rick Harrison’s perseverance and commitment to his family were evident throughout his life.
Career
Rick Harrison’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1981 when his father opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, a small thrift store in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Working with his father during the day and recovering cars at night; Rick gained valuable experience in the commercial world. After a few years, the shop expanded and moved to a larger location on Fremont Street.
Unfortunately, the Harrisons lost their lease on that location. However, their determination to open a pawn shop led them to obtain a rare and coveted pawnbroker’s license in 1989, shortly after the city’s population surpassed 250,000.
This license allowed them to open the now famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at 713 Las Vegas Boulevard South.
Over the years, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has built a reputation for its unique collection of items, including special sports memorabilia and historical artifacts. Thanks to the shop’s success, Rick Harrison has become a prominent figure in the pawn world, attracting the attention of television producers.
In 2009, the History Channel aired the reality television series “Pawn Star,” featuring Rick Harrison, his family, and the day-to-day operations of his pawn shop. The show became an instant hit, catapulting Rick to fame and making him a beloved television personality.
Rick Harrison’s business ventures extend beyond pawn shops and television. He has written books, such as “Pawnbroker’s License: Trading, Theft, and My Life at Gold & Silver”, where he shares his experiences and insights about the pawnbroking profession.
Furthermore, he is active in public speaking, giving business advice and sharing anecdotes from his fascinating journey.
Net asset value
Through his successful career in the pawnbroking industry and television appearances, Rick Harrison has amassed a considerable fortune.
While the exact figures may vary, his net worth is estimated to be around $60 million.
Social Media
- Instagram Name: @Rick_harrison
- Twitter Username: None
Filming
- Pawn Star
- The American Recovery
- Blood, Sweat and Heels
- Counting cars
- Between
