Rick Harrison, an American entrepreneur and reality TV personality, has accumulated a significant net worth of $9 million as of 2025. Best known for his role in the popular TV show Pawn Stars, Harrison is the co-owner of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born on March 22, 1965, Harrison has become a household name through his savvy business dealings and television fame. But what made Rick Harrison’s journey to success so remarkable? Let’s take a deeper dive into his life, career, and the wealth he built along the way.
What is Rick Harrison’s Early Life Like?
Rick Harrison was born in Lexington, North Carolina, to Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. and Joanne Harrison. Raised in a family with a strong military background—his father was a U.S. Navy veteran—Harrison faced challenges from a young age, including epilepsy, which often kept him bedridden. During these times, he developed a love for reading. His family relocated to San Diego when Rick was only two years old, where he attended Taft Middle School. Harrison dropped out of school during his sophomore year to focus on a business venture selling counterfeit Gucci bags. In 1981, the Harrisons moved to Las Vegas, a decision that would alter the course of their future forever.
How Did Rick Harrison Start His Pawn Shop Business?
Upon settling in Las Vegas, Harrison’s father opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop in 1981, a small 300-square-foot store. Rick worked there during the day, while at night, he repossessed cars to help sustain the family. The business struggled at first, but by 1986, the family moved to a bigger location in downtown Las Vegas. Unfortunately, they lost their lease in 1988, forcing them to relocate again. This time, the Harrisons took a bold step toward turning their coin shop into a pawn shop.
However, they faced an obstacle in the form of a Las Vegas law that limited the number of pawn shop licenses based on the city’s population. But Harrison wasn’t deterred. He made weekly calls to the city’s statistician to track population milestones. Finally, in 1989, the Harrisons were granted one of the coveted pawn licenses and opened Gold & Silver Pawn Shop near the Las Vegas Strip. This move proved to be the turning point in their business success.
How Did Pawn Stars Make Rick Harrison Famous?
Harrison and his family had a strong foundation in the pawn business, but it was the 2009 debut of Pawn Stars that thrust Rick into the limelight. Despite facing years of setbacks in securing a TV deal, Harrison finally found a partner in the History Channel. The show became an instant hit, quickly becoming the highest-rated series on the network. By 2023, Pawn Stars had run for 21 seasons and 633 episodes, with no sign of slowing down.
Harrison’s expertise in spotting undervalued items and his natural charisma made him a fan favorite. His son, Corey, and childhood friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell, also featured prominently on the show. As the shop’s “spotter,” Harrison became known for his ability to appraise valuable antiques, rare memorabilia, and unique items.
What Challenges Has Rick Harrison Faced?
While his career in the pawn business and his TV fame have brought him considerable wealth, Harrison has also encountered challenges. One of the most significant was a lawsuit filed by his mother, Joanne Harrison, after the death of his father, Richard Harrison (also known as “The Old Man”) in 2018. The lawsuit alleges that Rick had his mother sign over her 51% stake in the pawn shop while she was hospitalized. It claims that after Richard’s passing, Rick failed to provide a full accounting of the pawn shop’s finances and the assets he inherited.
The lawsuit, which sought unspecified damages and an accounting of assets, highlighted the complexity of managing a family-owned business. Although it remains unresolved, this legal dispute has been one of the more public challenges in Rick’s life.
What is Rick Harrison’s Personal Life Like?
Rick Harrison has been married three times. His first marriage was to a woman named Kim, with whom he had two children: Corey and Adam. The couple separated shortly after Adam’s birth. Rick then married his second wife, Tracy, after meeting her on a blind date. Their marriage ended in divorce. In 2013, he married Deanna Burditt, but the couple divorced in 2020. In 2021, Harrison married Amanda Palmer.
Beyond his marriages, Harrison has expressed an interest in politics. He briefly considered running for governor of Nevada in 2022 and has even hinted at a possible run for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
How Has Rick Harrison Invested in Real Estate?
Rick Harrison’s wealth isn’t just tied to his pawn shop and television career. In 2019, he listed his luxurious home in Las Vegas for $3.99 million. The 8,845-square-foot mansion, located in the prestigious Red Rock Country Clubhouse area, was purchased by Harrison in 2016. The property was extensively renovated, with Harrison spending $600,000 to update the house. Features of the home include a 12-seat home theater, a wine cellar, and an outdoor kitchen that overlooks stunning views of Red Rock Canyon and the Strip. The property’s lagoon-style pool, lazy river, and waterfall make it a luxurious retreat.
Despite the home’s grandeur, Harrison decided to list it after his children had grown and no longer needed the expansive space.
What Does the Future Hold for Rick Harrison?
As of 2025, Rick Harrison continues to be a key figure in the pawn industry and reality television. His business remains successful, and his wealth is likely to grow further due to the ongoing popularity of Pawn Stars and his diversified investments. Whether or not Harrison decides to pursue a political career, one thing is clear: his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to changing circumstances have made him a lasting figure in the entertainment and business worlds.
In conclusion, Rick Harrison’s story is one of perseverance and ingenuity. From humble beginnings in Las Vegas to becoming a TV sensation, Harrison has built a legacy that extends beyond his role on Pawn Stars. As he continues to grow his net worth and navigate the ups and downs of his personal life and career, his influence is likely to remain significant for years to come.
