Richard Benjamin Harrison Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Children, Wife

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., widely known as “The Old Man” and “The Appraiser,” was an American businessman and reality television personality, best recognized as the co-owner of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, prominently featured on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17, served for two decades, and retired as a petty officer first class.

Following a brief stint in real estate, Harrison relocated with his family to Las Vegas in 1981, where he and his son Rick initially opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop.

In 1989, they secured a pawn license and established the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which rose to national fame with the launch of Pawn Stars in 2009.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr.
• Stage Name:” The Old Man” and “The Appraiser”
• Born: March 4, 1941
• Died: June 25, 2018
• Age: 77 years old
• Birthplace: Danville, Virginia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American businessman and reality television personality
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Harrison,
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: JoAnne Rhue Harrison (m. 1960–2018)
• Children: Rick Harrison, Sherry Harrison, Chris Harrison
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million and $8 million

Early Life And Education

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. was born on March 4, 1941, in Danville, Virginia, USA. While his parents’ names remain undisclosed, they are commonly referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, and details about any possible siblings are not publicly known. He attended Lexington High School in Lexington, North Carolina, but left during his junior year. Of Irish descent, Harrison was a Christian by faith.

Career

Harrison initially left the U.S. Navy in 1962 but reenlisted just over a year later to secure medical benefits for his daughter Sherry, who was born with Down syndrome. He served for approximately 20 years, retiring 1979 as a first-class petty officer.

After his military career, he briefly worked in his wife Joanne’s real estate business, but financial challenges soon prompted the family to seek new opportunities elsewhere. In April 1981, with just $5,000 to their name, Harrison and his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

He and his son Rick opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop, a modest 300-square-foot store. The business gradually expanded, and by 1986, they relocated to a larger space. A year later, they obtained a license to buy and sell secondhand goods, bringing them one step closer to their long-standing goal of opening a pawn shop.

Securing a pawn license in Las Vegas was difficult due to city regulations, but after closely monitoring population growth and navigating legal barriers, the Harrisons finally acquired one in 1989. They opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at 713 Las Vegas Boulevard South, steadily gaining a local reputation.

In 2009, the shop became the focus of the History Channel’s reality series Pawn Stars, catapulting both the business and Harrison—nicknamed “The Old Man”—to international fame. Known for his sharp eye, dry humor, and firm business style, Harrison became a beloved television personality and helped transform the shop into a major Las Vegas attraction.

Social Media

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr does not have any social media accounts.

Personal Life

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr. was married to Joanne Rhue, whom he met at 17. The couple married in 1960 and had four children together. Their first child, Sherry, was born with Down syndrome and tragically passed away at the age of six.

They also had three sons: Joseph (Joe), Chris, and Richard Kevin “Rick” Harrison, who would become Harrison’s business partner and co-star on the reality series Pawn Stars. Harrison passed away on June 25, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 77 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Net Worth

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr.’s net worth at the time of his death in 2018 was estimated between $5 million and $8 million, mainly stemming from his co-ownership of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and his role on the hit reality series Pawn Stars, with additional earnings from merchandise, endorsements, real estate, and show royalties.