Who Is Corey Harrison?
Corey Harrison, born Richard Corey Harrison on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American businessman and reality television personality best known for his long-running role on the History Channel’s hit series Pawn Stars. Nicknamed “Big Hoss,” Corey grew up inside the world of pawnbroking and became one of the central faces of the family-owned Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
As of 2026, Corey Harrison is 42 years old. Over nearly two decades on television, he has evolved from a sometimes-impulsive young employee into a seasoned businessman managing high-value deals and daily shop operations. His journey reflects both family legacy and personal growth—marked by success, health struggles, tragedy, and resilience.
Early Life and Family Background
Corey was born into a family already rooted in business and discipline. His father, Rick Harrison, co-founded the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and later became the lead figure of Pawn Stars. His mother, Kim Harrison, was Rick’s first wife.
Corey grew up alongside his siblings:
- Adam Harrison (younger brother, deceased)
- Jake Harrison (brother)
He also shared a close relationship with his grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison, affectionately known as “The Old Man,” whose stern personality and traditional values shaped much of the shop’s early culture.
From the age of nine, Corey was already working at the pawn shop. While most children were focused on school activities, Corey was learning negotiation tactics, inventory management, and customer service. By his teenage years, he was deeply involved in the store’s operations.
Rise to Fame: Pawn Stars Success
Pawn Stars premiered in 2009 and quickly became one of the most popular reality television series in the United States. The show follows the daily operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, highlighting unusual historical items and tense negotiation scenes.
Corey’s on-screen persona stood out. Initially portrayed as occasionally hot-headed and impatient, he gradually proved his expertise in collectibles, rare coins, sports memorabilia, and antiques. Over time, he took on a larger management role and reportedly secured a partnership stake in the business after negotiating a salary dispute during early seasons.
His growth became a major storyline: viewers saw him mature from the “boss’s son” into a respected operator within the shop.
Corey Harrison Wikipedia Overview
According to publicly available biographical information, Corey Harrison:
- Was born April 27, 1983
- Began working at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at age 9
- Became store manager overseeing employees and purchases
- Gained fame from Pawn Stars
- Married twice (Charlene Harrison; Korina Harrison)
- Has one son
His Wikipedia profile also highlights major life events, including his marriages, family losses, and health transformation.
Corey Harrison Age and Personal Growth
At 42 years old, Corey has lived much of his adult life in the public eye. His personal transformation is notable not only in terms of career success but also health.
At one point, Corey struggled with obesity, weighing over 400 pounds. Concerned about serious medical risks, including diabetes, he opted for lap-band surgery in 2010. Following the procedure, he dramatically lost weight and adopted a healthier lifestyle. His physical transformation became one of the show’s most discussed storylines.
Though he has not publicly disclosed major chronic illness beyond weight-related health concerns, his decision to undergo surgery was preventive and life-changing.
Corey Harrison Illness and Health Journey
Corey’s weight struggles were more than cosmetic—they posed significant health risks. After medical consultation, he committed to:
- Bariatric surgery
- Strict dietary adjustments
- Regular exercise
- Lifestyle discipline
His transformation was visible to viewers season after season. Corey has occasionally spoken about how the surgery gave him “a second chance” at life.
In 2026, his health again made headlines after a serious accident (detailed below), but he remains resilient.
Corey Harrison Accident (Motorcycle Crash)
In early 2026, Corey Harrison was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while in Tulum, Mexico.
Reports indicated:
- He suffered 11 broken ribs
- Required hospitalization for several days
- Shared X-ray images and recovery updates via social media
- Was placed on extended bed rest
The accident forced him to miss significant family events, including his father’s wedding. Fortunately, the injuries were not fatal, and Corey expressed gratitude for surviving what could have been a far worse tragedy.
Corey Harrison Tragedy: The Death of Adam Harrison
One of the most heartbreaking events in Corey’s life was the loss of his brother, Adam Harrison, in 2024.
Adam died at age 39 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The tragedy deeply affected the Harrison family. While Adam was not featured prominently on Pawn Stars, he remained part of the family’s private life.
The death brought renewed attention to America’s opioid crisis and sparked public condolences from fans worldwide. Corey and his father Rick publicly acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss.
Corey Harrison Wife: Marriages and Relationships
Corey has been married twice.
1. Charlene Harrison (2009–2015)
Corey’s first marriage was to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Harrison. The couple married in 2009 but divorced in 2015. Their relationship was largely kept private, though Corey occasionally referenced the challenges of balancing work and personal life.
2. Korina “Kiki” Harrison (2017–2018)
Korina Harrison married Corey on May 26, 2017. However, the marriage lasted just over a year, ending in divorce in 2018.
Corey cited conflicting schedules and personal differences as reasons for separation. Despite the split, reports suggested they remained on respectful terms.
Corey Harrison and Korina Harrison’s Child
Corey and Korina share a son named Richard Benjamin Harrison, named after Corey’s late grandfather. Becoming a father significantly impacted Corey’s outlook on life, especially after family tragedies.
Corey Harrison Instagram Presence
Corey maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @thecoreyharrison (variations may exist depending on updates). His account typically features:
- Behind-the-scenes pawn shop moments
- Personal updates
- Health and recovery posts
- Family photos
- Travel experiences
During his 2026 accident recovery, Corey shared hospital photos and updates directly with fans, showing transparency and gratitude.
Corey Harrison Net Worth
Corey Harrison’s estimated net worth is commonly reported between $5 million and $10 million, though figures vary depending on sources.
His income streams include:
- Salary from Pawn Stars
- Ownership stake in Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
- Business investments
- Public appearances
- Merchandise and branding deals
Given the long-term success of Pawn Stars, which remains one of the History Channel’s flagship programs, Corey’s financial stability appears strong.
Relationship With Rick Harrison
Corey’s relationship with his father, Rick Harrison, has evolved over the years. Early seasons showed tension between father and son regarding work ethic and responsibility. However, as Corey matured, their dynamic shifted toward partnership.
Rick has publicly acknowledged Corey’s growth and business acumen. The family’s on-screen chemistry remains one of the main attractions of the show.
Life After The Old Man
The passing of Richard Benjamin Harrison in 2018 marked the end of an era. The “Old Man” was a fan favorite known for his dry humor and strict management style.
His death deeply impacted Corey, who had named his son after him. The generational transition further solidified Corey’s role as a key figure in the pawn shop’s future.
Corey Harrison Today
Today, Corey balances:
- Business leadership
- Fatherhood
- Television commitments
- Recovery from personal setbacks
Despite public challenges—including divorce, weight struggles, a near-fatal accident, and the loss of his brother—Corey Harrison remains a resilient figure.
His life story reflects more than reality TV fame. It is a narrative of legacy, personal accountability, tragedy, growth, and survival.
Final Thoughts
Corey Harrison’s journey from a young pawn shop employee to a nationally recognized television personality is a compelling American story. His age (42), family background, marriages to Charlene Harrison and Korina Harrison, tragic loss of Adam Harrison, motorcycle accident, health transformation, and multimillion-dollar net worth all contribute to a layered public profile.
Through triumph and hardship, Corey continues to evolve—both as a businessman and as a father—while remaining a central figure in one of television’s longest-running reality series.
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