Richard 'Old Man' Harrison from 'Pawn Stars' Dead at 77, Goodbye Tweet from 'Chumlee' Breaks Hearts
Richard Harrison, star of the reality television series “Pawn Stars,” has passed away. He was 77.
Harrison was known for being no-nonsense and cantankerous as fans watched his day-to-day interactions of the famous Gold & Silver Pawn shop in Las Vegas.
Three generations of Harrisons ran the store, with the grumbly old man at the helm.
“Richard Benjamin ‘The Old Man’ Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved,” Rick Harrison told Fox News. “He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over.”
“He lived a very full life and through the History television show ‘Pawn Stars’ touched the lives of people all over teaching them the value of loving your family, hard work and humor,” Rick continued. “We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask that we are provided some privacy at this time.”
“Pawn Stars” made its television debut in 2009. Among the cast members were Harrison’s grandson, Corey Harrison, and his friend, Austin Lee Russell, lovingly known as “Chumlee.”
Russell took to Twitter to pen a heartfelt goodbye to the man who treated him like a son. “It’s hard to believe he is gone,” Russell wrote.
It’s hard to believe he is gone. He was such a big part of my life and treated me like family. I will miss him greatly and carry the lessons he taught me throughout my life. You could always count on him to straighten you out or make you laugh and both of those things I need.
— Austin Russell (@chumlee_) June 25, 2018
“He was such a big part of my life and treated me like family,” Russell continued.
“I will miss him greatly and carry the lessons he taught me throughout my life.”
Russell added that Harrison could always be counted on to “straighten you out or make you laugh,” both of which Chumlee said he needed. Chumlee fans have sent their condolences, knowing much the old man meant to him.
The History Channel released a statement on Harrison’s passing. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison, a beloved member of the HISTORY and ‘Pawn Stars’ family,” the statement read.
“He will be greatly missed for his wisdom and candor,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with the Harrison family during this difficult time.”
The “Pawn Stars” patriarch was with family over the weekend before his passing. According to a statement from the Gold & Silver Pawn shop, Harrison died peacefully.
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