Rick Harrison, the familiar face behind the counter on the hit reality television series Pawn Stars, is back home and recovering after undergoing unexpected emergency bypass surgery.
The 61-year-old reality star was initially admitted to the hospital for what was expected to be a much simpler medical procedure. However, doctors discovered a more serious issue during the process and determined that Harrison needed bypass surgery instead.
According to a spokesperson for the Harrison family, Rick was discharged from the hospital on September 7 and is now resting at home. His family says he is doing well and looking forward to continuing his recovery.
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from fans who have followed Harrison and his family for years.
Who Is Rick Harrison?
Rick Harrison is best known as the star and longtime face of Pawn Stars, the HISTORY Channel reality series centered around the Harrison family and their famous Las Vegas pawn shop.
The show follows Rick, his family, and the employees of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop as they evaluate unusual collectibles, antiques, historical items, jewelry, artwork, and other valuable possessions brought into the store.
Harrison developed his knowledge of the pawn business at a very young age. According to his official HISTORY biography, he began training in the pawn business when he was just 13 years old. He eventually partnered with his father, Richard “Old Man” Harrison, helping build the family business into one of the most recognizable pawn shops in the country.
How ‘Pawn Stars’ Made Rick Harrison Famous
Although Rick had spent decades working in the pawn business before television fame, his career changed dramatically when Pawn Stars premiered in 2009.
The series gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the family business in Las Vegas while showcasing the negotiations, historical discoveries, and unusual items that came through the shop.
Rick became one of the show’s central personalities, often serving as the knowledgeable voice who tried to determine whether an item was authentic and how much it could potentially be worth.
The series became a major success for HISTORY and has continued for numerous seasons. The network describes the show as following three generations of the Harrison family as they operate their Las Vegas business.
The Harrison Family Business
Rick’s connection to the pawn business goes back to his father, Richard Harrison, better known to television audiences as “The Old Man.”
Richard played an important role in the family business and became one of the most recognizable personalities on Pawn Stars. He remained involved with the shop until his death in 2018.
Rick also worked alongside his son Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, creating a unique three-generation dynamic that became one of the defining features of the television series.
Austin “Chumlee” Russell, a longtime friend of the Harrison family, also became an important part of the show and one of its most recognizable personalities.
A Sudden Health Scare
Rick’s recent health scare came unexpectedly.
He reportedly went to the hospital expecting to undergo a routine stent procedure. During the procedure, however, doctors discovered a more serious problem and determined that bypass surgery was necessary.
A family spokesperson said Harrison was resting comfortably and was grateful for the doctors, hospital staff, his wife, and his family for being there during the difficult time.
The latest update is encouraging: Harrison has now left the hospital and is recovering at home.
His family has indicated that he is doing well, giving fans reason to remain optimistic about his recovery.
Fans Continue to Support Rick Harrison
For more than a decade, Rick Harrison has become a familiar presence in American television. Millions of viewers have watched him negotiate deals, examine rare objects, and interact with customers and experts on Pawn Stars.
Because of that long connection with viewers, news of his emergency surgery quickly attracted attention from fans around the country.
For now, Harrison’s focus appears to be on resting and recovering at home with the support of his family.
Fans will undoubtedly be hoping to see the Pawn Stars star back to his usual self soon.
We wish Rick Harrison a smooth and full recovery.