'Old Man' Richard Harrison from popular show 'Pawn Stars' dies at age 77
Richard Harrison, who is better known to the world as the 'Old Man' from the popular show History Channel show 'Pawn Stars' has died at the age of 77, according to his son, Rick Harrison. Harrison passed away on Monday morning in the presence of family and friends, reports suggest.
"'The Old Man' Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved," Rick said, according to a TMZ report. "He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over."
Rick said his father was an amazing dad to his children. "He was my hero and I was fortunate enough to get a very cool 'Old Man' as my dad." However, none of the family members gave any indication as to how the TV star had died.
Even Gold & Silver Pawn announced of Harrison's passing on Monday with their own statement. "It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Richard Benjamin Harrison (known as ‘The Old Man’ to 'Pawn Stars' fans the world over) this morning," a statement from the business read via its Facebook page. "He was surrounded by loving family this past weekend and went peacefully."
The statement continued, "The team at Gold & Silver Pawn and the Pawn Stars family is grieving his loss. He will be remembered as the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather you could have by his family and by fans as the sometimes grumpy (always loving, however), often wisecracking, and voice of absolute reason on the History television show ‘Pawn Stars’. Services are pending and the family appreciates your prayers and kind words."
Harrison had moved to Las Vegas in the early 1980s, where he had opened the Gold & Silver Pawn shop with help from his son Rick. The father-son duo then got a chance to show their family, along with their family business on the show, which has been airing since July 2009.
On the popular reality show, "Old Man" as one of the most beloved cast members. The beloved Navy veteran was especially known on the show for talking about old stories from his time in the military, something which the viewers apparently enjoyed about him.
A representative for History Channel told TMZ, "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. He will be greatly missed for his wisdom and candor."