Richard Harrison Death Chumlee - A Look Back

Fidel Roob 06 Jul 2025

The passing of Richard "The Old Man" Harrison, a beloved figure from the television program Pawn Stars, certainly brought a wave of sadness through the show's community and for fans everywhere. This event, which saw the family patriarch leave us, also created a noticeable gap for those closest to him, especially his grandson, Corey, and Corey's good friend, Austin "Chumlee" Russell. You see, Richard was more than just a person on a screen; he was, in a way, a cornerstone of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and a guiding presence for many.

The news about Richard Harrison's passing sent a bit of a shockwave through the Pawn Stars community, and really, for fans across the globe. He was, as a matter of fact, not just a character everyone liked, but also a truly big piece of the show's achievements. His leaving us truly highlighted the effect he had on the people around him, particularly on his grandson Corey and Chumlee, who was like family.

This article aims to look at the story of Richard Harrison's passing and what it meant for Chumlee. We'll uncover the more human side of this sad event, some of the things people learned, and how the Harrison family has, more or less, kept going since then. It's about remembering the man and the connections he made.

The Man Behind the Counter - Richard Harrison's Life
What Happened to Richard Harrison - The Passing of a Pawn Star?
How Did Richard Harrison's Death Affect Chumlee?
The Bond Between Richard Harrison and Chumlee
The Show Goes On - Life After Richard Harrison's Passing
What Was Richard Harrison's Legacy for the Pawn Stars Family?
The Family's Grief and Moving Forward After Richard Harrison's Death
Did Richard Harrison Have a Will - Family Matters?
A Look at Richard Harrison's Final Wishes

The Man Behind the Counter - Richard Harrison's Life

Before we get into the specifics of Richard Harrison's passing and what it meant for Chumlee, it's probably good to take a moment and get to know the person who became so well-known because of Pawn Stars. Richard Harrison, often called "The Old Man," was actually born on April 12, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. He had a pretty long career in the Navy, serving for twenty years and reaching a good rank there. This experience, you know, shaped a lot of who he was.

He was, in fact, the person who came up with the idea for the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. This place would eventually become the setting for the popular show. Richard, along with his son Rick, his grandson Corey, and Corey's friend and employee, Austin Russell, better known as Chumlee, started appearing on the reality television program Pawn Stars on the History Channel starting in July 2009. They were on the show right up until Richard's passing. He was, for many, the very heart of that shop and the show.

Richard was, to be honest, known for his straight talk and his dry sense of humor. He would often playfully tease Rick, his grandson Corey, and Chumlee. These interactions were a big part of what made the show enjoyable for so many people. He had a way of being both stern and lovable at the same time, which, you know, is a pretty unique combination for a person to have. He was, in short, a true original.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Richard Harrison

Full Name	Richard Benjamin Harrison
Nickname	The Old Man
Born	April 12, 1943
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York
Military Service	U.S. Navy (20 years)
Known For	Co-founder of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Star of Pawn Stars

What Happened to Richard Harrison - The Passing of a Pawn Star?

Richard Harrison had been away from the show for several seasons before his actual passing. This, of course, led many fans to wonder about his well-being. His son, Rick Harrison, was the one who shared the news of his father's passing in a public statement. Rick told TMZ that "The Old Man" Harrison had, in fact, left this world that morning, surrounded by the people he cared for. It was, apparently, a peaceful moment.

Rick also shared a very touching message on Instagram at the time of his father's passing. He wrote, "Richard Benjamin 'The Old Man' Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved." This really let people know how much Richard was cherished by his family. The cause of Richard Harrison's passing has, as a matter of fact, not been made public, which, you know, is something the family chose to keep private.

The news of Richard Harrison's passing truly marked a very big loss for reality television. It was also a significant event for the pawn shop world itself, and most especially for the Pawn Stars family. His presence on the show was quite unique, and his absence was, in a way, felt deeply by everyone who watched and worked with him. It was, really, the end of an era for many.

How Did Richard Harrison's Death Affect Chumlee?

For Austin "Chumlee" Russell, the passing of Richard Harrison meant losing a really important person who showed him the way in life. Chumlee, whose actual name is Austin Russell, was a friend from childhood to Richard's grandson, Corey. He grew up around the Harrisons and, in a way, became part of their family over the years. So, Richard's passing was, you know, a very personal blow for him.

Chumlee first spoke about Richard's passing on social media. He put up a simple but very moving message, which, honestly, expressed how Richard had treated him like a family member. He also shared that Richard had taught him many valuable things that he would carry with him for the rest of his life. This was, in fact, a very public display of his grief and appreciation for the man who had been such a big part of his world.

The bond between Richard and Chumlee was, quite frankly, a special part of the show. It was a source of humor and, at times, a bit of playful tension. Richard's passing truly left a noticeable empty space not only in the series itself but also, very much, in Chumlee's personal life. It was like, a piece of his daily routine and his support system was suddenly gone. Chumlee had, you know, looked up to him for a long time.

The Bond Between Richard Harrison and Chumlee

The connection between Richard Harrison and Chumlee was, in some respects, a highlight of the Pawn Stars program. It was a dynamic that viewers really enjoyed watching. Richard, the wise and sometimes grumpy elder, would often offer Chumlee advice, or perhaps, just a little bit of a hard time, all in good fun. Chumlee, for his part, usually took it all in stride, often with a laugh or a quick comeback.

Their interactions showed a genuine affection, even through the jokes and the playful jabs. Richard, it seems, saw something in Chumlee, treating him not just as an employee or his grandson's friend, but as someone he cared for deeply, almost like one of his own. This kind of relationship is, frankly, pretty rare to see so openly on television, and it made their bond feel very real to the audience. It was, you know, a very human connection.

This bond was, actually, a big reason why Richard's passing affected Chumlee so deeply. Losing someone who has been a mentor, a friend, and a family figure all rolled into one leaves a very significant empty spot. Chumlee's public words showed just how much he valued the lessons and the care he received from "The Old Man." It was, basically, a relationship built on mutual respect and a lot of shared moments.

The Show Goes On - Life After Richard Harrison's Passing

Even after Richard Harrison's passing, Pawn Stars has continued to air on the History Channel, having been on television since 2009. The show, as a matter of fact, has become one of the History Channel's biggest successes over the years. Rick and Corey Harrison, along with Austin "Chumlee" Russell, have all become well-known figures thanks to their work on the program. They've, you know, become quite famous in their own right.

Their jobs, which involve identifying and selling countless old items and unique pieces, have made them, in a way, legends in their particular field. Few people, if any, could really hope to compete with their level of knowledge and experience in the pawn world. The show has, basically, kept its core appeal, even with the absence of its patriarch. It's a testament to the strong foundation Richard helped build.

The absence of Richard Harrison is, of course, noticeable. However, the show has, in some respects, found ways to honor his memory while still moving forward. The family members and Chumlee have continued to share stories and memories of "The Old Man," keeping his spirit alive for the viewers. It's, you know, a way of remembering him while also carrying on the work he loved so much.

What Was Richard Harrison's Legacy for the Pawn Stars Family?

Richard Harrison's passing, you know, left a very big mark on the Pawn Stars family and the show itself. His contribution was, actually, far more than just being a face on television. He was, in fact, the driving force behind the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, building it from the ground up. This business became the very foundation for their television fame, and that's a pretty big achievement for anyone.

His legacy is, in a way, tied to the success of the show and the shop. He taught his son Rick, and by extension, Corey and Chumlee, a lot about the business of pawning, about recognizing valuable items, and about dealing with people. These were, as a matter of fact, important lessons that have helped them continue the business and the show. He instilled a certain work ethic and a way of looking at things.

Beyond the business, Richard's legacy also includes the bond he created with his family and with Chumlee. He was the family head, the one who kept things grounded. His passing highlighted the deep connections within the Harrison family and the wider group of people who worked at the shop. It showed, basically, how much he was loved and respected by those around him, and that's a pretty powerful legacy to leave.

The Family's Grief and Moving Forward After Richard Harrison's Death

The Harrison family, like any family dealing with such a sad event, went through a period of grief after Richard Harrison's passing. Rick's statement and Instagram post truly showed the deep affection and sadness they felt. It's, you know, never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been such a central part of your life and your work. The sadness was, in fact, very real and very public for them.

The cast members of Pawn Stars have, as a matter of fact, experienced their share of sad events over time. This particular passing was, perhaps, one of the most significant for them, given Richard's role as the family's older leader and the face of the show. They had to find a way to honor his memory while also continuing to work and appear on television. It's a bit of a tricky balance to strike, honestly.

Moving forward meant, in some respects, carrying on Richard's spirit and the lessons he shared. It meant keeping the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop running and continuing the show that he helped make famous. They've done this by sharing stories, remembering his quirks, and keeping his presence alive in the daily happenings of the shop. It's a way of ensuring his influence remains, even though he's physically gone. They are, essentially, keeping his memory very much alive.

Did Richard Harrison Have a Will - Family Matters?

When someone well-known passes away, people often become curious about their final wishes, especially concerning their belongings and property. Richard Harrison, the older leader of Pawn Stars, did, in fact, make arrangements for his estate. He had a will, which, you know, is a common thing for people to have to make sure their wishes are followed after they're gone. This document laid out how he wanted his things handled.

It was reported that Richard Harrison, who was known by his nickname "Old Man," made some specific choices in his final wishes. According to certain reports, he decided to leave out one of his three children, Christopher, from his will. This kind of decision, honestly, can sometimes happen within families, and it's a very personal choice that someone makes about their property. It's, basically, a private family matter that became public knowledge.

The specifics of why such a decision might have been made are not public, and it's not something the family has openly discussed in detail. However, the fact that he had a will and made these choices is, in a way, part of the story of his passing. It shows that he had, in fact, thought about his legacy and how his property would be distributed among his loved ones. It's, you know, a final act of planning for the future of his family.

A Look at Richard Harrison's Final Wishes

Richard Harrison's final wishes, as laid out in his will, were, apparently, a bit of a hard bargain for some. The details that came out showed how he wanted his assets to be divided among his family members. The decision to remove one of his sons from his will was, of course, a very significant choice. This sort of thing, you know, can cause a lot of talk and speculation, but ultimately, it was his decision to make.

For the public, these kinds of details often become a topic of discussion, especially when it involves well-known figures. However, for the Harrison family, it was a very personal matter related to their father's estate. The will essentially reflected Richard's last thoughts on how his property should be managed and who should receive what. It was, basically, his way of making sure things were handled according to his desires.

The way Richard handled his final wishes is, in some respects, a part of his story, showing his directness even in such serious matters. It underscores the fact that even well-known individuals have private family matters that, you know, are handled just like anyone else's. His passing, and the details that followed, just further cemented his place as a very memorable figure in reality television and beyond.

Richard Harrison Rick Harrison Chumlee Harrison Editorial Stock Photo

Richard Harrison Corey Harrison Chumlee Harrison Editorial Stock Photo

Rick Harrison Chumlee Harrison Corey Harrison Editorial Stock Photo

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Richard Harrison Death Chumlee - A Look Back

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