Corey Harrison, often recognized as “Big Hoss,” has become a household name thanks to his prominent role on the hit reality TV show Pawn Stars. The series, which chronicles the daily operations of his family-owned Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, offers a unique blend of history, negotiation, and personal drama. Beyond his reality TV fame, Corey is a businessman, an entrepreneur, and a public figure with a fascinating personal journey. This article explores his life, career, personal struggles, and triumphs, delving into the question of “Who is Corey Harrison?”
Early Life and Family Background
Corey Harrison was born Richard Corey Harrison on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the pawn shop business, as his father, Rick Harrison, and grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison, were already deeply involved in running Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. From a young age, Corey showed an interest in the family business, working at the shop from as early as nine years old. His early exposure to the world of pawn broking, negotiation, and historical artifacts shaped his future career and laid the foundation for his success on Pawn Stars.
The Harrison family’s tight-knit dynamics have been central to the show, with Rick, Corey, and the late Richard Benjamin Harrison (known as “The Old Man”) becoming key figures in the series. The interplay between generations, combined with their different approaches to running the business, adds an element of family drama that resonates with viewers.
Rise to Fame with Pawn Stars
Corey Harrison’s big break came when Pawn Stars premiered on the History Channel in 2009. The show quickly gained a massive following due to its unique concept of blending history, business, and reality TV. Corey, alongside his father Rick and his best friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell, became one of the show’s leading personalities. Each episode features customers bringing in rare, valuable, or unusual items to the pawn shop, with Corey and his family negotiating deals, determining the value of items, and offering insights into the historical significance of various objects.
One of the reasons Corey became such a fan favorite was his relatable, everyman persona. Unlike his father Rick, who often takes a more serious, business-first approach, Corey is known for his sense of humor and easy-going nature. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Corey plays a crucial role in the shop’s day-to-day operations, often making significant purchasing decisions and managing the staff.
Corey Harrison’s Role in the Pawn Shop
As one of the managers at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Corey Harrison has taken on increasing responsibility over the years. His role involves overseeing the store’s daily operations, managing its 30+ employees, and ensuring that the business runs smoothly. Corey is ambitious and has been vocal about his desire to take over the business one day. However, this ambition has often led to clashes with his father and grandfather, both of whom have different ideas about how the shop should be run.
These disagreements are frequently highlighted on Pawn Stars, adding an additional layer of drama to the show. Corey’s desire for more control and his insistence on modernizing the shop has been a recurring theme. Despite these occasional family squabbles, Corey remains a central figure in the business and an indispensable part of the Pawn Stars team.
Corey Harrison’s Personal Life: Marriages and Relationships
Corey Harrison’s personal life has been as eventful as his career. He has been married twice—first to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Harrison, in 2009. The couple’s relationship was one of young love, but it ultimately ended in divorce in 2015. After the split, Corey began dating Korina “Kiki” Harrison, and the two were married in 2017. Unfortunately, this marriage was also short-lived, with the couple finalizing their divorce in 2018. Despite these personal setbacks, Corey has remained close to both of his ex-wives and continues to focus on his work and personal growth.
One of the most transformative events in Corey’s life was his significant weight loss. In 2010, after a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, Corey decided to take control of his health. He underwent lap-band surgery and subsequently lost nearly 200 pounds. His weight loss journey not only improved his health but also had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. Corey has been open about the struggles and triumphs of his weight loss journey, and his transformation has been an inspiration to many fans.
Corey Harrison’s Legal Troubles
While Corey has achieved significant success in his career, he has also faced his fair share of legal issues. In September 2023, Corey made headlines for being arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). According to reports, a police officer observed Corey’s vehicle swerving between lanes, and after pulling him over, noted signs of intoxication. Although Corey declined to take a field sobriety test, he was taken to jail, where he provided a blood sample. This incident was a reminder that, like many public figures, Corey’s life in the spotlight comes with scrutiny and occasional challenges.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Corey Harrison’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. Much of this wealth comes from his role on Pawn Stars, but Corey has also been involved in other entrepreneurial ventures. He has capitalized on his fame by branching out into other business opportunities, including real estate and investments. In 2016, Corey listed his Las Vegas home for $2.4 million, showcasing his involvement in the property market.
Corey’s success is a testament to his business acumen, his hard work, and his ability to balance the demands of reality TV with running a successful pawn shop. Despite the occasional bumps in the road, Corey’s career continues to thrive, and his role in the Harrison family business remains secure.
Corey Harrison’s Health and Wellness
There has been ongoing speculation about Corey Harrison’s health, particularly after his dramatic weight loss. Fans have expressed concern over rumors of illness, but Corey has repeatedly assured the public that he is in good health. His weight loss was motivated by a desire to improve his health and prevent the onset of diabetes, and he continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Corey’s transformation has been one of the most talked-about aspects of his life, and while there have been occasional rumors about his well-being, there is no credible evidence to suggest that he is facing any serious health issues. Corey’s journey toward better health has been an inspiration to many of his fans, and he remains committed to maintaining his physical and mental well-being.
Corey Harrison’s Legacy
As of 2024, Corey Harrison continues to be a central figure on Pawn Stars and a key player in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. His relatable personality, combined with his deep knowledge of the pawn business, has made him one of the most beloved characters on the show. Corey’s legacy is not just tied to his role in the family business, but also to his personal journey of growth, health, and resilience.
Whether he is dealing with rare historical artifacts, navigating family drama, or facing personal challenges, Corey Harrison has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with. His journey is far from over, and fans of Pawn Stars can expect to see much more from “Big Hoss” in the years to come.
