The long-running success of the History Channel series Pawn Stars has built a global community of fans who feel a personal connection to the Harrison family. However, the reality of running a multi-generational business under the constant glare of television cameras means that personal tragedies often become public milestones. Since the show's debut in 2009, several key figures who defined the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop’s identity have passed away, leading to significant shifts in the show’s dynamic and its current uncertain future.

Understanding the timeline of these events is essential for grasping why the show looks different today. From the foundational loss of the family patriarch to the recent passing of the matriarch in late 2025, the Harrison family has navigated profound grief while maintaining one of the most famous storefronts in Las Vegas.

Richard “The Old Man” Harrison: The End of an Era

The most significant turning point in the show’s history occurred in June 2018, with the death of Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., known universally as "The Old Man." As the co-founder of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, his presence was the moral and authoritative anchor of the series.

Life Before the Cameras

Before becoming a television icon in his late 60s, Richard Harrison served in the United States Navy for 20 years. His military background heavily influenced his business philosophy—punctuality, discipline, and a no-nonsense approach to appraisal were his hallmarks. He often spoke of his time on various destroyers and his pride in his service, which resonated with a large portion of the show's audience. He retired from the Navy as a first-class petty officer in 1979, eventually moving to Las Vegas to open the pawn shop with his son, Rick, in 1989.

The Battle with Parkinson’s

Richard Harrison passed away on June 25, 2018, at the age of 77. While his gruff exterior remained consistent on screen, he had been privately battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. His family kept the details of his health confidential to respect his privacy, making the announcement of his passing a shock to many international viewers. Rick Harrison confirmed the news, describing his father as a "teacher and so much more."

In the wake of his death, the History Channel aired a special tribute titled "A Treasure Remembered," which highlighted his most memorable negotiations and his role as the "voice of absolute reason." The shop itself remained a site of pilgrimage for fans, who left flowers and notes at the entrance to honor the man who had become a surrogate grandfather to millions.

The Tragic Loss of Adam Harrison

In early 2024, the Harrison family faced a different kind of tragedy. Adam Harrison, the second son of Rick Harrison, passed away at the age of 39. Unlike his brother Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, Adam was not a regular cast member on Pawn Stars. While he had worked at the shop in the past, he chose to stay out of the limelight, pursuing his own interests away from the reality TV cameras.

The Impact of the Fentanyl Crisis

Adam’s death was confirmed to be the result of an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. This tragedy prompted Rick Harrison to speak publicly about the ongoing drug crisis, emphasizing the need for better border security and internal measures to combat the flow of synthetic opioids.

The loss of a child is a unique burden, and although Adam was not a public figure like his father or grandfather, his death had a visible impact on the family’s public appearances throughout 2024. The show’s 23rd season, which was in production at the time, did not focus on the event, as the family requested privacy to mourn a son and brother whose life was private by choice.

Joanne Harrison: The Passing of the Matriarch

The most recent loss occurred in November 2025, when Joanne Harrison, Rick’s mother and the wife of the late Richard "The Old Man" Harrison, passed away at the age of 85. Joanne had been a quiet but essential part of the family business for decades. While she rarely appeared on camera, she was the co-owner of the shop and a stabilizing force during the family's transition from local business owners to international celebrities.

Joanne and Richard were married for 58 years, a partnership that survived the struggles of the early pawn business and the sudden pressures of fame. Her passing in late 2025 marked the end of the founding generation of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Following her death, the family retreated from public life to process the loss of the woman who had seen the shop through its humblest beginnings in the late 1980s.

Other Notable Passings in the Pawn Stars Community

The show’s longevity means that it has also lost several recurring experts and associates who added depth to the series. These individuals provided the specialized knowledge that made Pawn Stars more than just a show about haggling; they made it an educational program.

  • Bob “The Beard” McClure: A frequent guest expert on antiques and collectibles, McClure was known for his vast knowledge and distinctive appearance. He passed away in 2020, leaving a void in the show's roster of trusted appraisers.
  • Johnny Jimenez: A beloved firearms expert who appeared in several episodes to evaluate historical weapons, Jimenez passed away in 2022. Fans remember him for his infectious enthusiasm and the respect he showed for the history behind every item.
  • The Show’s Director: In 2021, one of the long-term directors of the series passed away. While the public rarely sees the crew, the director’s vision was instrumental in creating the specific "look and feel" of the Las Vegas shop on screen.

The Status of the Show in 2026

As of April 2026, the future of Pawn Stars remains on an indefinite hiatus. Several factors have converged to put the production of new episodes on hold.

Contract Expirations and Hiatus

Following the conclusion of Season 23 in early 2025, the contract between the Harrison family and the History Channel reportedly expired. In the months that followed, the family dealt with the loss of Joanne Harrison, leading to a natural pause in filming. There has been no official announcement regarding a Season 24, and the network has yet to confirm if the show will return in its traditional format.

Corey Harrison’s Departure

Another significant development is the relocation of Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison. After more than a decade as a central figure on the show, Corey has spent more time in Tulum, Mexico, and has publicly expressed a desire to move on from the "character" he played on television. In interviews, he noted that the pressure of the show and the personal losses the family suffered had taken a toll, and he felt it was time to focus on his own future away from the pawn industry.

Rick Harrison’s Current Focus

Rick Harrison continues to manage the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which remains a popular tourist destination in Las Vegas. However, his focus has shifted toward his personal life and his recent engagement. While he remains the face of the brand, the absence of his father, son, and mother over the last several years has clearly altered his trajectory. He has become an advocate for several social causes, using his platform to discuss the issues that have personally affected his family.

The Cultural Legacy of the Harrison Family

The story of Pawn Stars is a story of the American Dream, but it is also a story of the inevitable cycle of life and loss. The "Pawn Stars death" queries that populate search engines are a testament to how much these people mean to their audience. The show succeeded because it wasn't just about objects; it was about the stories those objects told and the people who told them.

Richard Harrison taught viewers about history and the value of a dollar. Adam Harrison’s tragedy served as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities facing many families today. Joanne Harrison represented the strength of the support system that allows a business to thrive for nearly forty years.

Whether or not the cameras return to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop for a new season, the legacy of those who have passed remains embedded in the thousands of hours of footage that continue to air in syndication around the world. The shop continues to operate, serving as a living monument to the Old Man’s vision and the family’s resilience in the face of multiple tragedies. For the fans, the show remains a tribute to the idea that while items may be bought and sold, the memories of the people who handled them are what truly carry value.