Richard Corey Harrison, widely known as “Big Hoss,” is an American businessman Corey Harrison and reality television personality who captured the hearts of millions as a central figure on the hit History Channel series Pawn Stars. Born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, he is the son of Rick Harrison and the grandson of the late Richard Benjamin Harrison, the original founders of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Throughout his time on the show, Corey Harrison became a household name, recognized for his quick wit, his journey toward personal growth, and his evolving role within his family’s legendary business empire.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Richard Corey Harrison |
| Nickname | Big Hoss |
| Birth Date | April 27, 1983 |
| Notable Role | Cast member of “Pawn Stars” (2009–2025) |
| Family Business | World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop |
| Current Status | Retired from show, residing in Tulum, Mexico |
Early Life and Beginnings at the Pawn Shop
The life of Corey Harrison began in Las Vegas, where he was destined to be part of a legacy. Starting at the young age of nine, he began learning the intricacies of the trade by polishing items in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. This early exposure to the business provided him with a unique education in antiques and collectibles. As a child, Corey Harrison was not just a store employee; he was an apprentice in a world of history. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future expertise in evaluating the value of one-of-a-kind items.
Stepping Into the Pawn Stars Spotlight
When Pawn Stars premiered in 2009, Corey Harrison was quickly identified as a fan favorite. The show documented the daily operations of the shop, highlighting the dynamic relationships between Rick, the Old Man, and Corey Harrison. His ability to negotiate with customers while balancing the strong personalities of his father and grandfather made him an essential part of the show’s success. Throughout his tenure, Corey Harrison provided a relatable perspective, often struggling with the high expectations placed upon him by his family while proving his own worth as a manager and expert buyer within the shop.
Establishing the Big Hoss Persona
The nickname “Big Hoss” became synonymous with Corey Harrison throughout his time on television. Derived from the character Hoss Cartwright on the classic series Bonanza, the name perfectly suited his presence in the shop. As “Big Hoss,” he was known for being a tough negotiator who had an eye for profit and a passion for unique finds. Corey Harrison carried this moniker with pride, using it to define his identity both on and off-screen. It represented his growth from a young boy into a seasoned business professional, marking him as a leader in the pawn industry.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Tensions
A significant draw of Pawn Stars was the conflict inherent in the family business. Viewers frequently watched as Corey Harrison debated with his father, Rick, and his late grandfather regarding inventory and pricing. These disagreements were not just for show; they reflected the real-life pressure of managing a multimillion-dollar company. Corey Harrison often pushed for more responsibility, seeking a partnership that would formally recognize his contributions. His persistence eventually paid off, leading to a minority ownership stake that solidified his place as a decision-maker and a legitimate partner in the famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
Transforming Health and Personal Well-being
Beyond his business life, the journey of Corey Harrison has been characterized by a notable physical transformation. In 2010, he made a life-altering decision to focus on his health, undergoing weight-loss surgery after starting a regimen of diabetes medication. This commitment to his well-being was an inspiration to many fans who witnessed his progress on the show. By sharing his struggles and successes, Corey Harrison helped break the stigma around health transformations. His dedication to living a healthier lifestyle highlighted the personal evolution he was experiencing behind the scenes, away from the constant pressure of the television cameras.
The Evolution of Responsibilities and Leadership
As he matured, the professional role of Corey Harrison expanded significantly. He transitioned from being an entry-level employee to a manager responsible for dozens of staff members and complex eBay operations. Corey Harrison proved himself to be a capable leader, often managing the day-to-day chaos of the store with efficiency. His ability to hire, train, and mentor employees showed that he had evolved into a seasoned businessman. By taking charge of these operational tasks, he allowed his father to focus on other aspects of the empire, proving that he could handle the pressure of leadership.
Exploring Interests Beyond the Pawn Shop
Corey Harrison has always been more than just a reality star. He is a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys the freedom of the open road and is often associated with his collection of bikes. His hobbies are a reflection of his personality—bold, adventurous, and centered on his life in Las Vegas. Beyond his personal interests, he has also appeared in various media projects, including a guest spot on the series iCarly. These ventures outside the shop showed that Corey Harrison had a wide range of interests and the potential to succeed in various spheres beyond his initial reality show fame.
Impacting Local Culture in Las Vegas
The influence of Corey Harrison extended to the city of Las Vegas itself. In 2010, he was awarded the key to the city alongside his father and Chumlee, a testament to the cultural impact of their show. As a grand marshal for NASCAR races and a participant in various local charity events, he helped bridge the gap between television fame and community involvement. Corey Harrison became an ambassador for the city, bringing global attention to the unique history and business culture of Las Vegas. His presence helped keep the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop a must-visit destination for tourists.
Expanding the Brand with Pawn Stars Do America
In 2022, Corey Harrison took his expertise on the road with the spin-off series Pawn Stars Do America. This project allowed him to interact with fans across the country, buying items in markets he had never visited before. Traveling alongside Rick and Chumlee, Corey Harrison showcased his appraisal skills in new and exciting settings. This series was a significant step in the evolution of the brand, as it moved beyond the physical walls of the Las Vegas shop. It demonstrated that the chemistry of the cast was effective regardless of the location or the setting.
Making the Hard Decision to Leave
By 2025, Corey Harrison reached a turning point in his life. After nearly two decades of filming, he decided not to renew his contract with the History Channel. He felt it was time to step away from the character he had played for so long. Moving to Tulum, Mexico, was a radical change, yet it was a necessary step for his personal growth. He chose to trade the bright lights of Las Vegas for a quieter, more personal life in Mexico, signaling the end of his tenure on one of the most successful reality television shows in history.
Adapting to Life in Tulum, Mexico
Life in Tulum has offered Corey Harrison a chance to reinvent himself completely. Away from the cameras, he has explored new professional avenues, including plans for a barbecue restaurant. This transition has been a major adjustment, but it highlights his desire to pursue his own passions outside the constraints of a television production schedule. Corey Harrison has embraced the local culture of Mexico, finding peace in a lifestyle that is vastly different from the high-paced world of reality television. He remains active on social media, keeping fans updated on his new business ventures and his life abroad.
Facing Challenges and Personal Resilience
The recent years have brought significant personal challenges for Corey Harrison, including a serious motorcycle accident in early 2026. This incident, which left him with multiple fractured ribs, served as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life. His openness about his medical bills and his request for community support on GoFundMe showcased a vulnerable side that many reality stars would hide. Despite these setbacks, Corey Harrison has remained resilient. His story is one of constant recovery and adaptation, proving that he can overcome even the most difficult physical and financial hurdles.
The Legacy of the Pawn Stars Experience
Looking back, the legacy of Corey Harrison on Pawn Stars is undeniable. He was an integral part of a show that changed the landscape of reality television, turning a pawn shop into a global phenomenon. The contribution of Corey Harrison to the series helped define a decade of entertainment. Fans remember him for his growth, his humor, and his evolution from a young employee to a significant owner and leader. His presence on the show provided a narrative arc that captured the imagination of viewers, making him an unforgettable part of the television history of the 2000s.
Navigating Media Coverage and Public Interest
The public interest in the life of Corey Harrison has never wavered, even after his departure from television. Media outlets continue to follow his ventures in Mexico, his recovery from his accident, and his candid updates on his financial situation. Corey Harrison has learned to handle this level of scrutiny with a mix of humor and transparency. Whether he is discussing his former salary per episode or the reality of his post-television finances, he remains a figure that audiences feel a deep, personal connection to, largely due to their years watching him grow up on their screens.
The Friendship with Chumlee
One of the most enduring aspects of the show was the bond between Corey Harrison and his childhood friend, Chumlee. Their friendship was a consistent highlight of Pawn Stars, providing comic relief and emotional support throughout many seasons. Even after the departure of Corey Harrison from the series, fans often look back at their banter and shared adventures as a defining feature of the show’s chemistry. Their relationship was a cornerstone of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop culture, representing the deep personal connections that form in the often-stressful environment of a family-run business.
The Evolution of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
The shop itself has evolved alongside the careers of those like Corey Harrison. Today, it remains a landmark, though the absence of original cast members has shifted the focus of the series. The work of Corey Harrison in setting up systems and managing operations left a permanent mark on how the business functions. Even as he moves forward with his life in Mexico, the influence he had on the structure and success of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to be a part of the history of the legendary Las Vegas establishment.
Staying Connected with Fans
Despite moving to Tulum, Corey Harrison maintains a connection with his supporters through social media and his new podcasting ventures. By sharing stories from his time on the show and his current life struggles, he continues to build a community around his journey. Corey Harrison is not just living in retirement; he is actively crafting a new narrative. His ability to maintain a loyal following without the platform of a major television network is a testament to the genuine impact he had on his viewers over the many years of his career.
Final Reflections on a Decade of Fame
Reflecting on his time in the spotlight, Corey Harrison has expressed a mix of nostalgia and relief. He acknowledges that playing a character for years was both a rewarding and taxing experience. By stepping away from the pawn shop, he has gained the freedom to define his own future. His journey from “Big Hoss” to a private citizen in Mexico is a story of liberation. Corey Harrison has shown that success is not just about the fame or the salary; it is about finding the freedom to live life on one’s own terms.
Looking Ahead to Future Ventures
The future for Corey Harrison is as unpredictable as the items that walked into his shop. Whether his barbecue restaurant becomes the next big hit or he finds another path entirely, he remains a person who is not afraid to take risks. He has built a life that is defined by constant change and a refusal to be stagnant. As he recovers and plans his next steps, Corey Harrison continues to be a figure of interest for those who have followed his journey from the very beginning, watching as he crafts a new chapter for himself.
Embracing a New Chapter
As Corey Harrison moves further into his life in Tulum, he leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of reality television. He proved that you can grow up in front of the camera and still find a way to forge an authentic path. The transition of Corey Harrison from a reality television star to a business owner in Mexico is a testament to his adaptability. While he may no longer be negotiating deals in Las Vegas, the lessons he learned and the legacy he created on Pawn Stars remain a permanent part of his professional history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Corey Harrison still appearing on Pawn Stars?
- No, Corey Harrison announced in 2025 that he would not renew his contract with the History Channel and has left the show.
- Where is Corey Harrison living now?
- He moved to Tulum, Mexico, after leaving the show to pursue new business interests and a different lifestyle.
- How did Corey Harrison get his nickname “Big Hoss”?
- His nickname was derived from the character Hoss Cartwright on the classic TV series Bonanza.
- What happened to Corey Harrison after his motorcycle accident?
- In January 2026, he was involved in a serious accident in Mexico, fracturing 11 ribs and suffering a concussion, leading to a community-supported recovery.
- Does Corey Harrison have an ownership stake in the shop?
- Yes, during his time on the show, he secured a minority partnership in the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.
