Who is Richard Benjamin Harrison?

Richard Benjamin Harrison, also known as "The Old Man," was an American businessman, actor, and television personality. He was best known for his role on the History Channel's hit reality series, Pawn Stars, where he played the co-owner of a pawn shop.

Harrison was born on March 4, 1941, in Danville, Virginia. He grew up in rural North Carolina and dropped out of school in the eighth grade. Later on, he joined the US Navy and served in the late 1950s. After leaving the Navy, Harrison had a career in various fields, including real estate and the hotel industry before opening a pawn shop in Las Vegas with his son Rick.

In 2009, Harrison became a household name after starring in the wildly popular reality television show, Pawn Stars. The show followed the daily operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which Harrison co-owned with his son Rick and grandson Corey. It quickly became the History Channel's highest-rated show and propelled the Old Man to celebrity status.

Harrison was known for his tough, straightforward demeanor on the show. Despite his gruff exterior, he had a sharp wit and a wealth of knowledge about antiques, collectibles, and other items that came through the pawn shop's doors. He appeared on the show until 2014, when his health began to decline. Harrison passed away on June 25, 2018, at the age of 77.

Aside from his tenure on Pawn Stars, Harrison also had a brief acting career. He appeared in several commercials and guest-starred on various television series, including The Middle and iCarly.

Overall, Richard Benjamin Harrison was a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark both on the pawn industry and on television. His no-nonsense approach and vast knowledge made him a beloved and respected figure by both fans of Pawn Stars and the antiques world.