Richard Harrison, best known as “The Old Man” on reality show Pawn Stars, has died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 77.
Harrison’s son and Pawn Stars co-star, Rick Harrison, confirmed his father’s death in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday morning (AEST).
“Richard Benjamin ‘The Old Man’ Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved. He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over,” Rick Harrison wrote.
“He was my hero and I was fortunate to get a very cool ‘Old Man’ as my dad. That I got to share him with so many others and they got to see what a great family man he was is something I am grateful to have experienced with him.”
A post shared by Rick Harrison (@rick_harrison) on
The Instagram post included a photo of Harrison wearing his trademark hat and pair of sunglasses.
“He lived a very full life and through the History television show Pawn Stars touched the lives of people all over, teaching them the value of loving your family, hard work and humor,” the post said.
“We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask that we are provided some privacy at this time.”
Pawn Stars is in its 15th season and is screened in Australia on pay TV channel A&E and on the Seven Network.
The show’s success has spawned a number of spin-offs, including Australian, British and South African versions of the program.
In a second post, Rick Harrison revealed his father died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“Today I lost a friend, a father, a teacher and so much more,” he wrote. “The Old Man lost his long battle with Parkinson’s this morning. Love you Dad. See you on the other side.”
Harrison launched the Las Vegas-based Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with his son in 1989. The family business rose to international fame when it became the subject of reality show Pawn Stars, produced by The History Channel in the US.
The show premiered in July 2009 and features local experts who visit the shop and help evaluate the rare, and strange items brought to the store by sellers.
In a statement released after Rick Harrison’s announcement, the History Channel said its staff were “deeply saddened” by the loss of Harrison.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison, a beloved member of the Pawn Stars family. He will be greatly missed for his wisdom and candour. Our thoughts are with the Harrison family during this difficult time.”
-with agencies
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