‘Pawn Stars’ Patriarch Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison Dead at 77

Richard Harrison, star of The History Channel’s hit reality series Pawn Stars has died at age 77. The TV series has followed Harrison, his son, Rick, and his grandson, Corey, as they ran the family pawn shop in Las Vegas.

In a statement given to Fox News, Rick Harrison said the following:

“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. 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. 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. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask that we are provided some privacy at this time.”

Pawn Stars has been a hit for The History Channel since 2009. It’s 15th season premiered on October 16th of last year. The Old Man and his son Rick opened Gold & Silver Pawn in 1988, after Harrison’s 20-year service in the U.S. Navy.

The History Channel tweeted its own tribute to ‘The Old Man,’ saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison, a beloved member of the HISTORY and @pawnstars family. He will be greatly missed for his wisdom and candor. Our thoughts are with the Harrison family during this difficult time.”