Pawn Stars' "Old Man" Dies After Long Battle with Parkinson's Disease

Many know Richard Harrison for his humor and dedication as the "Old Man" on the History Channel's reality series Pawn Stars. On Monday, June 25 2018, Harrison lost a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Rick Harrison, who starred on Pawn Stars alongside his father, reached out to fans and followers on Instagram that Monday morning. He wrote that his father was "surrounded by those he loved." He went on to say, "Today I lost a friend, a father, a teacher and so much more. The Old man lost his long battle with Parkinson's this morning. Love you Dad. See you on the other side."

Harrison announced his father's death both on Instagram and to US Weekly. He told US, "He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his man 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 premiered in July 2009, and has been one of the most popular reality shows on the History Channel since then. It showcased their 24-hour business in Las Vegas, World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Fans had an inside look at the family's lives inside, and outside, of the shop. The shop opened their doors in 1989. Harrison was referred to as "The Old Man" in season 2 of the show when he was 38 years old. Right now, the show is currently in its 15th season.

Harrison was known as the patriarch of the family shop, offering wise-cracking remarks, but also wise advice. Fans were saddened to hear about his death, and went to social media to share what they remembered and loved the most about The Old Man. One fan tweeted that the show would never be the same, and another fan tweeted that he learned to fully appreciate the pawn business just from Harrison's words.

After his family released their statement, the History Channel released their own to their social media platforms: "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."

Their family's business also released a statement: "The team at Gold & Silver Pawn and the Pawn Stars family is grieving his loss. He will be remembered as the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather you have by his family and by fan as the sometimes grumpy (always loving, however), often wisecracking, and voice of absolute reason the History television 'Pawn Stars.'"

Photo source: Pawn Stars/Twitter