Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' Recovering After Emergency Bypass Surgery
"Pawn Stars" star Rick Harrison is recovering after emergency bypass surgery this week, following what was originally supposed to be a routine heart procedure. Harrison, 61, is said to be resting comfortably in the hospital with his wife, Angie, and other family members by his side, and doctors are expecting a full recovery.
A Routine Procedure Takes a Sudden Turn
Harrison went in for what a family spokesperson described as "a routine stent procedure," a relatively common treatment for narrowed or blocked arteries, but the spokesperson said doctors "discovered a much more serious issue that required bypass surgery."
The shift from a planned outpatient-style procedure to open heart surgery came as a surprise to the family, though no details about the specific blockage or the length of the operation have been made public.
Family Speaks Out
A separate statement said Harrison "is grateful for the treatment he's receiving from doctors and staff at the hospital," and that he is "resting comfortably and looking forward to a full recovery," according to the family. Angie has remained at the hospital throughout his recovery, along with other members of the Harrison family, though neither statement named a specific hospital or gave an expected discharge date, and the family has not said how long Harrison is expected to remain hospitalized.
Who Is Rick Harrison?
Harrison is the longtime owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas and has starred on History Channel's "Pawn Stars" since the show premiered in July 2009, building a following around negotiations over rare collectibles and historical artifacts brought in by customers.
The series became History's highest-rated show within its first two years on the air and has since aired in roughly 150 countries, with Harrison appearing alongside his son, Corey, and longtime employee Austin "Chumlee" Russell; Harrison's father and the shop's founder, Richard "The Old Man" Harrison, died in 2018. Harrison also owns Rick's Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern, a Las Vegas restaurant where he and Angie celebrated after marrying in January in a ceremony at the Little White Chapel, with an Elvis Presley impersonator officiating. "Pawn Stars" is expected to return for a 24th season on History, though a premiere date had not yet been announced as of this report.
A Big Year Before the Health Scare
The surgery comes just months after Harrison attended the White House Small Business Summit in May, where he was recognized by President Trump and spoke about valuing presidential memorabilia, reports on the visit noted at the time. It also comes roughly two and a half years after Harrison lost his son Adam to a fentanyl overdose in January 2024. Doctors say Harrison is expected to make a full recovery from this week's surgery, and no timeline has been given yet for when he might return to filming or public appearances.
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