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Corey Harrison taps the keg for Oktoberfest at Hofbrauhaus on Sept. 30, 2011.
Sunday, July 22, 2012 | 7:53 p.m.
Corey Harrison of "Pawn Stars" at the Vegas Rocks Magazine Awards at the Las Vegas Hilton on Aug. 22, 2010.
Richard "The Old Man" Harrison of "Pawn Stars" celebrates his 71st birthday at Gold & Silver Pawn, with special guest Randy Travis, on Friday, March 2, 2012. Harrison's grandson Corey and son Rick also are pictured here.
While Robin Leach takes his traditional summer vacation under the Tuscan sun in Italy, many of our Strip and Las Vegas personalities have stepped forward in his absence to pen their own words of wisdom. Our thanks to them all. We continue today with “Pawn Stars” star Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison.
Fame is a two-sided thing. You could never have told me three years ago when this whole crazy ride started what it would be like. Everyone wants to know how it has changed my life; it is pretty cool, and you will never find me complaining.
Perhaps the biggest change was going from being “Big Hoss” to not-so-big Hoss, as I lost more than 100 pounds since it all began. I realized that with or without fame, I wanted to be healthier and happier; I can say that has come to fruition. I have nicer cars, bikes and boats now and a new house.
My wife enjoys the fun stuff we get to do now, but at heart we are still the same kids we were before “Pawn Stars,” just nicer things and opportunities. When the show started, she and I talked about her no longer working at a retail store in the mall as the paycheck wasn’t needed. I am really happy she gets the chance to enjoy life outside the 9-to-5.
While I have met famous folks, and that is always cool, I have never been one to want to meet any idols. I’m not sure that I have any really. But meeting people (adults and mostly kids) who are struggling with post-war injuries, terminal diseases and the like has really given me a different perspective on everything.
Who would’ve ever thought anyone would want to meet me or any of us at Gold & Silver Pawn, so to be able to meet these people and put a smile on their face is really rewarding and, without a doubt, one of the more inspiring things fame has brought my way.
I like to enjoy myself, go out with the guys, have a drink, enjoy a steak and go out in the desert with the bikes. But sometimes when you are in out-of-the-way places thinking everything is like it used to be, you have to catch yourself.
Maybe watch what you say (especially if you are too many drinks in!) and realize that the guy wanting to shake your hand and meet you in the bathroom is just a fan and not someone to be worried about. I know that sounds weird, but you would be amazed at how often it happens when I’m relieving myself!
It gives me the chance to support charities that are important to my friends and to support my friends, in general, which is one of the best things about fame. Austin “Chumlee” Russell has arranged for guys who work at the pawn store to take their kids to pop concerts and meet Selena Gomez because he can -- that is an upside to all of this.
But after three years, you do crave normalcy. Sittin’ on the couch watchin’ the game and getting excused from an appearance are things I look forward to. Just bein’ me, the same old Corey as always. None of this really changes any of us; it just makes our tastes richer, our friends happier, our impact greater, and it gives me a chance to do better business, make someone’s day and drive home the adage that the most important thing in life are friends and family, plus, being a fair businessman and paying it forward when you get the chance.
I am one lucky guy, and it never escapes me. I really have Las Vegas and my dad and Pops to thank for all of this, so as I write this just after Father’s Day, I want to let them know I appreciate them and hope to always make them proud.
Our thanks to Corey for his insights from “Pawn Stars” fame. Be sure to check out our other guest columns today from Joel Robuchon’s top Las Vegas chef Steve Benjamin and Diana Palm with the behind-the-scenes secrets of “Jubilee!” at Bally’s. Join us again Monday when our guests are comedian George Wallace, “Chopped” winner chef Christina Olivarez and hospitality hero Jonathan Fine.
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.
Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.
Nice article Corey. I do enjoy the show and look
forward each week to watching it. Got to admit at
the beginning of the series I really didn"t care
much for you. But all that has changed. I think you
are maturing into a nice young man. Also like the rest of the crew very much. Keep up the good work.
Well said. Good for you Corey.
Congratulations to all of you...
It has changed them at the Pawn Shop, they are never there and 1/2 their business is selling logo items at high prices.
We are moving to Las Vegas from Anchorage Alaksa, your show keep us in touch with real life on the outside. Will be glad to see it in Las Vegas. Daze' Lisenkloff
Most of the cast appears to be morbidly obese (over 100 lbs. overweight).
I hope they can avoid or reverse any weight-related metabolic diseases they may have such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Given their habits from what I see on TV, their future health does not look promising.
Good thing for Obama care because I guarantee you this business does NOT provide benefits to their employees - I looked at their website.
My family and I spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas this year, and one of the things we wanted to do was to go to the Pawn Shop. We were told ahead of time by some folks not to expect too much, and omg they were right. On the show the guys are ALWAYS LOW balling all of the merchandise, but while I was there I looked at everything that was there, or should I say available to look at, met one of the guys I think his name is Rocco, looked at a few pieces of jewelry. One of the pieces that I was interested in, I was told it was a Pave 14K white gold ring, they wanted almost a $1000 for it, but when I looked at the ticket on it, it said Sterling Silver...Rocco says that he cannot verify they are diamonds, took the ring and it did not come back out. Then another ring was just a gold band 10K, they wanted over $800 for it...This is 10K!! He tells me gold is over 1700.00 and I replied yes, but 24K pure gold, not 10K. Then there was a pair emerald earrings. The diamonds were beautiful but the emeralds were foggy and had scratches on them. I was also looking at a ring...The best deal they were give me was $900.
It was fun to go there, as I have watched this show for 3 years, but it was filthy, and they are soooooo taking advantage of the tourists...yea, they have the right to charge whatever they want, but we as the consumer have the right to walk out......Post script....I would not recommend going there, and if you do, keep your wallet and purse shut, The guys have made their millions so they do not go there anymore, This was not a good experience....Shame really....I loved that show...now that I know what it really is...not interested in watching it.
You seem like a nice guy man, but try looking people in the eye once in a while when you shake their hand...
Hey, I think the kid grew up, good work, Glad to
hear it.
Hey, I think the kid grew up, good work, Glad to
hear it. With out the old man it never would of
happened!
Three words: Pay It Forward.
If Corey and his Family continue their success, it's my hope that will stay real, genuine, and sincerely interested in their community. Life is about a lot of things (and people) other than how much profit can be made from buying low and selling high.
If you use your fame to benefit those in need that are around you Corey, you'll be much more respected than the fleeting admiration you currently enjoy.
Am I the only one that thinks he is a big Dbag?
Riding on daddy's coattails big time with a attitude to boot. Typical young punk. Without his dad and gramps this loser would be working at jiffy lube at best part time, while laying on couch jcking off to behind the candelabra wishing he was scott.
Corey seems to be a good , level headed guy .
Corey seems wise beyond his years, maybe a reflection of good upbringing.
Although the show seems somewhat staged and contrived at times (Chumlee just happens to run into Bob Dylan outside of Caesar's), it is entertaining and informative.
Think I'll bring in Grandma's old vibrator collection to have it appraised.