“Pawn Stars” star Rick Harrison is recovering after doctors discovered a serious heart problem during what was expected to be a routine procedure, forcing the television personality to undergo emergency bypass surgery.
The 61-year-old reality star initially went to the hospital for a stent procedure, according to a representative for the Harrison family. Doctors discovered a more significant issue during the process and determined that bypass surgery was necessary.
The operation was performed on an emergency basis, turning what Harrison and his family expected to be a relatively straightforward medical procedure into a major health scare.
A family spokesperson told TMZ that Harrison is now resting comfortably in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Harrison also expressed gratitude for the doctors, nurses and other hospital employees caring for him following the unexpected operation.
His wife, Agripina “Angie” Polushkin, and other members of Harrison’s family have remained close to him during his recovery, according to People.
The family has not disclosed additional details about the heart problem doctors uncovered or how long Harrison is expected to remain hospitalized.
Bypass surgery is generally performed when blood flow to the heart has become significantly restricted or blocked. Surgeons create a new pathway around affected arteries to restore adequate circulation to the heart muscle.
Harrison has remained a familiar face on television for more than 15 years through the History Channel series “Pawn Stars,” which follows daily business at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.
The show premiered in 2009 and quickly became one of the network’s signature programs, turning Harrison, his relatives and longtime shop employees into recognizable reality television personalities.
Harrison built much of his on-screen reputation around evaluating unusual collectibles, historical objects, artwork, weapons, jewelry and memorabilia while negotiating purchases with customers.
Away from television, Harrison has also spoken publicly about difficult moments involving his family.
His son Adam Harrison died in January 2024 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Harrison later discussed the devastating loss and his efforts to cope with his son’s death. Harrison has spoken extensively about losing Adam
“When you lose a kid, you second-guess everything,” Harrison said while reflecting on the tragedy in a 2025 interview.
The loss also led Harrison to become increasingly outspoken about the fentanyl crisis and drug trafficking.
Harrison later praised efforts to reduce illegal border crossings and crack down on fentanyl trafficking, arguing that stronger action was necessary to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. He called for tougher action against fentanyl dealers
His latest medical emergency comes months after another member of the “Pawn Stars” family suffered a serious health crisis.
Harrison’s son and longtime co-star Corey Harrison was badly injured in a motorcycle accident earlier this year, suffering multiple broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding that required several surgeries.
Rick Harrison later said he had covered Corey’s medical expenses before a friend established an online fundraiser for additional costs associated with the accident and recovery.
Despite the sudden escalation of his own medical procedure, Harrison’s family is offering an encouraging prognosis.
His representative said the reality television veteran is comfortable following the bypass operation and looking ahead to a full recovery.
