Rick Harrison, the widely recognized star of the History Channel series "Pawn Stars," is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after undergoing emergency heart bypass surgery. The unexpected operation in September 2026 followed the discovery of a serious heart problem during what was initially planned as a routine stent procedure for the 61-year-old reality television personality.
"When you lose a kid, you second-guess everything." Rick Harrison, "Pawn Stars" Star
According to a representative for the Harrison family, doctors identified a more significant issue during the procedure, necessitating immediate bypass surgery. This development transformed a relatively straightforward medical intervention into a major health concern for Harrison and his family. A family spokesperson confirmed to TMZ that Harrison is currently resting comfortably and is anticipated to make a full recovery. His wife, Agripina "Angie" Polushkin, and other family members have remained close during his recuperation. The family has not released further specific details regarding the nature of the heart problem or the expected duration of his hospital stay.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure performed when blood flow to the heart muscle has become significantly restricted or blocked due to narrowed or obstructed arteries. Surgeons create new pathways around the affected arteries, typically using healthy blood vessels harvested from other parts of the body, to restore adequate circulation to the heart. This procedure is critical for alleviating symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and for improving heart function in patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Harrison has been a familiar face on television for more than 15 years, captivating audiences with his expertise in evaluating a vast array of historical objects, artwork, weapons, jewelry, and memorabilia. "Pawn Stars," which premiered in 2009, chronicles the daily operations of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, turning Harrison and his associates into household names.
This recent medical emergency adds to a challenging period for the Harrison family. In January 2024, Harrison's son, Adam Harrison, tragically died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Following this devastating loss, Rick Harrison became increasingly vocal about the fentanyl crisis and the broader issue of drug trafficking. He has publicly praised efforts to enhance border security and crack down on the illicit flow of fentanyl, advocating for tougher actions against drug dealers to prevent other families from enduring similar grief. "When you lose a kid, you second-guess everything," Harrison stated in a 2025 interview, reflecting on the profound impact of Adam's death.
Months prior to his own health crisis, another member of the "Pawn Stars" family, Harrison’s son and co-star Corey Harrison, also faced a serious medical event. Earlier this year, Corey Harrison was severely injured in a motorcycle accident, sustaining multiple broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding that required several surgeries. Rick Harrison reportedly covered Corey's initial medical expenses, with a friend later establishing an online fundraiser to assist with additional costs associated with his recovery.
Despite the sudden and serious nature of the bypass operation, the Harrison family remains optimistic about Rick's prognosis. His representative has conveyed an encouraging outlook, confirming that the reality television veteran is stable and looking forward to a complete recovery.
