Fawning over Pawn Stars

MANILA, Philippines - Six seasons into its run, Pawn Stars on History channel is an unqualified, albeit unlikely, hit. Despite its mildly suggestive, witty title, the show involves surly (“Old Man” Richard), savvy (Rick), shrewd (“Big Hoss” Cory), and sidesplitting (Chumlee) characters — sexy in their own right for sure, but nothing pornographic.

But come to think about it, that our protagonists look more Mafiosi than pawnshop workers is probably half the charm that has won viewers — Americans and otherwise — making the Harrison family exploits compelling television. Mary Donahue, History VP for development and programming and Pawn Stars executive producer, says the show resonates in Asian audiences as the cast is “an epitome of American pop culture.” Plans are afoot to have the cast visit the continent.

To the uninitiated, Pawn Stars follows the adventures of three generations of the Harrisons as they run their Gold & Silver Pawn Shop “on the outskirts of Las Vegas.” History promises “clashing and camaraderie every step of the way.”

Former Navy man Richard Harrison lost a million dollars in the real estate industry before trying his luck out in Las Vegas in 1988. He won big — turning his $10,000 investment into a multi-million-dollar business. Old Man’s son Rick, meanwhile, is an expert of big-ticket items, and has a knack for spotting fake or stolen items. Rick, who was trained in the business since age 13, is described as the “glue” that holds the family (and business) together. He partnered with the Old Man at 23.

Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison began even earlier (at age nine), and is “expertly trained in the art of appraisal,” with the “brawn to back it up.” Big Hoss handles human resources, as well as eBay transactions.

Finally, Chumlee, named by his elementary schoolmates after a cartoon walrus, is a devoted childhood friend to Big Hoss, and is treated like a son by Rick. Chumlee has been around the shop since he was a kid, yet his antics and goofiness (even now as an employee) have made him the butt of the Harrison boys’ jokes.

We got a chance to send some questions to the cast via e-mail. Here are excerpts from the Q&A:

(To “Old Man” Richard): How did you lose money in the real estate market?

Old Man: When Rick was around 16 years old, we were still living in San Diego when my real estate business went broke. The interest rates were at a record 18 percent, and I was just losing more money than I could make. So, my wife and I decided that we would move to Las Vegas to start a new business. At that time, it was the land of opportunity for small business owners.

Who did you learn from when you started the business?

Old Man: I have always been a wheeler and a dealer. I’ve learned over the years from just being in the shop every day and surrounding myself with knowledgeable experts if I am unaware of an item’s worth. I also spent many years traveling around to swap meats and flea markets to find good deals.

How was business like when it first opened?

Old Man: Rick and I struggled at first, but we got the business running. It took years of focus and learning how to do better ways of business.

What are the pros and cons of having your own show?

Old Man: The pros would be the amount of business the show has brought to the pawnshop. We went from 100 customers a day to 4,000 or more. It’s been incredible for the shop. A con would be the fact that it’s hard for my son, grandson, Chumlee, or I to actually work the counters nowadays as we cause too much commotion in the shop — people taking pictures, wanting our autographs, etc. Business doesn’t run as smoothly with us on the floor.

Did you encourage Rick to be in the business, or did he exhibit an early interest in it?

Old Man: Rick was born a hustler! He started working with me at a very young age. He has a knack for the business.

What acquisition are you most proud of? Name us something that you’d never sell.

Old Man: We would never sell the Superbowl rings, Olympic medals, Grammys, or anything else of historical nature.

Do you watch History? What’s your favorite program and why?

Old Man: I don’t watch episodes of Pawn Stars as it’s weird to see myself on television. I do watch other shows on History though. I like the war documentaries, of course.

(To Rick) Do you have other siblings? If yes, are they also involved in the business?

Rick: I have a sister, born with Down Syndrome, who passed away at the age of six. My two brothers are not in the business with us.

Did you ever expect your show to be this big of a hit?

Rick: No. I thought we’d get a season or two out of it and that our business would benefit. I never ever imagined this level of success.

What was your family’s first reaction when you got offered to have your own show? Did you think it was a good idea or did you doubt it would make for compelling television?

Rick: I had been pitching the idea of a television show for a few years prior. I knew that the items and people coming into the shop would make good television. Luckily, the History channel agreed as well — and here we are now.

What acquisition are you most proud of?

Rick: I have countless unique items come into the shop over the years. Some of the rare items that I’ve been able to purchase and are most proud of include a 16th-century print by German engraver Albrecht Durer, a rare Les Paul guitar, and a Native American photogravure worth $20,000.

Name something that you wouldn’t want to sell ever.

Rick: There are many items, actually: Superbowl rings, Olympic medals, Samurai sword that dates back to 1490, a “death clock,” a painting of Jim Morrison by Denny Dent, and more. I have these items listed for sale, but have marked the asking price up to a point where virtually no one would want to buy. I look at these items as an investment for my business as they are pieces of living history. I like to think of my shop as more like an eclectic museum than just a pawnshop.

In general, do people who bring in merchandise have a good idea how much it’s worth?

Rick: The people who do know tend to think they are going to get the market value for an item, but they need to realize that I have to re-sell that item and make a profit; that I have overhead and employees to pay.

You seem to be a huge gun fan. Ever consider entering Top Shot, seriously?

Rick: No, I got enough on my plate right now.

When you’re not in the shop, what do you guys do together?

Rick: We actually do spend the holidays together — Chumlee included.

Do you get mobbed by fans and autograph seekers? What do you make of all this attention?

Rick: Yes. I’m still getting used to it.

You guys are pretty big in Asia, too. Can we Filipinos expect to see you to do a promo tour here?

Rick: We are hoping to come over there soon!

(To Cory) Name a transaction you are most proud of, and why.

Cory: I’ve bought bars of gold that have made the pawnshop a huge profit.

Has the show affected the kind of clientele (and the kind of things they bring in)?

Cory: We have more interesting items coming in than ever before. We have a heck of a lot of fans streaming through the door every day, too. The shop has become a Vegas tourist destination.

Do you think there are people who bring in weird/outrageous stuff just to get airtime on your show?

Cory: I’m sure that is the case some of the time.

What are your other hobbies? What do you like to collect?

Cory: I like riding motorcycles and have a large collection of bikes nowadays.

Do you think Chumlee is faithfully depicted on the show?

Cory: That’s Chumlee! I’ve been best friends with him since we were kids. He is like a brother to me.

Personally, what’s your favorite Pawn Star episode?

Cory: I don’t know. I never watched a full episode. It’s too odd to see myself on television.

(To Chumlee) What do you personally collect?

Chumlee: Sneakers! I have hundreds of pairs. I love Nikes and Michael Jordans.

Speaking of, I saw a show where you displayed your knowledge of shoes. What kind of articles/items are you an expert of?

Chumlee: I’m not an expert really in anything when it comes to the pawnshop. I’m lucky that the Old Man and Rick offered me the job that I have!

Who are you more afraid of — Old Man or Rick?

Chumlee: Neither!

What’s your favorite food?

Chumlee: I love a good grilled cheese (sandwich), and sushi!

Do you think the show portrays you accurately?

Chumlee: Yes!

It seems you are the favorite whipping boy of the Harrisons. Do you get even? How?

Chumlee: Nah. I don’t get even with them. They are my bosses at the end of the day. I just wanna keep my job.

(Pawn Stars airs Monday nights at 10.)