10 Pawn Stars Legends Who Tragically Di-ed — #7 Shocked the Entire Cast, and No One Saw It Coming Until It Was Too Late!
10 Pawn Stars Legends Who Tragically Di-ed — #7 Shocked the Entire Cast, and No One Saw It Coming Until It Was Too Late!
The long-running reality show Pawn Stars has become a cultural phenomenon since it first aired on the History Channel in 2009. Set in Las Vegas’ iconic Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, the series captivated viewers with rare artifacts, historical treasures, and the colorful personalities behind the counter. While much of the show focuses on negotiation, history, and entertainment, it’s also built on the strong bonds of family and friendship among its cast.
Over the years, the Pawn Stars family has lost some of its most cherished members — individuals who brought life, laughter, and a deep knowledge of the past into our living rooms. Their unexpected deaths left not only a void in the show but in the hearts of millions of fans across the world.
Below is a tribute to 10 Pawn Stars figures — both main and recurring — who have tragically passed away. Though gone, they remain a part of the show’s legacy and are remembered fondly by fans and fellow cast members alike.
1. Richard “Old Man” Harrison (1941–2018)
Richard Harrison, affectionately known as the “Old Man,” was the heart and soul of Pawn Stars. His gruff demeanor, dry wit, and unwavering honesty made him a fan favorite from the very beginning. A Navy veteran, he co-founded the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with his son Rick Harrison in 1989. Onscreen, the Old Man often played the wise, no-nonsense figure, keeping Rick, Corey, and Chumlee in check.
In June 2018, Richard passed away at the age of 77 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His death marked the first major loss for the Pawn Stars family and was deeply mourned by fans. Rick Harrison called his father “the greatest man I’ve ever known,” paying tribute to the life lessons and legacy he left behind.
2. Mark Hall-Patton (1954–2022)
Known as the “Beard of Knowledge,” Mark Hall-Patton appeared on Pawn Stars over 150 times as an expert in historical artifacts, particularly those related to museums and Las Vegas history. Always seen with his signature Amish-style beard, red shirt, and straw hat, Hall-Patton became a beloved figure due to his encyclopedic knowledge and kind personality.
Hall-Patton passed away unexpectedly in 2022 due to complications from a stroke. His calm presence and deep passion for history left a lasting impression not only on viewers but also on the experts’ community.
3. Murray SawChuck’s Mother – Appearances Behind the Scenes
While not a regular cast member, magician Murray SawChuck often contributed to special episodes of Pawn Stars, bringing in unique entertainment memorabilia. His mother, who once made a brief background appearance in an episode, passed away unexpectedly in 2020. The show briefly paid tribute to her, as she was a close supporter of Murray and his work with the shop.
4. Bob “The Music Man” Wachs (1946–2013)
Bob Wachs, known for his deep knowledge of musical instruments, was occasionally brought in to appraise rare guitars and classic recording equipment. Though not featured as often as other experts, Wachs had a warm, grandfatherly presence and often amazed viewers with his expertise. He passed away from heart complications in 2013, and his absence was felt in the show’s music-related segments.
5. Johnny Jimenez Jr. (1962–2023)
A toy and collectibles expert, Johnny Jimenez Jr. brought infectious enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to evaluate vintage toys, action figures, or nostalgic items from the ’60s to ’90s. A Las Vegas local, he developed a following for his passion and joy in preserving pieces of pop culture history. Johnny sadly passed away in 2023 due to complications from a prolonged illness. Rick and Chumlee paid heartfelt tributes on social media, recalling their favorite memories with him on set.
6. Antoine “Toine” Manning (1978–2017)
Toine wasn’t an expert or front-line cast member but was a trusted behind-the-scenes employee at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, handling security and logistics. Though he rarely appeared onscreen, regulars at the shop and fans who followed closely knew him as a gentle giant and loyal friend. Tragically, Antoine died in 2017 following a motorcycle accident, sending shockwaves through the pawn community. His colleagues remembered him as a protector and a man of integrity.
7. Danny “The Count” Koker’s Associate, Scott Jones (1965–2020)
While Danny “The Count” Koker is more closely associated with Counting Cars, a spin-off of Pawn Stars, his shop and crew were often featured in Pawn Stars episodes involving classic cars and motorcycles. One of his closest friends and colleagues, Scott Jones, passed away in 2020 after battling cancer. Fans familiar with the crossover episodes mourned his death, as he had a charismatic screen presence and a contagious laugh.
8. Dr. Phineas T. Kastle (1958–2021)
Dr. Phineas, known for his flamboyant Victorian attire and vast knowledge of antiques and curiosities, made occasional appearances on Pawn Stars as a guest appraiser. He stood out for his eccentric fashion, theatrical demeanor, and deep passion for the unusual and macabre. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 under undisclosed circumstances. His uniqueness made him a memorable addition to the series, and his absence left a distinct void in episodes featuring the strange and mysterious.
9. Alex Cranmer’s Mentor – Legacy Remembered
Alex Cranmer, a regular guest and expert in military collectibles from International Military Antiques, once paid tribute on the show to his mentor, a WWII veteran and historian who had passed away before an episode aired. While the veteran never appeared on Pawn Stars, his influence was deeply felt in Alex’s segments and commentary. His story was shared on-air, and fans connected with the emotional depth it brought to an otherwise transactional environment.
10. Fans Lost Along the Way – The Silent Grief
Over the years, Pawn Stars has amassed a large, loyal fanbase — many of whom considered the cast members extended family. Some fans, particularly veterans and history buffs, connected deeply with figures like the Old Man and Mark Hall-Patton. As time passed, many of these fans passed away, and their families have reached out to the show, often sharing stories of how Pawn Stars brought them joy, especially during hard times. While not part of the cast, their absence is also felt by a community united through history, artifacts, and human stories.
A Legacy That Lives On
The beauty of Pawn Stars lies not just in the rare items that come through the shop, but in the human moments — the jokes, the lessons, the debates, and the bonds. Each of the individuals above contributed to the unique flavor of the show and helped shape its identity. Whether through expert advice, warm smiles, sharp wit, or quiet strength, their legacy continues in every episode that airs and every deal made across that famous counter.
As Pawn Stars continues into new seasons with younger generations stepping in, these losses serve as a powerful reminder that the show is not just about pawns and profits. It’s about people. And those people — even when gone — are never forgotten.
