Danielle Colby And The Cast Of “American Pickers” Where Are They Now
Danielle Colby And The Cast Of "American Pickers" Where Are They Now
Hey, how’s it going?
Hey, good.
Wow, the France fire truck—God dang, this is awesome.
Since its debut in 2010, the hosts of the hit History Channel series American Pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, have been on a mission to rescue and revive an array of classic treasures, from classic cars to five-dollar fishing reels.
It’s a huge freaking train car.
Oh wow.
But they are not alone.
There’s also the queen of rust, Danielle Colby, who plays a pivotal role both on the show and behind the scenes, gluing the team together.
This thing is amazing.
I wouldn’t want to sell it either, honestly.
Join us as we explore what the cast of American Pickers is up to now and where their journeys have taken them since the show’s early days.
Mike Wolfe and Starting American Pickers
Born in 1964 in Joliet, Illinois, Mike Wolfe spent his early years in the small town of Bettendorf, Iowa, located over 170 miles from his birthplace.
Mike was the youngest of three children born to a single mother, Rita Wolfe.
Growing up poor in a modest Midwest neighborhood, Mike learned resourcefulness at a young age.
To avoid bullies on his walk to and from school, Mike cut through backyards and alleys, stumbling upon discarded toys and knickknacks that captured his curiosity.
He imagined grand histories for these items found in the garbage, developing an appreciation for the value in overlooked junk.
This childhood pastime foreshadowed Mike’s future career in antiquing.
From age six, Mike honed his picking skills, selling a discarded bike found in a trash heap for five dollars.
He was instantly hooked on the profit and the thrill of the hunt.
His fascination with bicycles and motorbikes traces back to these formative years.
As a teenager, Mike acquired his first motorcycle by bartering a pair of stereo speakers, beginning a lifetime passion.
While his peers were busy with typical teenage activities, young Mike spent weekends combing through garage sales and auctions, developing his eye for antiques.
He scoured old barns, basements, and storage sheds across the Midwest, unearthing rare treasures and listening to the unique stories behind each item.
Mike absorbed the tales of the past like a sponge.
This mileage traversing the back roads of rural America laid the foundation for Mike’s expertise in antiques.
He cultivated relationships with experienced old-timers, learning to identify valuable picks based on age, condition, craftsmanship, and appeal.
What started as a curiosity evolved into Mike’s calling.
Flash Forward to the 2000s
After decades of perfecting his trade, Mike struck gold with a novel concept.
He pitched a show following the real-life adventures of two antique hunters much like himself.
This innovative idea became American Pickers, premiering on the History Channel in 2010.
As creator and star of the new series, Mike collaborated with childhood friend Frank Fritz on a mission to rescue forgotten relics.
The show’s premise was simple yet captivating.
Mike and Frank would travel across America in their van, meeting quirky collectors and searching private property for hidden gems.
The format offered a glimpse into the obscure world of antique picking, showcasing the hunt for treasures, negotiations with sellers, and historical background on featured items.
Mike’s natural curiosity and gift for storytelling made him a compelling host.
His passion for preserving American history shone through.
Within its first year, American Pickers became the History Channel’s top-rated non-fiction show, exceeding expectations.
Mike was catapulted to fame, making appearances on national media outlets like The New York Times, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Rachael Ray.
Expanding the Brand
Riding this wave of success, Mike acted quickly to grow the American Pickers brand.
In 2011, a second location of his Antique Archaeology store opened in Nashville to meet surging demand.
He also launched a clothing line called Kid Pickers and wrote a children’s book sharing picking tips.
Mike’s creative ventures illustrate his savvy business instincts and an even greater devotion to spreading his love of antiquing across generations.
As American Pickers popularity surged into its second decade, Mike proved instrumental in maintaining that momentum.
The show’s profits provided Mike with financial freedom to pursue his varied interests.
His lavish Nashville estate includes a private turret and antique front gates.
With fame, Mike invested wisely in real estate and indulged his passion for collecting motorcycles.
He now owns over 40 bikes, in addition to an array of rare automobiles.
Despite the continued success of American Pickers, Mike has hinted at retirement to preserve the art of picking.
He founded the Kid Pickers website as audience numbers gradually decline.
Mike focuses energy on new business ventures and his legacy, while his future role on the show remains uncertain.
Mike Wolfe has undoubtedly made his mark as the creator and face of an American TV institution.
Danielle Colby
Danielle Colby, the quirky queen of rust on American Pickers, did not start off as the burlesque-dancing reality TV star she is today.
Born in 1975 and raised in the rural Midwest, her early years portended a simple future.
But Danielle would soon embark on an unconventional journey more exciting than she ever imagined.
A native of Davenport, Iowa, Colby grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness in a conservative religious family.
Expectations for her future were modest: marry young, start a family, and settle down close to home.
But Danielle yearned for bigger things.
By age 29, she was married with two children and running a local antique shop.
It seemed Danielle’s small-town life was set, though unfulfilling for the creative adventurer at heart.
Little did she know, a twist of fate through American Pickers was about to change everything.
When the show debuted in 2010, Mike Wolfe tapped Danielle to become its office manager.
Her vintage fashion aesthetic brought sass and charisma to the team.
Practically overnight, Danielle gained fame as a core cast member thrust into the spotlight.
Danielle relished the excitement, but her husband Robert struggled.
Their differing attitudes toward her new celebrity status strained their marriage.
Within a couple of years, Danielle’s meteoric rise led to divorce.
Now single, she dove passionately into burlesque dancing.
After seeing a racy show in Chicago, Danielle was hooked.
She began performing under the stage name Dannie Diesel and soon started her own dance troupe.
This newfound passion presented a conundrum—how to reconcile her provocative burlesque pursuits with her role on a relatively mainstream reality show.
But Danielle has never backed down from being herself.
Controversies and Resilience
Meanwhile, her flourishing TV career hit some speed bumps.
Starting in 2013, Danielle was slammed with five IRS tax debts totaling nearly $6,000.
Her busy schedule caused some financial oversights, creating unintended headaches.
Later, in season 19, Danielle again found herself in hot water over an episode featuring classic rock band Aerosmith.
Fans accused Danielle of acting disrespectfully around lead singer Steven Tyler during the awkward staging.
The Aerosmith van controversy sparked divided opinions among American Pickers viewers.
But true to form, Danielle took the criticism in stride without losing her bold spirit.
That fearless attitude served Danielle well in January 2023, when a terrifying tornado demolished parts of her Iowa hometown.
After safely sheltering with her family, she traveled to Puerto Rico weeks later to aid her post-operative recovery.
Neither health challenges nor natural disasters can suppress Danielle’s audacious approach to life.
She continues pursuing burlesque dancing while working on new seasons of American Pickers, currently starring in the 25th season.
Juggling her risqué side projects in Chicago with co-starring on a mainstream cable show requires razor-sharp focus.
But if anyone can perfect that balance, it’s Danielle Colby.
Danielle remarried in 2015 to French artist Alexandre De Meyer.
After her first marriage crumbled under the pressures of fame, she found an encouraging partner to support her varied artistic endeavors.
In recent years, Danielle has also waded into the world of fashion design with her own clothing line, 4 Miles to Memphis.
The brand’s logo was created by none other than her husband, illustrating their creative collaboration.
After over a decade in the public eye, Danielle has learned to take notoriety and controversy in stride without compromising her values.
She’s proven herself an adept juggler of diverse pursuits with an incredible work ethic.
For longtime fans, it’s been a thrill watching Danielle Colby evolve from small-town ingénue to multifaceted star—retaining her Midwestern roots with an edgy artistic spirit.
The queen of rust is truly one of a kind.
Frank Fritz
Frank Fritz developed a passion for antiquing from a young age, long before his days on American Pickers.
Born in 1965 in Davenport, Iowa, Fritz frequented flea markets and antique shops as a child.
He was fascinated by the stories behind old objects and thrilled by haggling for the best deals.
This hobby aligned perfectly with Mike Wolfe, a childhood friend who shared his love for finding hidden gems.
Their mutual affinity for picking made them an ideal duo when American Pickers premiered on the History Channel in 2010.
As co-host, Fritz accompanied Wolfe on adventures across the country, searching for rare treasures.
With his trademark cowboy hat and laid-back charm, Fritz played the perfect counterbalance to Mike’s focused intensity.
Audiences were drawn to the yin-yang chemistry between the two Iowans.
Fritz’s casual bargainer persona contributed majorly to the show’s success over its first decade on air.
Health Struggles and Departure
However, the later seasons took a tumultuous turn.
Since childhood, Fritz had suffered from Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system.
The illness frequently causes severe pain and fatigue.
In early 2020, Fritz’s worsening Crohn’s symptoms, plus a debilitating back injury, required him to take a leave of absence from filming American Pickers.
He underwent major spinal surgery that year, involving 185 stitches and two rods implanted in his spine.
Initially, it was reported Fritz would return after recovering from this intensive procedure.
But throughout his months-long absence, communication broke down between Fritz and the show’s producers.
By early 2021, rumors were swirling of Fritz’s permanent departure.
That March, Fritz publicly spoke out, claiming he was available to resume filming but was never contacted for the new season.
Later, the History Channel confirmed Fritz had been dismissed from American Pickers after a 20-season run.
This shocking exit left fans demanding answers, especially since Fritz’s back issues were well documented.
In August 2021, Fritz provided clarity in a tell-all interview, alleging his firing was due to disagreements with producers.
According to Fritz, tensions stemmed from his extended recovery time plus struggles with alcohol abuse, which he had completed rehab for.
Fritz also cited being undervalued compared to co-host Mike Wolfe.
He felt slighted to play second fiddle on a show he helped build.
The bitter feud escalated when Fritz slammed Wolfe’s statements about his exit as false PR spin.
He confessed the former friends had not spoken in two years.
Fritz vented anger and disappointment over losing touch with Wolfe despite their long history and shared passion.
The public dissolution of this once-solid friendship left American Pickers fans divided.
Decline and Tragedy
By the premiere of season 23 in January 2022, Fritz had been replaced on American Pickers by Wolfe’s younger brother, Robbie.
Fan outcry over Fritz’s absence resulted in declining viewership, despite Robbie’s previous cameos.
Meanwhile, Fritz continued spiraling post-firing.
A longtime Crohn’s sufferer, his condition was exacerbated by the stress of his bitter feud with producers.
Excessive drinking persisted as a coping mechanism for lingering back pain after decades of wear and tear from manual labor.
In July 2022, Fritz suffered a devastating stroke at age 56.
This life-changing event forced him to move into assisted living for intensive recovery.
As a result of the stroke, Fritz lost mobility on his right side and was rendered unable to care for himself.
His speech and memory were also permanently impacted.
It quickly became apparent that returning to American Pickers would be impossible.
By October 2022, Fritz’s friend filed to become his legal guardian and conservator.
Court documents revealed Fritz required round-the-clock nursing care costing nearly $88,000 per month.
His antique business was also left in disarray following the stroke.
Despite their past differences, Mike Wolfe shared sincere concern for Fritz after the news broke, asking fans to pray for his ex-cohost’s recovery.
However, their strained relationship showed no signs of reconciliation.
Frank Fritz’s dramatic split from American Pickers marked a somber turning point in the show’s history.
His deteriorating health and permanent exit signaled the end of an era for many longtime viewers.
While Fritz’s days on Pickers concluded, his legacy remains indelible as the quirky heart of this cultural phenomenon.
Robbie Wolfe
Born in 1960 in Joliet, Illinois, Robbie Wolfe is one of three children of Rita Wolfe.
From humble beginnings, Robbie has emerged as a successful businessman and more recently a reality TV star, following in his older brother Mike Wolfe’s footsteps.
Growing up, Robbie formed a close bond with Mike over their shared love of combing junkyards for hidden treasures.
The Wolfe boys spent their weekends picking through piles of discarded items, inspired by the challenge of finding value in overlooked things.
As adults, their paths diverged.
Mike pursued picking, while Robbie started his own landscaping company, R.J. Wolfe & Sons.
But Robbie’s fascination with old cars, vintage motorbikes, and antique oddities never faded.
Over the past two decades, Robbie built a steady local reputation in Davenport, Iowa, for transforming residential outdoor spaces.
However, his side hobby of acquiring and reselling classic vehicles and memorabilia connected him back to his brother’s world of picking.
Robbie first appeared on American Pickers during season 1 in 2010, joining Mike and co-host Frank Fritz on an exciting vintage motorbike pick.
His instant on-screen charm and wealth of automotive knowledge marked him as a natural for reality TV.
Throughout nine seasons of additional cameo appearances, Robbie developed an ever-larger fan following.
So when original cast member Frank Fritz was fired in 2021, Robbie emerged as the obvious heir apparent.
At the start of season 23, the History Channel unveiled Robbie Wolfe as the new co-host alongside his brother Mike, replacing the outgoing Fritz.
While Fritz’s absence upset many longtime viewers, Robbie’s existing rapport with Mike ensured a smooth transition.
However, passionate fans still lamented the loss of Fritz, criticizing the addition of Robbie as an inferior substitute.
Detractors took to social media to voice displeasure over Frank’s controversial dismissal and the brothers’ perceived lack of loyalty toward their former co-star.
Critics also questioned whether the mild-mannered Robbie, who runs a landscaping firm, could match Fritz’s charisma and expertise as a professional picker of decades.
Some speculated his casting was merely nepotism, given Mike Wolfe’s role as creator and executive producer.
Inflaming matters further, the public uncovered Robbie had a minor run-in with the law back in 1993, resulting in a 30-day jail sentence for property damage.
This long-ago intoxicated incident resurfaced to fuel fan criticisms about Robbie joining the History Channel hit show.
However, those who have known Robbie on American Pickers since 2010 leapt to his defense.
Having paid his dues years back, they argued his criminal record should not define him.
Instead, Robbie should be judged on his own merits as a burgeoning TV personality.
As the online controversy raged, Robbie himself remained above the fray, letting his earnest passion for picking speak for itself.
His rapport with Mike appeared natural and unaffected.
Over time, many skeptics were won over by Robbie’s knowledge, humor, and sincerity.
While Robbie lacks the ostentatious style of his predecessor, his lower-key manner complements Mike’s energetic intensity.
Together, the Wolfe brothers balance each other out, maintaining the show’s core appeal—the thrill of the hunt.
Off camera, Robbie leads a relatively low-profile life focused on family and business ventures in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa.
Married with four children, he indulges his love of sports through coaching their teams.
Baseball and golf outings provide welcome diversions from picking.
Since joining American Pickers full-time, Robbie has invested his income from the show back into the local community.
Public records show he recently purchased numerous residential and commercial properties totaling over $730,000.
Robbie also opened his own brick-and-mortar antique shop, Robbie Wolfe Estate Sales, as an additional channel for his passions.
When not filming Pickers, he can often be found there, acquiring or appraising rare collectibles brought in by locals.
While less vocal than Fritz about his personal life, Robbie occasionally offers fans glimpses via social media.
A proud family man, he documents his kids’ milestones and frequent Iowa Hawkeyes sporting events.
Jersey Jon “Jersey John” Szalay
Nicknamed Jersey Jon, this New Jersey native became a fan-favorite guest star on American Pickers thanks to his encyclopedic motorcycle expertise.
First appearing in season 7, Jersey Jon made sporadic cameos over the years, often helping Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz evaluate potential vintage vehicle picks.
Later, he became a permanent presence and is now a leading star of season 25.
Born in New Jersey, Jon’s fascination with antiquing began during childhood trips to flea markets with his father.
This instilled an appreciation for uncovering hidden gems and learning their unique stories.
As a teen, Jon demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive.
At just 17 years old, he acquired an old bank and converted it into his antique workshop.
In the 1980s, Jon’s passion found focus when he dove into the world of antique motorcycle restoration.
He became intrigued by the challenge of resurrecting original engines on antique bikes.
Jon taught himself metal fabrication skills along with mechanical knowledge to authentically rebuild these vintage wheels.
When showcasing his 1901 Thomas Flyer at the Guggenheim’s Art of the Motorcycle exhibit, Jon’s work received high acclaim for its historical accuracy and attention to detail.
His craftsmanship restoring antique bikes like Emblem, Thor, and Indian models laid the foundation for his appearances on American Pickers.
During his first on-camera pick in Pennsylvania, Jon impressed Mike and Frank with his extensive insights while evaluating a 1918 Harley-Davidson bicycle.
His instant on-screen rapport with the hosts led to repeat appearances appraising motorcycles, bikes, and early engines.
Jon’s laid-back likability, coupled with his wealth of knowledge on antiquated vehicles, made him a natural fit for the picking team.
In a memorable season 21 episode, Jon even temporarily filled in for an absent Frank Fritz, further endearing him to fans.
Capitalizing on his Pickers fame, Jon launched an online eBay store called First National Antique Restoration, peddling his own remarkable finds.
He offered fans a chance to own a piece of TV history, selling items acquired on the show—from vintage motor oil cans to a 1940s wheat penny board.
However, Jon recently found his name in headlines for reasons beyond American Pickers.
His new brick-and-mortar antique shop in New Jersey stirred controversy due to negative customer reviews about staff conduct.
Many patrons took to the internet to complain of alleged mistreatment and rudeness from employees.
When word reached Mike Wolfe, he took to social media to defend Jon, stating that having known him for years, he wholeheartedly vouched for his character.
Despite continued online backlash, Jon himself has not publicly addressed the criticism of his Barnegat Township business.
For American Pickers fans, Jersey Jon remains best known as the motorcycle guru whose expertise helped lead Mike and Frank to exceptional vintage vehicle picks.
His occasional guest spots provided valuable lessons in automotive history.
Lauren Ray Grisham
When American Pickers first captivated History Channel viewers in 2010, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz understandably received much of the spotlight.
Yet one integral supporting player was the show’s unsung heroine—Lauren Ray Grisham.
Casual fans may underestimate Lauren’s contributions as merely Mike’s assistant at the Nashville Antique Archaeology office.
But her passion for artifacts and gift for storytelling proved crucial behind the scenes during the show’s meteoric rise.
Long before American Pickers, Lauren developed a fascination with antiquing through childhood visits to flea markets with her father.
After earning her master’s degree in historic preservation from Middle Tennessee State University, Lauren landed her dream job as operations manager and set builder at the Tennessee State Museum’s living history farm.
When Mike Wolfe opened the Nashville location of Antique Archaeology, it was a natural fit for Lauren to join the operation in 2011.
She brought order to the fledgling shop while Mike and Frank traveled the country picking.
As the show’s popularity exploded, Lauren’s responsibilities rapidly expanded.
She managed day-to-day administrative duties, interacted with visiting fans, and coordinated events.
Lauren also assisted with merchandise development, product sourcing, advertising, and digital marketing.
Her creative input and business acumen helped transform American Pickers from a TV show into a lifestyle empire.
Beyond logistics, Lauren contributed artistically—styling set decor and designing displays that gave the store its signature vintage ambiance.
Her thoughtful design choices amplified the allure of artifacts by showcasing their stories.
Lauren occasionally joined Mike and Frank on picking excursions, offering historical insight into potential purchases.
Her appearances reminded viewers that behind every object lies a meaningful story worth preserving.
At the height of American Pickers mania, Lauren stood at the nucleus of a cultural phenomenon.
So when she exited Antique Archaeology and the show in 2013 to focus on motherhood, her absence left a major void.
After leaving Pickers, Lauren devoted herself to raising her two daughters while pursuing artistic painting commissions.
In 2021, she launched a cooperative retail boutique called Artist Market, embodying her innovative and community-focused spirit.
Dave Ohrt
When American Pickers first aired in 2010, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz were the undeniable headliners.
But motorcycle expert Dave Ohrt quickly became a fan favorite.
Often dubbed the third musketeer, Dave brought laid-back charm and deep motorcycle knowledge to the picking team.
He joined Mike and Frank on trips across the country, helping evaluate vintage bikes and engines.
Fans loved his chill demeanor and witty one-liners.
So viewers were shocked when Dave suddenly vanished from American Pickers after season 2 without explanation.
Several theories emerged—from creative differences to personal or health reasons—but neither Dave nor the network offered clarity.
His unannounced exit left a hole in the show’s chemistry.
Dave briefly returned in season 7 for a surprise cameo, delighting longtime fans.
But the appearance was short-lived, and he disappeared once again.
To this day, Dave Ohrt’s time on American Pickers remains shrouded in mystery.
The Show’s Future
After more than a decade on the air, American Pickers has reached season 25.
But the departure of original co-host Frank Fritz left a major void.
Ratings have steadily declined, with season 23 averaging just 1.05 million viewers—down from over 3 million at the show’s peak in 2013.
Speculation now surrounds Mike Wolfe’s future with the series.
At age 59, with 25 seasons behind him, Mike has hinted at retirement.
If the show’s flagship star exits, American Pickers would almost certainly ride off into the sunset.
Once celebrated for spontaneous discovery and nostalgia, critics now claim the show feels scripted and overly commercialized.
Still, die-hard fans hope the series can return to its roots.
For now, the long-term prognosis seems grim.
Thanks for watching,
and we’ll see you in the next one.
