This Is What American Pickers' Danielle Colby Is Doing Now
Since January 18, 2010, History's American Pickers has taken audiences across the United States on the antiquing road trips of a lifetime. The program gives fans a glimpse into storage sheds, garages, and even people's homes to learn about all facets of Americana, history, and more. These history lessons are predominantly delivered by the show's beloved hosts, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who've built their careers off turning other folks' trash into their personal treasure. Their finds accumulate inside their two Antique Archaeology stores — the original of which is frequented by American Pickers' third most recognizable face, Danielle Colby.
Through the series' 21 seasons (and counting), Danielle Colby has taken on a handful of roles — many of which vary by episode. Oftentimes she's shown managing their trinket shop or giving Wolfe and Fritz leads so that their journeys have some sense of direction. When she's not merely answering phone calls, she goes on picks of her own to help fill up the shelves and make a few bucks for the business. She did have one episode in which she went a little too far, but overall Colby is beloved by fans of the show. However, much like her Pickers counterparts, her entire life doesn't revolve around the television role or Antique Archaeology. Here's what else Colby is up to in her time away from the world of vintage collectibles.
Danielle Colby demands the spotlight as a burlesque performer
When she's not managing Antique Archaeology or helping Wolfe and Fritz with their latest discoveries, Colby is typically found on the stage as a burlesque performer. As her alter-ego Dannie Diesel, she dazzles audiences with elaborate dance routines and sequined outfits, all while bolstering her self-image and confidence. As she told Fox News in October 2018, this risqué art form is so much more than a side gig.
"The burlesque journey has really been an interesting one for me," Colby said, remarking that it's an effective remedy for her anxiety and depression. She added, "It's taught me a lot about ego, humanity, kindness, sharing. It also taught me a lot about what I don't want to be and what I do want to be." Even still, for as much as she loves performing, she admitted she doesn't envision making it her full-time job, stating, "I could never be a burlesque queen. It's just not me. I need my outdoors, my comfort."
Colby also touched on the importance of maintaining the lineage of her dance form of choice, telling Fox News, "It would be a shame if this history featuring all of these strong, talented, amazing women [was] lost because of the shame of being a striptease artist. Because there's no shame in that. It's a beautiful art. And these women really paved the way for glamour today. They still are." Additionally, Colby recently started up a Patreon page to help fund her act, as well as her many elegant costumes, and to connect with fans.
It's certainly a far cry from her work on American Pickers, but — as she put it — burlesque dancing is both an art form and a nod to American history. Colby has leaned into doing what she loves and found an outlet for self-expression in the process. For that, she deserves all of the credit in the world.