Unbelievable! The Devastating Tragedy Of Danielle Colby From American Pickers

Danielle Colby: From Burlesque to the Barn Finds—The Unfiltered Journey of an American Picker

Danielle Colby may be best known as the fierce and fashionable face of American Pickers, but there’s much more to her story than meets the eye. With a passion for burlesque, a rollercoaster personal life, and a bold spirit that refuses to be tamed, Danielle has become one of reality TV’s most compelling personalities.

From Small-Town Iowa to Center Stage

Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Danielle grew up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, far from the spotlight she now commands. Her early years were marked by simplicity, surrounded by cornfields and small-town values. At the age of 29, she married Englishman Robert Strong, and the couple raised two children together. Life seemed quiet—until everything changed.

While running a modest antiques business, Danielle got a break that would reshape her future: a role on American Pickers, the History Channel hit following Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they scoured the country for antique treasures. Danielle’s intelligence, edge, and charisma quickly made her a standout, managing Antique Archaeology and winning hearts with her no-nonsense attitude.

But with fame came friction. Her growing recognition created tensions at home, and Danielle’s marriage soon unraveled under the weight of jealousy and the spotlight. Despite the heartbreak, she stayed true to herself and focused on building the career she’d worked so hard to achieve.

A Burlesque Star Is Born

While some might have faded into a quiet post-TV life, Danielle did the opposite. She dove headfirst into burlesque—an art form she fell in love with after seeing a Chicago performance featuring Margaret Cho and the iconic Satan’s Angel. Embracing the stage name “Danny Diesel,” she launched her own burlesque troupe, where she dazzled audiences as the main performer and singer.

Her burlesque journey didn’t stop there. Danielle eventually opened her own school in Chicago to teach aspiring dancers, passing on the traditions and flair of this often-misunderstood art. Even her daughter has followed in her footsteps, bringing a touch of legacy to the family’s creative pursuits.

Life Beyond the Pickers

Danielle’s career in television has had its ups and downs. Longtime co-star Frank Fritz was absent for two years due to serious health issues before officially leaving the show, prompting concerns from fans about Danielle’s own future on American Pickers. While rumors swirled, she remained a core figure—appearing in Season 23 and sharing heartfelt posts thanking Mike Wolfe for the opportunity to keep working together.

Yet it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. One of the most controversial moments in American Pickers history came during Season 19 when the team restored Aerosmith’s original tour van. What started as a feel-good project turned polarizing, with fans accusing the show of being used as a promotional tool for the band’s Las Vegas residency. Danielle’s perceived lack of seriousness during emotional scenes drew some criticism, and the storyline sparked debates about authenticity in reality TV.

Reinvention and Resilience

Today, Danielle is thriving. She juggles her passions—teaching burlesque, performing, and “picking”—while continuing to grow her brand. She launched a clothing line, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, blending her love of vintage with fashion design, and married French artist Alexandre De Meyer, who designed the brand’s emblem. The couple now shares a creative and supportive partnership, far from the drama of her earlier marriage.

Danielle’s social media tells the story of a woman in her element—dancing, designing, and sharing glimpses of her life with adorable animals and sensual, empowering burlesque photos. Her fans love her not just for what she does, but for who she is: bold, authentic, and unafraid to evolve.

What’s Next for Danielle—and American Pickers?

While the future of American Pickers remains uncertain with fluctuating ratings and cast shakeups, one thing is clear—Danielle Colby isn’t slowing down. Whether she’s center stage in a vintage corset or behind the scenes at Antique Archaeology, Danielle continues to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and inspire others to embrace their true selves.

From the cornfields of Iowa to international stages, Danielle Colby has proven that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

What’s your favorite Danielle Colby moment on American Pickers? Which pick stood out to you the most? Let us know in the comments below—and don’t forget to like and share if you enjoyed the read!