Danielle Colby’s Strange Life Twists
Danielle Colby: From Jehovah’s Witness Roots to Reality TV Icon and Burlesque Star
Born on December 3, 1975, in Davenport, Iowa, Danielle Colby has lived a life defined by reinvention, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression. Known best as the quick-witted, tattooed office manager on the hit History Channel series American Pickers, Colby is far more than just a TV personality—she is a businesswoman, a burlesque dancer, a fashion entrepreneur, and a fierce advocate for body positivity and artistic freedom.
A Conservative Upbringing and a Rebellious Turn
Raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, Danielle’s early life was one of limitations and boundaries. But even as a child, her free spirit pushed back against the rigidity of her environment. After marrying Robert Strong in the mid-1990s, the couple had two children. However, as Danielle’s life in the public eye began to unfold, the pressures of fame eventually led to the breakdown of their marriage—something she candidly discussed in a 2012 interview, citing her then-husband’s struggle with her growing notoriety.
From Friend to Franchise: The Birth of American Pickers
Danielle’s road to stardom began with her decade-long friendship with Mike Wolfe, a professional picker with a vision. When Wolfe pitched the concept of American Pickers to the History Channel, he made sure Danielle was part of the journey. In 2010, American Pickers premiered and quickly became the most-watched non-fiction show on the network among viewers aged 25–54.
As the office manager of Antique Archaeology, Danielle played a vital behind-the-scenes role—organizing the business, finding pick locations for Mike and co-host Frank Fritz, and helping maintain the heartbeat of the show. Her chemistry with Mike and sharp wit made her a fan favorite, giving the show a grounded, relatable element amidst the dusty garages and forgotten treasures.
Beyond the Pick: A Passion for Burlesque
Outside the world of antiques, Danielle’s true passion lies in performance art—specifically burlesque. After attending a show featuring Margaret Cho and legendary performer Satan’s Angel, Danielle was inspired to pursue the art form herself.
Initially a roller derby skater with a team called Big Mouth Mickeys, Colby transitioned into burlesque following an accumulation of injuries. She formed Burlesque Le Moustache, a troupe of six performers, many of whom also came from her roller derby team. Using the stage name “Dannie Diesel,” she brought her vibrant energy to theaters and clubs across the Midwest, and in 2014, she founded her own school in Chicago—Dannie Diesel’s Bump and Grind Academy—to train aspiring burlesque dancers.
Danielle has long advocated for inclusivity in the arts. “Women leave our shows feeling like they can enjoy their body and their life,” she once said, making her performances as much about empowerment as entertainment.
Fashion, Art, and Historical Research
Danielle’s creative ventures don’t stop with burlesque. In 2013, she briefly opened a retro-inspired clothing store, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, in Chicago. Although the boutique closed the same year, it demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and love for vintage aesthetics.
More recently, she’s turned her attention to historical research, especially the lives of forgotten burlesque legends. One of her latest projects, Stripping History, is a traveling vintage striptease museum dedicated to preserving the stories of early 20th-century dancers like Lorraine Gail Smith. Funded by her Patreon supporters, the project blends Danielle’s passions for history, feminism, and performance.
Love, Life, and Low-Key Living
Since 2015, Danielle has been in a committed relationship with artist and outdoor enthusiast Jeremy Scheuch. Though their relationship began unexpectedly—Danielle didn’t even realize their first Valentine’s Day outing was a date—the pair are now inseparable. They share their lives with two rescue dogs, Azrael and Muriel, and a cat named Clement.
Danielle and Jeremy keep much of their private life under wraps, including their exact wedding date. Still, their shared love for adventure, meditation, animal rescue, and music is evident in their social media presence.
Life After American Pickers?
While American Pickers remains one of the most enduring shows in reality television, recent developments have cast a shadow on the future of its original trio. Frank Fritz was officially let go in 2021 after a long absence due to health issues. His departure, followed by reports of tension between him and Mike Wolfe, left fans divided.
Danielle has continued to appear on the show sporadically, but her public appearances have recently slowed, prompting speculation about her future with the franchise. However, with so many creative projects in motion—from Stripping History to her burlesque performances—Danielle seems to be exploring new avenues outside of mainstream television.
A Life of Authenticity
Danielle Colby’s story is one of constant transformation. From a conservative upbringing to becoming one of cable TV’s most recognizable faces, and from derby skater to burlesque teacher and historical researcher, she defies categorization. Through it all, she’s stayed true to her beliefs, her artistry, and her independence.
Whether she’s picking through barns in Iowa, commanding a burlesque stage, or deep-diving into forgotten feminist history, Danielle Colby isn’t just a reality star—she’s a reality unto herself.
