The Job You Didn’t Know Danielle Colby Had Before American Pickers

At the start of the 2010s, History had a handful of popular programs in its library that had become its flagship titles. Shows like “Pawn Stars” and “Ancient Aliens” pulled in countless viewers, though the potential to put more eyes on the channel was undeniable. To bring in more  TV watchers and liven up their schedule, History unveiled “American Pickers” in January of 2010 — a series that educates audiences about days gone by using antiques and showed them just how much value items one would assume to be junk can actually have.

Colby made a living as a burlesque dancer

When the 2010s began, History Channel was already home to several breakout hits. Shows like Pawn Stars and Ancient Aliens were pulling in massive audiences, yet the network saw room to grow. That opportunity arrived in January 2010 with the debut of American Pickers, a series that blended nostalgia, history, and hidden value — proving that everyday “junk” could be worth a small fortune.

The show struck gold almost immediately. American Pickers became a staple of the network, running strong season after season and now deep into Season 22, nearing an impressive 350 episodes. Even amid controversy surrounding the departure of longtime co-host Frank Fritz, fans continue to tune in weekly to see what forgotten treasures await discovery.

That success has turned the show into a lucrative venture for its stars — particularly Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby. While both are now inseparable from the American Pickers brand, their paths to television fame were anything but ordinary.

Danielle Colby’s Life Before the Picks

Though Danielle Colby is best known today as the backbone of Antique Archaeology, American Pickers wasn’t her first calling. Long before she was negotiating deals or coordinating finds from behind the desk, Colby was immersed in an entirely different performance art — burlesque dancing.

Over the years, Colby has worn many hats on the show. From assisting pickers remotely to evaluating items and negotiating purchases herself, her deep knowledge and confidence have made her indispensable. That self-assured presence didn’t come out of nowhere.

A Career Built on Burlesque

Before — and even during — her time on American Pickers, Colby pursued burlesque dancing, initially as a hobby and eventually as a profession. In a 2019 interview with Freshly Inked, she spoke candidly about how quickly she fell in love with the art form.

“There’s something very empowering about burlesque,” she said. “I started learning right away. I started performing way too soon.”

Her passion extended beyond the stage. In 2011, Colby opened her own boutique, 4Miles 2Memphis, selling vintage clothing and accessories inspired by classic burlesque style. She also appeared in a 2016 documentary centered on legendary dancer Tempest Storm, further showcasing her deep respect for burlesque history and culture.

Today, Danielle Colby is a television star and a vital part of American Pickers. But while antiques may pay the bills, it’s clear her love for burlesque — and the empowerment it brings — remains a defining part of who she is, and likely always will be.

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