Antique shows are popular for a reason: There’s something supremely satisfying about watching a homeowner score a massive sum of money off of a piece of junk they came across in their attic. But you can’t deny that some are a little sleepy. American Pickers, however, is far from tired.
The long-running HISTORY Channel show is filled with action-packed sequences as Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and Danielle Colby Cushman travel the country in search of trash they can restore into major treasure. Now in its 20th season, the docu-series has become as much about the hidden gems the trio finds as it is about the “Pickers” themselves. Here’s everything you should know about Mike, Frank, and Danielle.
Mike Wolfe
Mike has been rooting through old garages and attics since he was a kid growing up in Joliet, Illinois, and later, LeClaire, Iowa. He was never a star student, and after taking some community college courses, he eventually started working in a warehouse building bikes, according to the Des Moines Register. He continued to hunt for hidden gems, and started chronicling his searches on his video camera. Eventually, he sent a tape to HISTORY and the rest is, well, history.
Mike has been married to his wife, Jodi, since 2012, and the two live in their beautiful home with daughter, Charlie. Mike also heads up Antique Archaeology, his store that has locations in LeClaire and Nashville.
Frank Fritz
Frank started collecting rocks and beer cans when he was young, and his passion for “antiques and junk” never quite went away. Even though he was a fire and safety inspector for many years, he now spends all his time on the road with his best friend of many years, Mike. Frank is an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and Mike apparently likes to call him the “bearded charmer” due to his knack for getting along with sellers.
Danielle Colby Cushman
Danielle is the face of Antique Archaeology, and is the “glue” that holds the cast together. She often scouts out good opportunities for Mike and Frank to check out, and otherwise keeps the store afloat.
Danielle is very active outside of the show. She’s currently an ambassador for Batey Girls, a jewelry company that empowers young women in the Dominican Republic. She’s also in a band called Gin Rummy, and has produced a documentary about a burlesque performer. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s a mom of three, as well.
