
Well, hello there, Danielle Colby! The 49-year-old star of the History Channel’s American Pickers just dropped a jaw-dropping photo on Instagram that’s got everyone buzzing. Posing with effortless confidence, Danielle left little to the imagination in a barely-there crop top and skimpy thong bottoms, shared with their fans on a casual Tuesday.
With their long, wavy locks cascading past their shoulders and a pair of open-toed heels adding that extra sizzle, the burlesque dancer (who uses they/them pronouns) gazed straight into the camera like they owned the room. Seated on what looks like a chic settee, cigarette in hand, this spontaneous snap is pure fire - and we’re here for it!
When they’re not hunting for hidden treasures on American Pickers, Danielle is all about embracing their love for burlesque. Not only do they perform with flair, but they also teach classes, sharing their passion with aspiring dancers. Earlier this summer, they opened the Ecdysiast Arts Museum in Davenport, Iowa - a cultural gem described as a space that “honors the legacy of burlesque and celebrates performers who shaped modern entertainment,” according to Downtown Davenport.
Danielle’s Instagram, with a cool 26K followers, is a treasure trove of their burlesque costumes and skills, often leaving fans in awe. Just this month, they headlined the Ohio Burlesque Festival, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with on stage. And let’s not forget their return to social media earlier this year after a brief hiatus in January, coming back stronger with a fresh account and new OnlyFans content.
“Burlesque has been a transformative journey for me - it’s helped me bloom into someone less anxious, more connected to my body and sexuality,” Danielle shared in a candid reflection.
In a 2018 chat with Fox News, Danielle - known on stage as Dannie Diesel - got real about their burlesque roots. Growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness in a strict environment, burlesque was a world away, something “new and taboo.” Yet, this art form became a powerful outlet, helping them navigate anxiety and depression while teaching lessons about kindness, ego, and self-discovery.
“It’s deep,” they explained, describing how the journey shaped their relationship with their body and sexuality. It’s clear that burlesque isn’t just a performance for Danielle - it’s a lifeline, a way to redefine who they are and who they want to be.
On screen, Danielle continues to shine in the latest 27th season of American Pickers, which kicked off on July 2, alongside co-stars Mike Wolfe, Robbie Wolfe, and Jon ‘Jersey’ Szalay. Having been part of the show since its 2010 debut, they’ve become a familiar face to fans of the treasure-hunting series. The season finale is set to air on August 20, and we’re already counting down!
But amid the excitement, there’s a heavy heart in the American Pickers family. Last September, former castmate Frank Fritz passed away at 60 after suffering a stroke in 2022. Danielle paid a touching tribute, reminiscing about Frank’s humor and rare vulnerable moments, writing, “Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh... Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Speaking to Newsweek in July, Danielle opened up about the void left by Frank’s absence. “Boy, we miss Frank. We miss his laughter, his sharp wit,” they shared, noting how his humor was the glue that kept the team together. His passing was a “huge loss” not just for the show, but for the Quad Cities community and beyond.
Danielle also cherished the personal moments - the hugs, the late-night calls for advice. “We love Frank and we miss him,” they added, a sentiment that echoes through every episode of American Pickers. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the bonds formed over years of shared adventures.