Danielle Colby, born December 3, 1975, is a 49-year-old American reality TV star, burlesque dancer, and entrepreneur, best known for her role on the History Channel’s American Pickers. With a net worth of $1.5 million in 2025, she has built a multifaceted career managing Antique Archaeology, performing as Dannie Diesel, and advocating for social causes. Married to Jeremy Scheuch since 2024, Colby’s journey includes two prior marriages and two children. Her salary per American Pickers episode is approximately $15,000, and her dating history has sparked public interest. This biography explores her life, career, and unique contributions.
Early Life and Background of Danielle Colby
Born in Davenport, Iowa, Danielle Colby grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness household, raised by her mother, Sue Colby. Her childhood was marked by challenges, including a traumatic experience of sexual assault, which she has openly discussed to raise awareness about survivor resilience. This personal adversity shaped her empathetic worldview, influencing her later philanthropy. Colby’s passion for performance emerged early, sparked by a burlesque show featuring Margaret Cho and Satan’s Angel, which inspired her to pursue dance as a creative outlet.
Her early career included a stint with the Big Mouth Mickies, a female roller derby team, where she competed for three years before injuries forced her to retire. This athletic background honed her discipline and stage presence, qualities that later defined her burlesque persona, Dannie Diesel.
Career Highlights: From American Pickers to Burlesque
Rise to Fame on American Pickers
Danielle Colby joined American Pickers in 2010, managing the office of Antique Archaeology, a business owned by co-star Mike Wolfe. Her role involves scouting unique antiques, coordinating picks, and bringing a vibrant energy to the show, which became a top-rated non-fiction series. Her salary of $15,000 per episode reflects her integral role, with over 300 episodes aired by 2025. Colby’s unconventional approach to antiques—viewing them as “fun, rad, and killer”—sets her apart, making her a fan favorite. She continues to work at Antique Archaeology’s Iowa and Nashville locations, as noted on the History Channel’s website.
Burlesque Career and Dannie Diesel
As Dannie Diesel, Colby founded Burlesque Le’ Moustache, a nine-member troupe that performed across Iowa and Illinois. She also established Dannie Diesel’s Bump ‘n’ Grind Academy in Chicago, training aspiring dancers. Her burlesque performances celebrate body positivity and vulnerability, connecting with audiences through authentic expression. In December 2024, she paused performances due to a family health issue, as shared on Instagram, but her passion for dance remains a cornerstone of her identity.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Colby’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through her retro clothing boutique, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, which briefly operated in Chicago. She also produced the 2016 documentary Tempest Storm, showcasing her ability to blend art and storytelling. Her vintage costume collection, spanning circus and early burlesque attire, reflects her deep appreciation for historical fashion, as highlighted on her official website.
Personal Life: Marriages, Dating, and Family
Marriage and Relationships
Danielle Colby’s marital history includes three marriages. She first married Chad Cushman in 2004, with whom she has two children, Miles and Memphis. The marriage ended in 2012, strained by her rising fame, as she shared in a 2012 WQAD-TV interview. In 2015, she secretly wed Alexandre De Meyer, a French graphic designer, but they divorced later that year. In 2020, Colby announced her engagement to Jeremy Scheuch, marrying him in February 2024. She frequently praises Scheuch on Instagram, calling him her “anchor.” Her dating history has fueled public curiosity, with rumors about a romance with Mike Wolfe, which she firmly denied, emphasizing their decade-long friendship.
Family and Philanthropy
Colby is a devoted mother to Miles and Memphis, the latter known for her piano talent. Based in Puerto Rico, Colby dedicates time to rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Irma, supporting orphanages, animal shelters, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. Her advocacy, shared via Twitter, reflects a commitment to social change, adding depth to her public persona.
Danielle Colby’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Net Worth Breakdown
Danielle Colby’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 million, amassed through American Pickers, burlesque, and her boutique ventures. While some sources suggest a higher net worth of $2 million, the consensus leans toward $1.5 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Her salary of $15,000 per episode contributes significantly, supplemented by her dance academy and past retail endeavors.
Financial Insights
Colby’s financial success underscores her ability to diversify income streams. Unlike many reality stars, she balances mainstream fame with niche artistic pursuits, a strategy that ensures long-term stability. Her focus on collectibles and vintage fashion aligns with the growing market for sustainable, retro-inspired goods, projected to reach $50 billion globally by 2027, per industry reports.
Unique Insights and Contributions
Colby’s journey offers a case study in resilience and reinvention. Her transition from roller derby to burlesque to reality TV showcases adaptability in a competitive entertainment landscape. Unlike peers who rely solely on TV exposure, Colby’s burlesque work fosters a unique connection with fans, emphasizing authenticity over commercial polish. Her philanthropy in Puerto Rico, particularly post-hurricane rebuilding, sets a model for celebrities leveraging fame for impact. A 2024 social media analysis showed her posts on charity work garnered 30% higher engagement than her TV-related content, indicating her audience values her social contributions.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danielle Colby (formerly Colby-Cushman) |
| Birth Date | December 3, 1975 |
| Age | 49 (as of August 2025) |
| Birthplace | Davenport, Iowa, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White-American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 39-28-40 inches |
| Eye Color | Hazel Green |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Burlesque Dancer, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | American Pickers, Burlesque Le’ Moustache |
| Stage Name | Dannie Diesel |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $15,000 per episode of American Pickers |
| Marital Status | Married to Jeremy Scheuch (2024-present) |
| Previous Marriages | Chad Cushman (2004-2012), Alexandre De Meyer (2015) |
| Children | Miles and Memphis Colby |
| Siblings | Carbomb Betty |
| Mother | Sue Colby |
| Religion (Raised) | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Current Residence | Puerto Rico |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Philanthropy | Puerto Rico rebuilding, anti-human trafficking, animal shelters |
| Notable Works | Tempest Storm (2016), American Pickers (2010-present) |
Conclusion
Danielle Colby’s multifaceted career, from American Pickers to burlesque, reflects her dynamic personality and resilience. At 49, with a net worth of $1.5 million and a salary of $15,000 per episode, she continues to thrive professionally while navigating personal challenges. Her marriage to Jeremy Scheuch, philanthropy, and artistic ventures add depth to her legacy. For more on her life, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram for updates.
