These Are The Things That People Probably Didn’t Know About The Famous “American Pickers”

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are documented by American Pickers as they make their way throughout the country, seeking truly unique relics, hidden treasures, and lost memorabilia. They do this by passing through all the things they see in huge junkyards to home cellars! Along the way, they also meet many colorful folks. Can you believe that a show has been on the air for 21 seasons? It is still going strong, although many things have happened behind the scenes. There have been allegations that everything is being staged and that there are rumors of financial concerns. Check out the show to find out all you need to know about it!

The Overseas Spinoffs Did Not Last

In the United States, the show was a massive success. Because of its popularity, the show created spin-offs in Australia and Canada. They did not, regrettably, see just about the same amount of achievement. For only four seasons, the Canadian iteration proceeded. On the other hand, the Australian season was even more unfortunate, with only two seasons.

Not His Only Source Of Income

Aside from co-hosting the show, Mike Wolfe has other sources of revenue. He is the owner of a vintage antique shop called Antique Archaeology, as fans know. It is operated by Danielle, who is the shop’s manager. He also has an apparel company, a coffee house, a sweet shop, and a studio for photography.

Playing Himself On NCIS

Are you interested in knowing precisely how famous American Pickers are? Well, it’s so widely known, definitely, that Mike Wolf ended up getting the opportunity to play on NCIS himself. Not a lot of individuals can say the exact same thing! If you want to see him in that hit drama, he’s in the “One Man’s Trash” episode.

A Complaint Brought Frank To Court

There had been a moment when an antique dealer-collector named Jerry Bruce tried to sue Frank Fritz! He paid the host for a piece of ancient farm equipment called a polarimeter. It was $300 for him, Fritz informed him, but he did not cash the check or deliver the machine. Ultimately, Bruce scooped up $1,000 for this.

He Was Also Arrested For DUI

In 2018, Frank Fritz was detained on charges of drinking and driving. As everybody knows, it is awful to drive when you have something to drink. It’s something reckless and irresponsible to do. He had to go to a program of rehabilitation and was on supervised release for a year.

Ever Since He Was Young

For Mike Wolfe, when he was a little boy, everything began. And that was when he formed a collecting fondness! When he happen to stumble upon a deserted bike, the tale actually started. He did manage, for $5, to sell it off. After that, he’d search for rusty bikes, fix them up to sell them for a revenue.

Hobo Jack Is Now A Star

You know Hobo Jack from the show? His real name is actually Jack J. Sophir. He has proven to be a hit amongst the fans of the show. In fact, he released an album of his very own, full of original tracks. How fantastic is that?

Rumors Of A Secret Relationship

Mike Wolfe is in a happy relationship at the moment with Jodi Faeth. The couple has a child between them as well. Some people speculate, even after that, that he and Frank Fritz are definitely in a secret relationship! It’s just a speculation to make it straightforward for you. The co-hosts, though, are good friends.

Raking In The Cash

Because they seem like down-to – earth men who ultimately led modest lives, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are loved by many people. Don’t be deceived though, though! The majority of fans have no idea that the region hosting American Pickers is definitely rolling in cash. Actually, Mike has a net worth of approximately $ 4 million at present.

Even Before The Show

It’s not hard to see that Danielle and Mike are excellent friends. Then again, for more than two decades, they have known one another. Actually, both of them were working together long before the show began! This is why they have such good chemistry in front of the cameras.

The Truth About Reality-TV

Reality television shows like to say that they reveal the truth. More often than not, however, many aspects of the shows are fake. As for the American Pickers, the television series is the toughest one to offer a real experience to the viewers. The negotiations take place off-camera while the acquisitions actually take place.

How To Strike A Deal

It is always entertaining to watch the banter between the vendors and the hosts. However, it turns out, things are not precisely as they seem. The producers apparently tell the vendors to mention a value that is greater than they really prefer. This way, the hosts can go on talking it down until they reach some certain amount.

They Also Plant Items

The market value is not, however, the first and only thing that has been staged. Evidently, the producers are also staging some special items! For the hosts, there is going to be something to evaluate and speak about. Oh, well, we suspect that anyone thought they had randomly found all these things. After all, that is what reality TV is like.

Danielle Is An Important Part Of The Show

Even though Frank and Mike are the ‘pickers’, let’s not neglect that Danielle also has an amazing role. Actually, it’s the woman who ran the shop when the cameras were not around! That is not all, but she has a boutique store of her own as well. It’s called 2Memphis 4Miles.

Owing Back Taxes

What more is there to say about the shop manager in the show? Well, it later turned out that Danielle was given a letter from the IRS in 2013. It said she owed back taxes worth thousands of dollars! These occur from the selling of her vintage items. So, you know, she didn’t just get one of those.

Mike Wanted To End The Show

Who would have predicted that Mike did not want to keep going with the show at one point? In 2016, the reality TV show star tried to stop, hoping to concentrate on his daughter. We’re interested in knowing what caused his mind to change. Even to this day, the show is still running strong, after all!

Starting Them Young

Mike initiated a project to encourage kids to find valuable objects and get creative. He launched a Kid Pickers flea market in LeClaire, Iowa! This is a wonderful way of encouraging kids to take an involvement in a fascinating hobby. Let us not neglect that he became interested in it when he was young as well.

An Episode About Star Wars

There was an entire episode dedicated to the Star Wars franchise! This occurred when the production team encountered a former employee of Lucasfilm who owned a super rare piece of memorabilia. And how cool is it? We are certain that that supporters of the sci-fi series loved watching the episode in question when it came out.

Prince Mongo For Mayor

It’s impossible to forget Prince Mongo. This was the bizarre man who made a very colorful personality on the show. Objects of interest filled his house ! But there’s something you might not know about him. Did you know that he ran several times in Memphis , Tennessee, for mayor?

Time To Give Back

Mike Wolfe has also started working with a charity organization called ‘Operation Smile.’ Its goal is to assist children with a cleft palate or lip. That was only reasonable, since his daughter had this situation. He did make sure to raise public awareness of it and assisted children who have it.

Moonlighting As A Dancer

Right now, you probably already know that Danielle is a fantastic lady. She’s a wonderful shop manager, but did you even know she’s a burlesque dancer, too? We are delighted that she also wants to speak about such a part of her life. She spoke of how much it had turned her life and strengthened her confidence.

Hobo Jack Is An Author

Hobo Jack is another famous personality on the show. He’s loved by the fans! If you didn’t even know, he’s a published writer, currently. Maybe you want to check out the 2014 historical fiction novel that came out. You will find it under the title “The Tramp Prince’s Amazing Adventures.”

Not Always A Professional

While Frank Fritz is also an American Pickers co-host, he wasn’t really a professional before any of this. Yes, he only took up this job after he joined the team! Who was supposed to think this was the case? One of the things most fans are known to be surprised by is this. At any rate, this is not true at all for Mike Wolfe.

Using Mole Man For Their Personal Gain

Another favorite of fans went on to be Ron, also known as’ Mole Man.’ During that particular episode, the pickers spent a lot of time in their tunnels. Unfortunately, someone made the decision, for their own advantage, to use his stardom. One person claimed that a sale was being held by the reality TV personality, but this was nothing but a scare tactic. The people who went were not able to help but feel betrayed!

The Network Did Not Initially Want Danielle

While Danielle is now a significant part of the series, originally, The History Channel did not even want to focus on the project. It was a great idea to have Mike and Frank stick to their guns and make sure she was a member of it! As we all know, this did turn out to be for the better. We can’t really imagine what the series would have been like without her. It is a comfort that they have, in the end, made the correct choice!

Life Is Not All That Smooth

You’re probably a huge Pawn Stars fan, too, for those of you folks who are huge antique fans. Our screen was braced by the TV show about such a family-owned and run pawn shop in Las Vegas back in 2009. Since its debut over a decade ago, the show has only become a lot more popular as the years have gone on. Unfortunately, ‘Chumlee’ had his fair share of ups and downs for Austin Lee Russell, one of the greatest stars of the show, or as we know him.

The Star Of The Show

In the town of Las Vegas , Nevada, Pawn Stars is situated. A great deal of its accomplishments has been directly linked to the show’s incredibly enjoyable celebrities. Among them is the one and only Chumlee, especially the one who very often did make his supporters and coworkers chuckle. He rapidly earned a reputation of being such a ‘funny guy’ who could always spice up anyone’s day!

Not The Best Student In High School

Before we come right down to all of the nitty-gritty of the story, let’s all first start with his earlier years. So according individuals close to the star, Chumlee did not necessarily do have easiest of times to grow up. And as much as he tried, the Nevada native was not very good at school either.

He Never Graduated

Back when he was in high school, in return for money, he was always inclined to ask his fellow students to complete his homework. So, when he dropped out of school, it didn’t really come as a total shock to many individuals.

The Story Behind It

Another thing was that at school Chumlee was having a difficult time trying to meet the educational standards, but there’s also the reality that at one point he was bullied and given a nickname. ‘Chumlee’ may not even sound too bad to some; quite the opposite, in reality. However, the main reason behind all of this, in fact, was very harsh and embarrassing.

Cute Nickname But Cruel Intentions

This is how he tells the story behind his nickname. It happened to come from one of the characters from a cartoon show in the ’60s called Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales. A rather plump walrus named Chumley was featured in the show. The name just stuck, and then people just keep calling him that, which in the slightest is not at all flattering.

Friends From Childhood

Fortunately, there was a good friend who stuck by his side as a teenager through all the turmoil he went through. For those who know Chumlee, you’ll know that what we’re talking about is Corey Harrison. Not only was he someone on whom Chumlee could count, he subsequently has become one of his Pawn Stars co-stars as well.

A Friendship With Employment Benefits

One of their favorite pastimes when these two pals were younger was hanging from around Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, which is definitely the shop financed by Corey ‘s dad, Rick. Some wonderful advantages and benefits, of course, also occur with some best mates. To begin with, Chumlee was able to get hired at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop when he was 21 years old.

Not What He Expected

Even though being a pawn shop employee requires great precision, most job opportunities involve a whole lot of menial work. While it seems luxurious, take it from us, there are loads and loads of more intriguing professions out there. And while Chumlee was young at the time of landing his first “real” job, he certainly wasn’t expecting it to transform out as it did.

Five Short Years Later

Even though Chumlee was initially quite disappointed, he started working in front of the camera in the same profession 5 years later. And after watching him on the show, we do not doubt that he very much personally prefer being a TV star to becoming an ordinary employee of a pawn shop. What are you thinking?

Can’t Help It

A lot of fame and success were really racked up by Pawn Stars, becoming increasingly prevalent with each passing season. And Chumlee is one of the biggest and best stars to make a significant contribution to the show, not to mention that everyone found him very interesting. He’s a massive admirer of making jokes here and there and making people chuckle every time he can, of course.

Not The Best Buys

Some of his interests are pinball, video games, rap, as well as, as most of you already know, sneakers. By just taking a look at all the things Chumlee liked to buy, it was pretty easy to tell. Even after these things being excellent and very attractive, if the reality is told, they have not always been the best things for the company. Let ‘s take a more comprehensive look at why.

Making Many Mistakes

You would have observed that, for those who had already watched the show, Chumlee was inclined to make a lot of silly errors. Now, that isn’t true for those who think he just did it for laughter. He apparently used to do this before the cameras were around. There was a time, in fact, when he left a stand-up bass resting on a shelf that fell and broke into parts.  What did make the whole scenario worse was that $20,000 was what its worth.

Popularity For His Mishaps

Due to all his quirky misfortunes, the other members of the show enjoyed making fun of him. Take a glance at Pawn Stars, and you’ll notice immediately the series is an ongoing trend, actually. Definitely, others might make the argument that this is exactly what made him one of the biggest favorites on The History Channel.

Quite The Popular Guy

Chumlee was so famous and successful that whenever the cast made public appearances, he even decided to employ a bodyguard around him. Just pretty awesome, huh? And although it has essentially occurred over a fairly short period of time, this is how you know that success has already been found by people in life.

Enjoying The Fame

At the beginning of his journey, Chumlee did not mind all the attention he was getting. He was, in fact, very much enjoying all the glory. He, together with the help of a personal assistant, also began his own line of personalized merchandise. The remainder of the crowd followed his lead after that.

The Fan-Favorite

Particularly in comparison to everybody in the show, Chumlee was the one who sold the most. Clearly, he is by far the most popular member of the Pawn Stars cast. Well, all we have to say is well done to Chumlee! But it isn’t all that. Believe it or not, the star of the TV show also opened a Vegas Strip candy store he named on the Boulevard, Chumlee’s Candy.

Quite The Private Person

He’s just not that kind of guy who speaks a lot about all of the wealth he rakes in, regardless of everything he’s actually achieved in his life so far. We are aware, nevertheless, that he made an impressive $155,000 after selling half of the Gold & Silver shareholdings in his name to Rick Harrison back in 2010. And that’s just a tidbit of what he has.

Surprisingly Business Minded

So why did Chumlee do exactly that? What did this decision make him come to? Well, Chumlee apparently wanted to offer a lot more attention to his merchandise business. Which makes perfect sense, huh? But not a lot of people would think a ‘klutz’ like him will have so much industry wisdom. Either way, we think this is awesome!

Time To Make A Change

Regardless of all these other things in his life, Chumlee also started to turn his life around in other watts. Just two weeks before Pawn Stars started airing, a massive thing happened which did end up altering his life completely. Not too many people actually knew about this before, but this has to do with the dad of Chumlee.

A Healthier Lifestyle

Unfortunately, his father died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer in 2009. His dad was only 54 years old at the time of his passing, and Chumlee himself did not in any way lead a particularly healthy lifestyle. The terrible death of Chumlee ‘s father served as an incentive for him to follow a much better way of life. He began by eating better first and doing a lot more strength training.

The Mind And Soul

So, how has he been doing that? Well, Chumlee began to eat a lot of healthier food and began exercising daily. It was not all, however. He began to do meditation and to work on a daily basis at the gym. He was obviously concerned about his physical health, but just as important was his mental health. The popular TV reality star, which is wonderful for both the mind and the soul, has become a huge fan of mindfulness and mediation.

Taking The Necessary Steps

Chumlee had set an unbelievable objective and was so motivated, no matter what, to achieve it. Ultimately, he came to a point of heading nearly every single day of the week to the gym. He did really well and even said he had breakfast fruit smoothies and sometimes even cut out the red meat from his diet. But did his every effort truly pay off? Let’s take a closer look.

Impressive Transformation

Many individuals who know how challenging a weight loss plan is will understand that for good results, this kind of extreme plan needs constant determination. So take a glance at Chumlee’s incredible transition. For so many people, he had become a huge inspiration and demonstrated just how easy it is to accomplish something when you put your mind to it.