A&E has successfully brought reality television to a whole new level with shows like Hoarders and Road Wars. These unique programs delve into the lives of ordinary people with extraordinary stories, captivating audiences around the world. Among them, Storage Wars has become a global sensation, surpassing its national fanbase, with more and more people becoming enthralled with this entirely new concept of reality TV.
As viewers flocked to watch this group of competitive bidders battle it out for abandoned storage units filled with hidden treasures, the cast members themselves became a spectacle. Over time, the audience became invested in this cast’s lives, as they appeared week after week on our screens. Some of the bidders were couples and others were even families, and we’ve come to know them better than we ever imagined. Despite the show still being on the air, a lot has changed since its inception, with the main cast coming and going. So, let’s find out where the original Storage Wars cast is now.
Dan and Laura Dotson
The leading auctioneers for the entirety of Storage Wars‘ fourteen-season run were none other than Dan and Laura Dotson. Admired for their classic auctioneer prattle, and “pay the lady” dues, the duo quickly became an essential power couple leading all the messy prying from this chaotic cast. Sadly, they had to pursue their own private auctioneering company in 2019 after financial issues forced A&E to lock the units to the bidders. Now returning to season 15, the Dotsons will also return as they keep leading their own private company American Auctioneers, based in California.
Darrell Sheets
Darrell Sheets, known for his constant pursuit of the “wow factor” in every unit he buys, has had his fair share of ups and downs. Often joined by his son Brandon, Sheets bid farewell to the show in 2019 after accumulating over $300,000 worth of findings since 2010. A major health scare that year, including two back-to-back heart attacks, prompted his retirement from Storage Wars. Sheets decided to prioritize his well-being and has been focusing on his health alongside his partner Romney Snyder. However, he couldn’t resist the allure of bidding and he is making a comeback for season 15, lured out of retirement.
Dave Hester
Arguably the villain of the original lineup of Storage Wars, Dave Hester said goodbye to the show back in season four. Known for the obnoxious catchphrase “YUP!” capable of sending anyone into madness time and time again, Hester was always pinpointed for being one of the show’s wealthiest bidders. Sadly, it all drew to a close when he pointed out the show was scripted, which led to a lawsuit battle that went back and forth between him and the network. After leaving the show, Hester opened an independent auctioneering and consulting business, spending his semi-retirement focusing on his business, writing e-books, and idling his time away.
Barry Weiss
Barry Weiss departed from Storage Wars in 2015 after four seasons. As one of the wealthiest cast members, Weiss gained fame for his extravagant cars and attention-grabbing entrances. His larger-than-life personality and grandiose entrances earned him a dedicated fanbase and the opportunity for his own spin-off show, Barry’d Treasure, which ran for eight episodes. Unfortunately, the spin-off didn’t achieve much success, leading to another spin-off in 2015 called Storage Wars: Barry Strikes Back. As a surprise to fans, Weiss will be making a triumphant return to the show for its 15th season in 2023.
Brandi Passante and Jarrod Schulz
Jarrod and Brandi, one of the beloved power couples on Storage Wars, captivated fans with their constant bickering and occasional displays of affection. They were part of the main cast since the show’s debut and held the position of the show’s leading couple until season 12. Later, they ventured into their own spin-off show called Brandi & Jarrod: Married to the Job, which aired for eight episodes.
In 2018, the couple went their separate ways, although the news only became public in 2020. While managing their thrift store in California and juggling their schedules with Storage Wars, the challenges of maintaining their relationship became impossible. However, their passion for auctioning continued on, and Brandi will make a comeback for season 15 of Storage Wars, but Jarrod, unfortunately, was released from the show in season 14 after being charged with one account of misdemeanor domestic violence battery in May 2021.
Storage Wars season 15 just reached the screen on June 6, bringing back some of its beloved members from the original lineup, as well as some familiar faces from past seasons like Ivy Calvin and Kenny Crossley. Unfortunately, the new season will not see Rene and Casey Nezhoda, who joined the cast in season four, but they too are thriving in the auctioning business, away from the units provided by A&E.
Storage Wars airs at 10 p.m. EST on A&E.
