Barry Weiss, affectionately known as ‘The Collector’ on A&E’s reality series “Storage Wars,” has been an iconic figure on the show for over a decade. After initially being a key part of the show for its first four seasons, Weiss took a break and returned during the fourteenth season in 2021, continuing through the most recent fifteenth season in June 2023.
His hiatus sparked numerous speculations, including rumors of his passing, which were debunked by Weiss himself. In a 2017 interview, he clarified that his departure from the series in 2013 was a personal choice. He felt it was the right time to leave while the show was still at the height of its popularity. Although there were claims suggesting staged scenarios on the show, accusations denied by A&E, Weiss remained busy during his absence from “Storage Wars.”
Weiss ventured into spinoff series, including “Barry’d Treasure” and “Storage Wars: Barry Strikes Back.” However, both shows were short-lived, and Weiss encountered a significant life-threatening event in 2019. He was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, sustaining severe injuries to his chest, legs, and internal organs. His recovery spanned three months in intensive care.
Following his recovery, Weiss made a grand re-entry onto “Storage Wars” in 2021, showcasing his signature style, humor, and competitive spirit. As of 2023, Weiss, aged 64, remains unmarried and boasts an estimated net worth of $10 million, largely accrued from his previous career in the produce business.
The future of “Storage Wars” and Weiss’s continued involvement in the series remain uncertain, pending an announcement from A&E about a potential sixteenth season. Throughout the show’s tenure, Weiss has been a central figure among the cast, including other fan favorites and adversaries such as Brandi Passante, Darrell Sheets, Ivy Calvin, and Dave Hester.
