Why Barry Weiss' Really Left Storage Wars (2024)

In 2010, A&E's Storage Wars introduced audiences Barry Weiss and a group of rag-tag treasure hunters who ambitiously bid on discarded storage containers in the hopes of making a profit. Over the years, the show featured a main cast, plus some new faces, competing against each other to make the biggest profit from the abandoned unit.

Storage Wars changed the dynamic in season four, when the wealthy Barry Weiss left the show alongside the antagonistic Dave Hester.

Throughout Barry's five years on Storage Wars, he became known as one of the wealthiest cast members. He would make unforgettable entrances in a range of high end cars and expensive clothing.

Why Barry Weiss Left Storage Wars After Only Four Seasons

Barry Weiss debuted on Storage Wars in 2010. On the popular reality show, Barry was known as "The Collector" thanks to his huge collection of valuable antiques.

Although there were some rumors that Barry Weiss passed away, Barry actually left Storage Wars because he wanted to get back to his original job of "professional slacker." He admits that he wanted to leave the show when it was still on top.

The successful businessman also revealed that his adult children, Julie and Jack, "get a kick" out of the fame he’s gained from appearing on Storage Wars. "I did 104 shows. I had a blast," he explained.

"It was fun, but I had enough and I kind of wanted to leave while it was still popular… I’m back to being a world-class slacker."

In April 2019, there were rumors that Barry had died after he was hospitalized for a motorcycle accident. Barry was out riding with friend Jamie Robinson of MotoGeo when the incident happened.

According to TMZ, a car pulled out of a parking space, and Barry and his friend crashed into it. This incident resulted in a number of injuries to Barry's chest and legs, including internal injuries and broken bones. The antique dealer remained in the hospital for two months after the accident, slowly recovering in the ICU and requiring multiple surgeries.

What Barry Weiss' Storage Wars Spin-Off Series Was About

After leaving Storage Wars in 2015, Barry appeared in a spinoff called Barry’d Treasure, which only lasted for eight episodes. The show focused on Barry as he traveled America in unusual vehicles, looking for rare antiques and valuable collectibles.

The spinoff also saw Barry veer from his route to co-pilot a buggy in Amish country and take a camel ride in Appalachia. He was joined by some other Storage War cast members, but it was not enough to save the show from being canceled.

Barry returned to the Storage Wars franchise in Storage Wars: Barry Strikes Back. In this spinoff series, Barry Weiss and close friend Kenny Crossley shared behind-the-scenes moments and commentary from past episodes of Storage Wars. The show was criticized for feeling like a desperate way to regurgitate older, more popular episodes of Storage Wars. Storage Wars: Barry Strikes Back was axed after ten episodes.

This Is Barry Weiss' Life Now

Before becoming a reality star, Barry Weiss and his brother made their fortune in the wholesale produce business.

"I was in the import-export business with fruits and vegetables … with my brother," Barry said of his lucrative first job. "It was a family company started by my grandfather." He spent 25 years building his empire before he became focused on collectible hunting.

Following Barry Weiss' "retirement" from Storage Wars, he was looking to make shows connected to his love of motorcycles. "I’m pretty knowledgeable in all types — two wheels and four wheels," he revealed in a 2017 interview. "And really if I had a choice to do something, I’d really like to do that and travel around the world."

Outside of work, Barry is a grandfather to a little boy named Jack, who keeps him busy. "He's getting so big now," he gushed. Barry has continued to stay single, after divorcing his wife 30 years ago. "I have plenty of stuff to keep me busy," he said, admitting he travels a lot.

Barry admits his wealth has allowed him to hoard the objects found on Storage Wars, whilst his colleagues sold the goods to make a profit. "Well, that’s my problem… that’s why I don’t make as much money as the others because if it’s cool, and I enjoy the item, I’m going to keep it," he admitted in an AOL interview.

"If it looks as if I don’t take [the job] as seriously as the other guys, it’s probably because I don’t. The other guys do it for a living, and they should take it seriously. But I don’t actually do it for a living. So to me, it’s just more fun."

Barry Weiss returned to Storage Wars for season 14 after almost a decade away from the popular reality show.

Barry explained what he had been doing between the seasons of Storage Wars during a confessional. “In the last seven years, a lot of stuff has changed with me. I’ve been working with a bidding coach. I completely cut out arugula. I feel like a completely born-again bidder.”

storage wars

Reality

Release Date

December 1, 2010

Seasons

16

Story By

Thom Beers

Writers

Thom Beers

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Directors

Thom Beers

Showrunner

Thom Beers