Ep 2. The Hoarder & the Actors

In Strange Inheritance season 1 episode 2, titled The Hoarder & the Actors, viewers are taken on a journey into the world of a Hollywood actress turned hoarder who has left behind a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts from her time in the entertainment industry. The episode is hosted by Jamie Colby, who travels to various locations across the United States to meet with individuals who have come into possession of these unique and often valuable items.

The episode begins by introducing us to Theresa Sapienza, who became a successful actress and appeared in numerous films and TV shows during the 1960s and 70s. However, after her career began to decline, she withdrew from public life and became a hoarder, filling her home with countless items related to her time in Hollywood, including costumes, scripts, autographs, and other memorabilia.

After Theresa passed away, her family was left with the daunting task of sifting through her massive collection and deciding what to do with it all. This is where Jamie comes in, helping the family to determine the value of some of the most interesting items in the collection and finding potential buyers for them.

One of the most remarkable pieces in the collection is an original script from the legendary TV show Gunsmoke, which is estimated to be worth over $10,000. Jamie meets with a collector who is eager to buy the script, but negotiations are complicated by the fact that the family is also emotionally attached to the item and reluctant to part with it.

Another fascinating item in the collection is a pair of boots worn by John Wayne in the iconic western film The Searchers. These boots are valued at around $3,000 and are of particular interest to a collector who is creating a museum dedicated to John Wayne.

As Jamie delves deeper into the collection, she discovers some surprising and unexpected items, such as a jacket worn by the character Fonzie in the hit TV show Happy Days, and a dress worn by Shelley Winters in the movie The Diary of Anne Frank.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse into the world of hoarding, and the toll it can take on both the hoarder and their family members. Theresa's daughter, Carol, reflects on her mother's struggles with hoarding and the difficulty of dealing with her belongings after her death.

Ultimately, The Hoarder & the Actors is a fascinating look at the world of Hollywood memorabilia and the people who collect it, as well as a poignant reflection on the impact of hoarding on individuals and families. With Jamie Colby's expert guidance, viewers are able to learn about some of the most interesting items in Theresa Sapienza's collection and the stories behind them, as well as gain a new understanding of the challenges faced by hoarders and their loved ones.