(Zak Cassar Photography)
Yossi Dina, owner of The Dina Collection on the new Reelz reality show Beverly Hills Pawn, chatted with me about tonight’s premiere. He reveals celebrity clients, his most amazing items in the shop, his personal history, and why this show is definitely a must-see. Tune in tonight for the series premiere at 9pm EST. In the meantime, check out our interview with Yossi in our Top 10 facts!
1. Beverly Hills Pawn is the First Reality Series on the Reelz Channel
(Zak Cassar Photography)
Yossi told us he was actually approached about 10 years ago to do the show, but wasn’t interested in being famous or a part of the public. As the store has evolved, as has he, he said it just felt like the right time. He also told us:
It’s a different show from any show I’ve seen in America. You see very different things you wouldn’t see anywhere else.
He also adds:
You see a lot of drama. I think it’s a very funny show because when there’s all these cameras, people try to be funny. People like it.
Enjoy a look at the trailer for tonight’s series premiere.
Beverly Hills Pawn | Movie Trailer | Review
2. Dina Knows The Ten Commandments
(Getty Images)
In speaking with Dina, he told me that among the many items he has in the shop is the bible used in the 1956 iconic film The Ten Commandments. If you don’t think that’s impressive, then perhaps you’ll like his Elizabeth Taylor dresses, a painting done by Frank Sinatra, Bettie Davis’ cigarette chest, and one of Michael Jackson’s Grammy Awards. The list goes on and on.
3. He is Not Excited for the Premiere Tonight
#meetthepress at The Dina Collection today! #BHPawn @yossidina twitter.com/dinacollection…
— The Dina Collection (@dinacollection) May 31, 2013
When we asked him if he was excited for the premiere of the show tonight, Yossi confessed:
To be honest with you, no. I don’t know why. It’s kind of like, it’s not a movie it’s my life, so it’s not exciting to me, but to other people it’s exciting. You know what I mean? It’s like a normal life to me. But, I think that when I watch the show, I will get more excited.
4. Celebrity Clients Frequent the Dina Collection
From the archives: Miranda Kerr wearing a sapphire & diamond collar from @dinacollection for @hautemuse_! ow.ly/i/22fbT #BHP
— Beverly Hills Pawn (@BHPawn) May 4, 2013
Fran Drescher, Ryan O’Neill, and several other stars you will recognize will be appearing on the show this season. We’re anxious to see what they’re buying, selling, or pawning!
5. Yossi is Surrounded By Women
Morning news for #bhpawn with @askjillian @coryoliverone @yossidina . Tune in now to see us on @ktlamorningnews twitter.com/ariajohnson/st…
— Aria Johnson (@ariajohnson) June 4, 2013
Aria, Cory, and Dominique are his right-hand ladies on the show. He actually has about 15 employees, but the show can only feature so many people and each of the women featured are invaluable to the success of The Dina Collection.
6. Beverly Hills Pawn Has Some Pretty Crazy Clients
The Dina Collection attracts the most interesting characters! Coming in June! #BHPawn ow.ly/kZmQh
— Asylum Entertainment (@AsylumEnt) May 14, 2013
Customers like these should definitely make for some great entertainment. But, we like to call them “eccentric” rather than crazy.
7. Yossi Dina Grew Up on a Kibbutz
As a child, when Yossi’s father passed away, he left home at thirteen. The Kibbutz really saved him, being a fantastic experience for him.
It was one of the best times of my life. You wake up in the morning, you work four hours in the field, you go to school, and then you work again. It was community. I had the best time really as a kid. Then I went to the army and then I worked in Paris for two years for the Israeli government. Then I came over here.
Yossi has truly had an amazing past and has earned the title as a Renaissance Man.
8. He Used to Be a Door-to-Door Salesman
(Zak Cassar Photography)
Thirty years ago, I started selling door-to-door jewelry. I used to give flyers, meeting a lot of people door-to-door and then I opened a small shop and now it’s a monster. We worked a lot building trust with clients.
9. Yossi Dina and Liza Minnelli Are BFF’s
(Getty Images)
ContactMusic reports that Yossi speaks quite highly of Minnelli saying:
Liza’s one of the best people I’ve ever met… She’s not only a beautiful person but she’s my best and most wonderful friend. I know I can count on her – and she can count on me for anything.
10. Yossi Was in the Superbowl
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Well, not really, but he has ten or so Superbowl rings at his store, so he could very well say he did.