‘Pawn Stars SA’ cash in on ku
PAWN Stars, like Storage Wars and American Restoration, is a cash cow reality franchise for History Channel. The entertainment value – with attention-grabbing celebrity appearances, historical anecdotes and myriad quirky characters – has proved to be a winning blueprint. So much so that Pawn Stars got the nod for a home-grown adaptation.
Shot at Cash Inn, located on Jozi’s bustling Jan Smuts Avenue, the 16-part series follows owner Roy Peretz and his team – co-partners Eytan Nadler and Liel Rimon and assistants Solly Mabasa and Irene Bower – and the people who arrive looking to pawn what they deem to be “priceless possessions”.
In this season, the Pawn Stars SA cast officially adopt Cecily Pavoncelli – their new resident kugel – into the “family” fold.
Tonight caught up with Pavoncelli, who, with her flawlessly styled long, blonde tresses, immaculate make-up andwell-groomed appearance, looks every inch the moniker affectionately given to her.
She has spent the past few years being a mum, which she lovingly declares as her “biggest accomplishment”.
She adds: “My working life started in IT sales many, many years ago. Then I did a couple of things on my own before deciding to be a mum.”
Despite being out of commission (pun unintended) for some time, she has intermittently lent her knowledge on all things kugel-related to the Cash Inn team.
Pavoncelli reveals: “I have known Roy for quite a while. I love fashion, arts and literature. They would often call me and ask for advice about the price on something. “I’m more the hired gun. They give me a shout when they need advice. I’m always a sucker for buying stuff, too.”
Her longstanding relationship with Peretz and the guys became the catalyst in her being interviewed to be on the TV show.
“I like beautiful things,” she notes. “But it doesn’t define me. What makes me happy are food, cooking and books. I’m a hugely energetic person, too. They (the team) have introduced me as the resident kugel.” And her knowledge often comes in handy. She offers: “Just the other day, I was asked to evaluate this beautiful Dolce & Gabana ladies’ clutch purse. But it’s about two years old – not quite in the vintage range.”
Speaking about her spontaneous shopping spree, she reveals: “I was there yesterday (meaning Monday) and there was a painting by a local artist in the store. I really had my eye on it and wanted to buy it. My heart sank when they told me it was sold the next day.”
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