If you’ve watched Pawn Stars you’ve probably seen Dr. Phineas T. Kastle (aka Ken Kastle) appearing as an expert or is he just some kook they bring in for the ratings? And why does he dress like that? He has been an interior decorator since he was a child. His designs have been featured in Vogue Italy, has been designer for Julia Child, and for Michael Jackson’s home in Encino.
He is really into Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. He helped produce the Las Vegas-based Steamathon, a weekend-long celebration of all things steampunk. He is also an actor, singer, and known to tap dance every now and then. The doctor holds a Ph.D. and is a Professor of World Antiquities, Asian Art, Indian, Chinese, Egyptian, European, and Native American antiquities.
While obtaining his B.A. degree in the San Francisco Bay Area, Doc wrote, scored, directed, and starred in 18 original theatrical productions performed at the Grace Stage in San Jose. He wrote and scored the Broadway-style musical ” MAGIK-REALITY ” with 14 original songs, a cast of 44 which was filmed for PBS and shown on KPFK in San Francisco as one of the outstanding theatrical productions in San Francisco for 1972.
In Hollywood he appeared in Blade Runner, Out For Blood, Alexa, Batman Forever, and 8MM. The Doc made friendships with Tony Curtis, Milton Berle, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwick, Bud Yorkin, Melody Thomas, Orson Wells, Michael Jackson, and Donna Summers. In 1974 he worked at archaeological sights in Hawaii, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, France, and England.
He received his Ph.D. in Archaeology from Shefferton University in England for his original work on Mohenjo Daro and Harappa and for his translation of the Vastu Vija Shastra from Sanskrit to English.
Dr. Kastle is one of the leading authorities in the world in Indian and Southeast Asian Antiquities. An archaeologist who has been on every major dig in India he is ” the real life Indiana Jones” considered to be one of the most popular and best experts on PAWN STARS on the History Channel he is a TV Star in his own right who has appeared worldwide on more than 300 TV shows.
The New York Times (January 2002)
On television, he has appeared in shows such as Gunsmoke, Jay Leno’s Garage, Treasure Quest, Pawn Stars (2012-2017), Mysteries at the Museum, and Haunted Hospitals. He has been a college professor for over 40 years and is a motivational speaker.
