The news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who rose to popularity on the reality series American Pickers, passed away at the age of sixty has left fans distraught. Fritz, who departed the series in 2021, had been experiencing health issues and had been admitted to the hospital following a stroke two years prior.
Mike Wolfe, Fritz’s co-star and friend, broke the news, saying that Fritz had died away the previous evening.
In a social media tribute, Wolfe said, “I’ve known Frank for more [than] half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.” “By simply being himself, Frank had the ability to touch the hearts of so many people, both on and off camera.” As the hosts of the reality TV show American Pickers, which debuted on the History Channel in 2010, Fritz and Wolfe rose to popularity.
The show followed the two “pickers” as they journeyed across the United States in quest of priceless antiques and artefacts in unlikely locations.
In a social media tribute, Wolfe said, “I’ve known Frank for more [than] half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.” “By simply being himself, Frank had the ability to touch the hearts of so many people, both on and off camera.”
As the hosts of the reality TV show American Pickers, which debuted on the History Channel in 2010, Fritz and Wolfe rose to popularity. The show followed the two “pickers” as they journeyed across the United States in quest of priceless antiques and artefacts in unlikely locations.
The narrator of the show begins, “We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns.” “We see dollar signals where other people see rubbish. Anything we believe we can profit from, we’ll purchase.
“We tell the story of America’s history, one piece at a time, for a living.” Millions of people watched the series, making it one of History Channel’s most well-liked offerings. When it debuted, it ranked first among all non-fiction shows among adults 25 to 54 and overall viewers. The chemistry and charisma of the two hosts undoubtedly kept viewers interested even though the antiques were frequently fascinating.
After ten years on the popular series American Pickers, Fritz was set to depart in 2021. Fritz said that the network forced him leave following back surgery and that the decision was not his own. At the time, he said to The Sun, “I didn’t leave the show.” “I had a minor back surgery after filming, and then the pandemic struck.” Additionally, he implied that the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent” and that his co-host’s ego was a contributing cause.
Fritz remarked, “I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years.” “He didn’t call to check on me, even though he knew I had a back problem. That’s the way things are.
Fritz was hospitalised in July 2022 following a stroke. After a heartfelt reconciliation in 2023, he and Mike Wolfe ended their alleged fight. Fritz did, however, turn down a chance to return to American Pickers in order to prioritise his health.
The two former co-hosts appear to have stayed friends ever since, and Wolfe appears to have supported him all the way to the end. Wolfe posted on Instagram, saying, “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home.” “I know you’re in a better place, but even so, I love you and will miss you so much,”
One of the most popular shows on the History Channel is still American Pickers. Although series regulars including Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay would alternately go with Wolfe on his antiquing excursions, Fritz has never formally been replaced as co-host. On social media, Colby also posted an homage to Fritz.
She wrote, “Frank, I will miss your epic collections, your love of talking tattoos, and your ability to make everyone laugh, but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time.” Frank, we connected over our shared love of your mother and your pet. For all of these reasons and so many more, you will be missed.
