Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the History Channel's "American Pickers," has passed away at the age of 60 after a prolonged illness. Known for his affable personality and passion for uncovering hidden treasures across America, Fritz significantly contributed to the show's success from its inception in 2010 until 2021. His partnership with Mike Wolfe allowed them to explore small towns and rural areas, searching for antiques that often held personal stories . The duo's dynamic brought an engaging mix of humor and camaraderie that resonated with audiences.
His death on Monday (September 30) comes two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke in October 2022.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Fritz’s former co-star Mike Wolfe announced on Instagram on Tuesday (October 1).
Alongside a picture of the two of them, Wolfe wrote: “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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.
Unlike older, more sedate shows like public television’s “Antiques Roadshow,” “American Pickers” blended serious appraisal with rough-edged personality and quirky flair.
Each episode featured Mr. Fritz and Mr. Wolfe tooling around a small American town in their Sprinter van, trading quips in between visits to local homes and storage sheds, where they would pick through piles of junk to find diamonds in the rough.
While Wolfe and Fritz had their share of ups and downs in their friendship — in 2021, Fritz told The Sun he hadn't talked to Wolfe in two years — the pair had reconnected, and when Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022, it was Wolfe who shared the news with fans.
"I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he's been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank's friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend," Wolfe wrote on Instagram. "Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts."
Fritz's life took a difficult turn following a stroke he suffered in 2022, which ultimately led to his declining health and eventual death. Despite being largely absent from public view during this time, his impact on fans and friends remained profound. Wolfe's heartfelt tribute emphasized Fritz as both a dreamer and a genuinely kind man who touched many lives throughout his journey . As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues alike, plans for a celebration of his life reflect the deep affection held for him within the community.
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