Tributes are flowing for American Pickers star Frank Fritz who has died, aged 60. Mike Wolfe, who co-hosted the long-running TV show with Fritz, broke the news to fans on Instagram.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” 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.”
The pair travelled across the US in a van searching for antiques and collector’s items, filming more than 300 shows together. Fritz later told how he had left the show to dealt with health issues, including Crohns disease and alcohol issues and claimed Wolfe hadn’t contacted him to check on his wellbeing. The pair buried the hatched before Fritz’s death and, in a tribute this week, Wolfe reflected on how their friendship started long before the show was first filmed in 2010. “Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures,” Wolfe wrote. “Before the show, we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.” “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 love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place.”
Danielle Colby, who also starred on the show, remembered Fritz’s humour. “Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,” she wrote. “Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more. Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Fritz’s death is understood to have been due to complications from a stoke he suffered in 2022. Frank Fritz, the antiques enthusiast and reality TV personality who co-hosted “American Pickers,” has died. Fritz died Monday, the History Channel and “American Pickers” producer Cineflix Productions confirmed in a joint statement to The Times. Additional information, including a cause of death, was not revealed. Fritz was 60. “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
A Legacy of Treasure Hunting
“American Pickers” made its History Channel debut in 2010, starring Fritz as a co-host with Mike Wolfe. Over hundreds of episodes and more than 20 seasons, Fritz and Wolfe scoured the nation for antique and vintage goods — finding value in and giving new life to aging trinkets. Fritz, often seen on-air with facial hair, earned his “bearded charmer” nickname for his ability to persuade hesitant sellers. “I just try to be calm and collected,” he said of his approach during the show’s debut episode. “If somebody’s in my backyard I’d probably be up in their face too.”
Fritz was more than just a smooth talker, Wolfe said in his Instagram tribute. He was also a “dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.” Wolfe added: “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
A Sudden Departure
During his “American Pickers” tenure, Fritz had recovered items ranging from World War II relics to vintage movie posters to rare automobiles. Fritz’s “American Pickers” days came to a sudden halt in 2021 when the series announced he would not return to co-host alongside Wolfe. In a 2021 interview with the Sun, Fritz said he left the series amid major back surgery, which was then followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “American Pickers” carried on without its original co-host, and Fritz’s health issues — including Crohn’s disease — persisted. “Every day [with Crohn’s] is a crap shoot,” he told the Sun. “One day I could have a double chimichanga with hot sauce pouring out of it and have no problem. Another day I could have a piece of toast with some scrambled eggs and have a flare-up.” Fritz said at the time that he had quit drinking and hadn’t had any recent flare-ups of the inflammatory bowel disease. He suffered a stroke in July 2022. Wolfe updated “American Pickers” fans about his former co-host, sharing a prayer for Fritz’s health. “Frank, I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay,” Wolfe said. “I love you buddy.”
Farewell, Road Dog
Wolfe, in his tribute Tuesday, recalled the “many miles” he shared with Fritz before and during their “American Pickers” stardom. “I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home” Wolfe wrote. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your [sic] in a better place.”
Fritz’s passion for antiques and his genuine personality resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a beloved figure in the world of reality television. His legacy will continue to inspire those who shared his love for the past and those who were touched by his infectious spirit. Fritz’s passing marks the end of an era for “American Pickers,” but his memory and the joy he brought to viewers will live on. The show will forever be associated with Fritz’s unique charm, his knack for finding hidden treasures, and his genuine connection with the people he met along the way.
The world of antiques and collectibles has lost a true champion, and the television landscape has lost a unique and beloved figure. Frank Fritz will be deeply missed.
