Mike Wolfe Calls His ‘American Pickers’ Co-Host Frank Fritz ‘Sensitive’ and ‘A Dreamer’ In Tribute Post
Frank Fritz of American Pickers has died at age 60. His co-host Mike Wolfe announced the news in an October 1 social media update.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram.
American Pickers premiered on the History Channel in 2010. Fritz appeared on the show for a decade before departing in 2021 amid health problems and reports of a falling out with Wolfe. He suffered a stroke in 2022.
Mike Wolfe says he will miss Frank Fritz ‘so much’
In his Instagram post, Wolfe said that Fritz was just like he was on TV in real life.
Fritz was “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,” Wolfe wrote.
“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 … 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,” he added. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know [you’re] in a better place.”
In a statement shared on X, Cineflix Productions, which produces American Pickers, said it was “saddened” to share the news of Fritz’s death.
“Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade,” the company said. “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
The ‘American Pickers’ stars reconciled before Frank Fritz’s death
Prior to his death, both Fritz and Wolfe had spoken out about their strained relationship.
In a 2021 interview with The Sun, Fritz claimed that he hadn’t talked to his friend and co-host in two years and that the duo’s reality show was “tilted towards [Wolfe] 1,000%.” Meanwhile, in a message on his Instagram about Frank’s American Pickers exit, Wolfe said that he was “pray[ing] for the very best and all good things for [Fritz] on the next part of his journey.”
Though there was tension between the American Pickers stars, the pair reportedly reconciled before Fritz’s death. Wolfe visited Fritz multiple times in 2023, according to the Des Moines Register. A friend told the paper that Wolfe told Fritz he was irreplaceable and that “there were tears flowing on both sides.”
In July 2022, Fritz was found unresponsive at his home in Davenport, Iowa, after experiencing a stroke. A few months later, a longtime friend was installed as a temporary guardian to manage Fritz’s affairs because his health and decision-making capacity were seriously impaired. Fritz made progress through 2023, according to the Des Moines Register, eventually reaching a point where he was well enough to reconnect with Wolfe.
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