Fans are devastated at the news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who gained fame on the reality series American Pickers, has died at 60.
Fritz, who left the series in 2021, had been suffering from health problems and was hospitalized from a stroke two years ago.
The news was announced by Fritz’s friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, who said that Fritz passed away last night.
“I’ve know 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,” Wolfe wrote in a social media tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Fritz and Wolfe gained fame as the hosts of the reality TV series American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series showed the two “pickers” traveling across the USA, searching for valuable antiques and collectibles in unexpected places.
“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration explains. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”
“We make a living telling the history of America… one piece at a time.”
The series attracted millions of viewers, becoming one of History Channel’s most popular programs. In its debut year it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults 25-54.
While the antiques were often interesting, there’s no doubt it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept viewers coming back for more.
In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade on the hit series. Fritz said the decision was not his own, and that he was pushed out by the network after a back surgery.
“I didn’t leave the show,” he told The Sun at the time. “I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came.”
He also suggested that his co-host’s ego was a factor, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said. “He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”
In July 2022, Fritz was hospitalized from a stroke. In 2023, he had a tearful reunion with Mike Wolfe, and the two resolved their purported feud. However, Fritz declined an offer to rejoin American Pickers, deciding to focus on his health.
It’s clear that the two former co-hosts have remained friendly since then, and it seems Wolfe was by his side til the end.
“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,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”
American Pickers remains a staple of the History Channel lineup. Fritz has never officially been replaced as co-host, though series regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing trips.
Colby also shared her own tribute to Fritz on social media. “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.”
Rest in peace to the iconic reality TV star Frank Fritz 😢🙏 Please share this story in his memory.
What You Saw First Will Reveal the Whole Truth About You
Our mind is a complex and multifaceted mechanism; sometimes we don’t even know what our own personality hides. However, you can uncover the traits and secrets of your personality in a simple way: just trust your intuition and choose the first thing you see in these pictures.
Upstairs or downstairs?
- Cat heading upstairs: You don’t pay attention to details. You’re probably a little bit messy and naive. You believe in everything you see and this makes you love life.
- Cat heading downstairs: You are an attentive person and have good intuition. You pay a lot of attention to detail and like a challenge.
An old lady or a young woman?
- An old lady: You’re an experienced person. You have a critical mind, and you analyze life from every point of view.
- A young woman: You are an optimist and impulsive. You’re also happy.
What animal do you see first?
- The bull
If you noticed a bull, that means you have confidence in yourself and your actions. Being mysterious to other people makes you feel delight. However, you cannot stand it when people perpetuate lies and hypocrisy. As you have a strong sense of justice, you always try to do what’s right.
- The horse
If the horse first caught your attention you are a natural leader. You are sensitive to others and willing to put their needs first. People look up to you for your determination and your perseverance. You maintain calmness and reasonable thinking in any situation.
- The bear
Seeing a bear signifies that you are the empathetic type. You listen to the anxieties of others and make them feel safe. People don’t feel judged by you. You’re a great caretaker.
Do you enjoy learning new things about yourself? Then take a look at this article as well.
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