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.
My Date Brought Her Sassy Mom on Our First Date and She Started Interrogating Me — I Decided to Outplay Them
When Ronny meets Denise for their first date, he’s surprised to find her mother, Claire, tagging along. Over dinner, Claire bombards him with intrusive questions, making it clear they expect him to bankroll their lavish lifestyle. Sensing their gold-digging motives, Ronny decides to play along. He pretends to be wealthy, even suggesting buying Claire a house. Their excitement peaks until he mentions needing approval from his “other wives.” Shocked, they realize they’ve been tricked. When the bill arrives, Ronny tells them they can pay to prove their independence and walks away, leaving them flustered and embarrassed.
After Ronny walked out of the restaurant, leaving Denise and Claire to deal with the bill, they scrambled to pay, embarrassed and flustered. Denise, once excited about Ronny’s apparent wealth, now felt humiliated by the revelation of his prank. Claire, who had been eagerly envisioning a luxurious future, was furious that her plans had crumbled.
As they left the restaurant, Claire scolded Denise for not spotting Ronny’s trick earlier, while Denise felt conflicted—both embarrassed and angry. She had hoped for something real with Ronny, but her mom’s pressure and greed had led to this disaster.
Meanwhile, Ronny drove home, chuckling at how he turned the situation around. It wasn’t just about getting out of an awkward date; it was a lesson in spotting manipulation and not letting others take advantage of him. He felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing he’d dodged a bullet, and carried with him a story to tell for years to come.
Denise never reached out again, and Ronny moved on, more cautious yet confident in future dates.
Leave a Reply