Fans are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Frank Fritz, the antiques expert best known for his role on the reality series American Pickers, who died at the age of 60. Fritz, who left the show in 2021, had been facing health challenges, including hospitalization after a stroke two years ago.
The news was shared by Fritz’s friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe, who revealed that Fritz passed away last night. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Wolfe expressed, “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.”
Fritz and Wolfe rose to fame as the hosts of American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series followed the two “pickers” as they traveled across the United States in search of valuable antiques and collectibles hidden in unexpected places.
The show’s opening narration captures its essence: “We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns. 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 program attracted millions of viewers and became one of the History Channel’s most popular series, ranking as the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults aged 25-54 in its debut year.
While the antiques were often fascinating, it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept audiences engaged. In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade. Fritz stated that the decision was not his own and that he felt pushed out by the network after undergoing 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 hinted that his co-host’s ego played a role, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz added. “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 following a stroke. In 2023, he had an emotional reunion with Mike Wolfe, where they resolved their issues, but Fritz chose to decline an offer to return to American Pickers, focusing instead on his health. It is evident that the two former co-hosts remained amicable, with Wolfe stating he felt blessed to have been by Fritz’s side during his final moments. “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you, buddy, and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a better place.”
American Pickers continues to be a staple of the History Channel lineup. While Fritz has not been officially replaced as co-host, regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing adventures.
Colby also paid tribute to Fritz on social media, writing, “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. 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.