Frank Fritz’s American Pickers co-stars have paid tribute to the beloved reality TV icon following the heartbreaking news that he has died at the age of 60.
Fritz became a household favorite for his role in the hit reality show show, which first premiered on the History Channel in 2010.
The show follows antique and collectible pickers as they travel across the United States, hunting for valuable items in junkyards, basements, garages, and barns.
Frank co-hosted the show for more than 300 episodes alongside Mike Wolfe. Their chemistry and differing approaches to picking made the show engaging from the get-go.
A former fire inspector and owner his own antique shop, Frank’s Finds, Fritz was known for his keen eye for vintage toys, old motorcycles, and advertising pieces.
Fritz’s last appearance on American Pickers was during March 2020. After that, he did not return to the show. He was replaced by Mike’s brother, Robbie Wolfe. Despite the show continuing – now in its 25th season – many fans struggled to watch after Fritz’s departure.
On Tuesday (October 1), Mike Wolfe took to Instagram to share the news and pay tribute to his late co-star.
“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,” Wolfe continued in the emotional tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Wolfe added: “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.
“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,” Wolfe concluded his message to fans. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”
Additionally, fellow co-star “Queen of Rust” Danielle Colby also shared a series of photos with her late friend to pay tribute, writing in the caption: “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.
“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.”
And Robbie Wolfe – who served as Fritz replacement on American Pickers – also wrote on social media: “It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
“You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and Family he was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.”
Fritz left the show in March 2020 following a gruelling back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
Fortunately, his health briefly improved after the surgery, as he dropped 65lbs.
In 2021, Fritz opened up in an interview with The Sun about his time in rehab, where he was treated for alcohol addiction.
Speaking of the 77 days he spent at the Abbey Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, Fritz said: “I had a great time there, and I helped other people who were having problems too. It’s one of the best things that have happened to me.”
He went on to become a sponsor for others battling addiction.
Sadly, in July 2022, Fritz suffered a devastating stroke at his Iowa home.
His decision-making capacity was left so impaired that MidWestOne Bank was legally named as Frank’s conservator, while his long-time friend Chris Davis served as his guardian.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Fritz’s family, friends, and fans at this time.