Fans are heartbroken over the news of Frank Fritz’s passing at the age of 60. Fritz, an antiques expert who rose to fame on the reality show American Pickers, passed away after battling health issues. He had left the show in 2021 and suffered a stroke two years ago, which led to his hospitalization.
Mike Wolfe, Fritz’s long-time friend and American Pickers co-star, shared the sad news, confirming Fritz passed away last night.
“I’ve known Frank for more than half my life, and what people saw on TV was the real Frank: a dreamer, sensitive and funny,” Wolfe shared in a heartfelt social media tribute. “He was the same off-camera as he was on, reaching the hearts of so many just by being himself.”
Fritz and Wolfe became famous through American Pickers, a History Channel reality series that debuted in 2010. The show followed the two as they traveled the U.S. in search of hidden treasures, often finding valuable antiques and collectibles in barns, garages, and other surprising places.
“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration states. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”
The show became a hit, attracting millions of viewers and quickly becoming one of History Channel’s most successful programs. In its first year, it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults aged 25-54.
Although the antiques were interesting, it was undoubtedly the dynamic friendship and charm of Fritz and Wolfe that kept audiences hooked.
In 2021, it was revealed that Frank Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after more than a decade on the popular show. Fritz clarified that the decision wasn’t his own, claiming the network pushed him out following a back surgery.
“I didn’t quit,” he shared with The Sun. “I finished filming, had some back surgery, and then the pandemic hit.”
Fritz also hinted that tension with his co-host, Mike Wolfe, contributed to his exit, saying the show had become overwhelmingly focused on Wolfe. “I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years,” Fritz revealed. “He knew about my back issues but didn’t check in. That’s just how things are.”
In July 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Though he and Wolfe had a tearful reunion in 2023, ending their supposed rift, Fritz chose not to return to the show, prioritizing his health instead.
Despite their past differences, it’s clear the two maintained a friendship, and Wolfe was reportedly by Fritz’s side until the end.
“We’ve shared countless journeys, and I’m grateful I was there for him during his last one,” Wolfe wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “I love you, buddy, and I’ll miss you. I know you’re in a better place now.”
American Pickers continues to air on the History Channel, with Fritz’s spot as co-host left officially unfilled. Regulars like Danielle Colby, Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and antique expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay now rotate alongside Wolfe on his picking adventures.
Colby also paid tribute to Fritz, posting on social media, “Frank, I’ll miss your sense of humor, our chats about tattoos, and your incredible collections. But most of all, I’ll miss those rare, vulnerable moments you shared.”
“Frank, you adored your cat and your mom, and we bonded over that. You’ll be missed for all these reasons and many more. Rest in peace, Road Dog.”