“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60.
His co-star and friend Mike Wolfe shared the news in posts on Instagram and Facebook on Tuesday. Wolf said Fritz died Monday night.
“It is with a heavy heart that I want to share with you all that Frank passed away last night,” he wrote.
He continued: [known] Frank lived more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I’ve seen, and he was a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. Off-camera, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of many by being his authentic self. ”
Frank Fritz suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Getty Images Mike Wolfe paid tribute to Fritz on Instagram. Instagram / @mikewolfeamericanpicker “American Pickers” by Wolf and Fritz. history channel
Wolf did not specify the cause of death, but Fritz had been hospitalized for a stroke two years before his death.
“Before the show, we set out together to places we didn’t even know existed, with a destination in mind and a shared passion to simply discover something interesting and historical. We have traveled countless times and shared many miles,” Wolf continued.
“I’m so happy that I was there for him when he goes home for the last time. I love you and I know you’re in a better place, so I will miss you.”
Fritz has been co-host of “American Pickers” since 2010. The History Channel’s long-running reality series followed Mr. Fritz and Mr. Wolf as they traveled across the United States in search of rare artifacts and treasures to sell in antique shops or place in their personal collections.
“American Pickers” by Wolf and Fritz. Fritz and Wolf from the History Channel’s “American Pickers.” History Channel / Zachary Maxwell Staats
The History Channel and Cineflix Productions, producers of “American Pickers,” told the Post in a joint statement Tuesday: , 2024. Frank photographed American Pickers for over 10 years. ”
Their statement continued: “We will always remember ‘The Bearded Wizard’ and his never-ending quest for vintage bikes and motorcycles. Our thoughts are with Frank during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.”
Fritz ceased appearing on the show during season 21 and was later replaced by Wolfe’s younger brother, Rob Wolfe.
Fritz owned Frank Fritz Fiennes, an antique store in Savannah, Illinois. A motorcycle enthusiast, Fritz was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2019.
Wolf paid tribute to Fritz on Instagram. Instagram / @mikewolfeamericanpicker
At his induction ceremony on August 8, 2017, Fritz told the local newspaper, the Black Hills Pioneer, “This is an honor that I will talk about with pride for the rest of my life.”
According to the newspaper, Fritz had no interest in sports when he was young. Rather, he was interested in motorcycles and collecting stamps and beer cans. Fritz’s stepfather told him that he had to work for what he wanted to do, so he attended summer school and spent his afternoons working. As a sophomore in high school, he was able to purchase a 1959 Harley-Davidson Sportster, which he still owns as of 2019.
The “American Pickers” star told the outlet that his greatest accomplishment is working hard, making lifelong friends and still having his first bike.
Fritz and Wolf in 2015. Getty Images Fritz on “American Pickers.” history channel
Fritz had numerous health problems, including back surgery and Crohn’s disease.
In July 2022, Wolf again broke the news about Fritz’s stroke.
“For the past year, I have been very private about Frank’s life and his journey,” Wolf wrote at the time.
“American Pickers” by Fritz and Wolf. Wolf and Fritz on the History Channel’s “American Pickers.” history channel
“There have been a lot of opinions about my friendship with Frank and the show, but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”
After the stroke, Fritz was also appointed a guardian.
When Wolff mentioned his “opinion” about his friendship with Fritz, he was referring to a rumored rift.
Fritz in 2014. Provided by: The HISTORY Channel
“I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said in a 2021 interview with The Sun. “He knew something was wrong with my back, but he never called me and asked how I was doing, which is exactly what happened.
“The show is 1000 percent about him. I can’t even stoop down that far to show you how much. That’s fine,” he continued. “It’s like there’s Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the frontman. I found my place, I’m No. 2 and he’s No. 1 at the show. That’s fine, but maybe he has a problem.”
Wolf and Fritz reportedly reunited in 2023 and reconciled.
A mutual friend of the “American Pickers” stars reflected on their 2023 reunion to the Quad-City Times.
“Wolfe said, ‘Nobody can replace you, Frank.'” He said Frank’s “unique and funny personality” is what makes them work so well as a team. There were tears on both sides,” the friend said.
Friends also told the outlet that there was no feud. Rather, after more than a decade of filming Pickers together, “they needed to separate in order to appreciate each other.”
Fritz’s agent, Bill Stankey, told the Post: “Frank Fritz was an extraordinary human being. He loved life, cared about people, always had a kind word, and he was the best person I’ve ever met. He was an anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.”