'American Pickers' co-host Frank Fritz dead at age 60

Former American Pickers co-host Frank Fritz has passed away at age 60.


Frank's representative told TMZ on Tuesday, October 1 that the former American Pickers co-host died from the effects of a stroke.

Frank also battled Crohn's disease for decades, which may have been a factor in his death as well.

"Frank Fritz was a an exceptional human being. He loved life, he cared about people, he always had a kind word to say and he knew more about Americana and antiques than anyone I ever met," Frank's rep said in a statement obtained by Us Weekly.

"He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans."


Frank took his last breath on Monday, September 30 in a hospice facility surrounded by friends, according to his co-star Mike Wolfe.

"It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night," Mike, 60, wrote via Instagram on October 1.

"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."

Mike added, "The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself."

Reflecting on time spent with Frank, Mike continued, "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."


Mike went on to explain how he and Frank went on "countless trips" together and "shared so many miles."

"I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place," Mike concluded.

Frank and Mike co-hosted American Pickers together for 10 years.

The show premiered in 2010 and Frank last appeared on the show in March 2020. He missed several episodes amid the coronavirus pandemic due to back surgery and health complications.

Frank confirmed in July 2021 that he would not be returning to the History Channel series.


"I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he's been like a brother to me," Mike, 57, told Us in a statement at the time.

"The journey that Frank, [Dani Colby], and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding. I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey."

Frank, however, hinted that he and Mike had a falling out or feud of some kind.

Frank told The Sun in Summer 2021, "I haven't talked to Mike in two years. 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."

Frank also apparently had an issue with Mike's popularity or special treatment from American Pickers producers.


"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can't even bend that far down to show you how much," Frank said.

"That's fine. It's like you've got Aerosmith and there's Steven Tyler and he's the frontman. I found my spot, I'm second and he's No. 1 on the show. That's no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem."

Frank called himself a "regular guy" who's relatable and not arrogant.

"The guy that connects with me is the guy who buys a 30 pack of Busch Light and a pizza on the weekend. That's my guy. My guy buys a $150 sign, not an $8,000 sign," Frank said.

"All the small scores are the bread and butter and that's my deal... [It would be] hard [to] put the show on after not talking to somebody for two years."


Frank also claimed at the time that Mike would have a difficult time replacing him on the show.

"You couldn't just stick two people in a van and get the chemistry you get from me and Mike. We've known each other for about 40 years. We can finish each other's sentences," Frank said.

"When everybody is getting along and there's no drama, me and him are very good together."

One year later, Mike announced in July 2022 that Frank had suffered a stroke.

"I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he's been on," Mike wrote on Instagram.

"There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank's friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend."


Mike added, "Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy."

Mike's brother Robbie Wolfe replaced Frank on American Pickers following his exit.

Robbie wrote Tuesday on Instagram, "It is 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 god father to my twin girls."

"His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed," Robbie continued.

"Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you're in a better place. Love you buddy hope you catch the big one. Until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady."






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski