- The news of Frank’s passing was announced on social media by his friend and co-host Mike Wolfe
- Fritz suffered a stroke in the summer of 2022
- He had filmed American Pickers for over a decade
American Pickers co-host Frank Fritz has died, aged 60, his friend and co-host Mike Wolfe has announced on social media today.
The History Channel staple was a favourite of fans for over a decade, with Fritz and Wolfe appearing together in hundreds of episodes. The series followed the pair as they toured the United States, searching for antiques and artefacts to either sell in their shop or add to their own personal collections. Fritz’s shop was called Frank Fritz Finds.
Posting on Instagram, Wolfe said, “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night. I’ve know Frank for more then 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.
“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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you’re in a better place.”
American Pickers launched on the History Channel in 2010 and aired for 25 seasons. Fritz appeared on the programme until 2020, when he had to step away due to health reasons. In 2022 he suffered a stroke. The History Channel and American Pickers production company, Cineflix Productions, said in a joint-statement, “Frank filmed ‘American Pickers’ for over a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Fritz also starred in Pawn Stars on The History Channel and provided voice work on an episode of Seth McFarlane’s American Dad, in 2017.
