Frank Fritz’s “American Pickers” co-stars are paying tribute to the late reality TV host.
Fritz passed away Monday night at the age of 60. His friend and former “American Pickers” co-host Mike Wolfe shared the news on Instagram and Facebook.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe posted.
“I’ve [known] 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.
“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,” Wolfe added. “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles.”
He concluded, “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.”
A rep for Fritz, Bill Stankey, told TMZ that the star died from the effects of a stroke he had in 2022.
Fritz passed away in a Quad Cities hospice facility on the Iowa-Illinois border and was surrounded by friends, including Wolfe, according to the outlet.
Though Wolfe did not disclose Fritz’s cause of death, the star had a number of health problems in recent years. He had Crohn’s disease and underwent back surgery after filming his final season of “Pickers” in 2021 (a procedure that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine), and was hospitalized for a stroke in 2022.
Fritz co-hosted “American Pickers” for 20 full seasons, from the show’s inception in 2010 to 2021, appearing less frequently during Season 21, reportedly due to a falling-out with Wolfe. The pair seemed to have patched things up in 2023. Wolfe’s brother, Robbie, replaced Fritz as co-host.
The popular History Channel show followed Fritz and Wolfe as they traversed the US searching for rare artifacts and national treasures they could sell in their antique shops or keep for their personal collections.
Wolfe wasn’t the only “American Pickers” star to pay tribute to Fritz. See how his friends and former colleagues are remembering the star, below.
Danielle Colby
The manager of Wolfe’s shop, “Antique Archaeology,” Danielle Colby, mourned Fritz’s death in a post on Instagram.
“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,” she captioned a series of photos with her late co-star. “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.”
She signed off, “Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Robbie Wolfe
Mike Wolfe’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, said, “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 godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed,” he 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.”
Jon Szalay
“Very sad to say that we lost Frank Fritz last night,” John Szalay, a k a “Jersey Jon,” wrote on Instagram Monday. Jon appeared on the early seasons of “American Pickers” as a friend of Wolfe and Fritz.
“Watching Mike and Frank making the amazing American Pickers show was quite a thrill for me, and I was proud to see my friends take off! Frank was a good friend and would always bring me something he picked on the show. We would wheel and deal on stuff he picked and with his sharp wit and humor we always had a great time together.
“Godspeed Brother,” he finished. “Save the good stuff for me when we meet again.”
The History Channel
The History Channel and “American Pickers” producers Cineflix Productions paid tribute to Fritz in a joint statement given to The Post on Tuesday.
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of the History Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Bill Stankey
“Frank Fritz was a an exceptional human being,” Fritz’s rep, Bill Stankey, told The Post. “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. He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.”