American Pickers presenter Frank Fritz dies aged 60 two years after suffering stroke
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Frank Fritz, a reality TV personality and former host of American Pickers, has passed away at the age of 60.
He passed away on Monday, September 30, two years after experiencing a life-altering stroke in October 2022.
“It’s with great sadness that I inform you all that Frank passed away last night,” Mike Wolfe, Fritz’s former co-star, shared on Instagram on Tuesday, October 1.
Next to a photo of the two of them, Wolfe shared, “I’ve been friends with Frank for over half my life, and everything you’ve witnessed on screen reflects what I’ve always known – he’s a dreamer with a unique blend of humor and sensitivity. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Frank had a remarkable ability to connect with people simply by being true to himself.”
"Who could have imagined that we would be sitting together in the front of a white cargo van, with millions watching our journey?" he went on. "In the past, we would set out together to explore unfamiliar places, with no specific goal in mind—just a mutual love for uncovering intriguing and historic sites."
"We've been on so many adventures together, covering endless miles, and I feel grateful to have been there with him for his final journey home. I love you, my friend, and I will miss you deeply, but I take comfort in knowing you're in a peaceful place now."
Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Fritz gained recognition as a co-host on American Pickers, a reality series that showcased his adventures with Wolfe as they journeyed throughout the United States, searching for unique items to sell in their Antique Archaeology shops located in Le Claire, Iowa, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Fritz took a break from the History Channel series in March 2020 due to back surgery. While he expressed his interest in coming back to the show, it was announced in July 2021 that he had been succeeded by Wolfe's brother, Mike.
In October 2022, it was announced that Fritz was assigned a temporary guardian following a stroke that rendered him unable to communicate or make significant decisions about his financial matters.
After the announcement of his passing, The History Channel and Cineflix Productions, the team behind American Pickers, issued a shared statement. It expressed, "Frank was a part of American Pickers for more than ten years. We will forever cherish the memories of 'the bearded charmer' and his tireless quest for classic motorcycles and bicycles."
"We are thinking of Frank's family and friends during this tough period. He will be truly missed."
In addition to spending a decade co-hosting American Pickers, Fritz appeared in various other shows on the History Channel, such as Pawn Stars and American Restoration. He even provided his voice for an episode of the animated series Family Guy.
