Fans are devastated at the news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who gained fame on the reality series American Pickers, has died at 60.
Fritz, who left the series in 2021, had been suffering from health problems and was hospitalized from a stroke two years ago.
The news was announced by Fritz’s friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, who said that Fritz passed away last night.
“I’ve know 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,” Wolfe wrote in a social media tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Fritz and Wolfe gained fame as the hosts of the reality TV series American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series showed the two “pickers” traveling across the USA, searching for valuable antiques and collectibles in unexpected places.
“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration explains. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”
“We make a living telling the history of America… one piece at a time.”
The series attracted millions of viewers, becoming one of History Channel’s most popular programs. In its debut year it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults 25-54.
While the antiques were often interesting, there’s no doubt it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept viewers coming back for more.
In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade on the hit series. Fritz said the decision was not his own, and that he was pushed out by the network after a back surgery.
“I didn’t leave the show,” he told The Sun at the time. “I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came.”
He also suggested that his co-host’s ego was a factor, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said. “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.”
In July 2022, Fritz was hospitalized from a stroke. In 2023, he had a tearful reunion with Mike Wolfe, and the two resolved their purported feud. However, Fritz declined an offer to rejoin American Pickers, deciding to focus on his health.
It’s clear that the two former co-hosts have remained friendly since then, and it seems Wolfe was by his side til the end.
“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,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”
American Pickers remains a staple of the History Channel lineup. Fritz has never officially been replaced as co-host, though series regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing trips.
Colby also shared her own tribute to Fritz on social media. “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 wrote.
“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.
Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Rest in peace to the iconic reality TV star Frank Fritz 😢🙏 Please share this story in his memory.
We need your prayers for ‘Victor Newman’
The 82-year-old actor, best known for playing businessman Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, announced to his fans that he has received a cancer diagnosis.
While convalescing from knee replacement surgery, he received the heartbreaking diagnosis.
One of the most well-known actors in daytime television, Braeden, disclosed in a 13-minute Facebook Live session on Friday that he had prostate problems that later proved to be cancer. “I started having issues with my prostate while I was healing from the knee surgery,” he stated. “I apologize for being so direct, but I believe some older guys who might or might not listen to this could benefit from this. It will occur to them.
Following a successful UroLift surgery—a therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—doctors were able to remove the malignancy. The actor, who was born in Germany, is currently undergoing a six-week immunotherapy regimen.
He said, “I’m feeling a little under the weather, but not really much.” “I’ve learnt to not push myself too hard and to pay more attention to my body. I will understand. And I’ll soon be back to my best.
“I’m going to lick this,” Braeden said. “I’m going to get it; this bastard isn’t going to get me.”
Regarding his almost 40-year tenure on The Young and the Restless, Braeden stated it’s what keeps him going. That’s where I am at the moment, he remarked. “I enjoy entertaining people by acting. I appreciate your help. Thus, offer your support to any family member who experiences this. It might succeed. You can survive cancer these days because to the tremendous advancements in cancer treatment.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Braeden revealed that performing helps him forget about his health problems and that he feels content when he knows he entertains others.
His character was originally intended to be a guest character on the show for eight to twelve weeks, but he has developed into the main male character in the soap opera.
We hope Eric Braeden gets over his health problems and wish him all the best that life has to offer.
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