2024-10-03 08:45:02
Frank Fritz, one half of the “American Pickers” duo, died on Monday. For nearly a decade, the charismatic antiquarian travelled to small towns across the country with co-star Mike Wolfe, in the search for treasured hidden gems.
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The History Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away,” read a joint statement provided to USA TODAY by the History Channel and Cineflix Productions. “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’s death comes two years after the former History Channel star was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Fritz’s rep Bill Stankey told USA TODAY that the ex-History Channel host was “an exceptional human being.”
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“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,” Stankey told USA TODAY. Stankey added that Fritz “was the anchor of American Pickers” and “will be missed by his friends, family and fans,” he said.
Who was Frank Fritz?
Fritz was one of the stars of the popular History Channel program, “American Pickers” which followed Fritz and Wolfe on their journey across the U.S. in search of antiques and collectibles. The pair would rummage and “pick” through people’s homes, attics and junkyards looking for high ticket items to buy and resell.
Shortly after the show first aired, co-star Wolfe moved from Iowa to Leiper’s Fork and opened an antiques store in Nashville. Back in 2021, Wolfe credited Nashville for helping launch the show.
The series premiered in 2010 with Fritz and Wolfe as co-stars, however Fritz stopped appearing on the show during Season 21. In July of 2021, Wolfe confirmed on social media Fritz would no longer appear on the show.
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