Mike Wolfe mourns death of Frank Fritz, ‘American Pickers’ co-star

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.

“I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey,” wrote Wolfe on Instagram.

As previously reported by USA TODAY, while Wolfe expressed having a close relationship with Fritz then, Fritz revealed to The Sun in July 2021 that he and his old co-star hadn’t spoken in “two years” and that he “didn’t leave the show.” 

Wolfe later addressed the falling out rumors after Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022.

“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on,” wrote Wolfe on Instagram. “There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”

Mike Wolfe mourns Frank Fritz: ‘I love you buddy and I will miss you so much’

On Tuesday, Wolfe shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, mourning the loss of his friend and longtime former co-star. Wolfe described Fritz as a funny and sensitive “dreamer” who was just the same off camera as he was on. Wolfe added that Fritz had a way of touching the hearts of many simply by 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,” said Wolfe.

Wolfe shared that even before “American Pickers” the two would head off and explore unknown places with no real destination in mind, only 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,” said Wolfe. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your (sic) in a better place.”

Contributing: USA TODAY

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana