Frank Fritz’s “American Pickers” co-stars are paying tribute to the late reality TV host.
Fritz died on Monday night At the age of 60. His friend and former “American Pickers” co-host Mike Wolfe shared the news Instagram And Facebook.
“It is with a broken heart that I share with you all that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe posted.
“I have done [known] Frank for more than half his life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I’ve seen, a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. Even off camera, Frank had a way of reaching many people’s hearts just by being himself.”
Wolfe said, “Before the show we would go together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind and just a shared passion for finding something interesting and historic.” “We have been on countless trips and shared many miles.”
He concluded, “I feel blessed to have been with him as he took his last journey home. I love you friend and will miss you so much, I know you are in a better place.”
Fritz representative Bill Stankey said tmz due to which the star died He suffered a stroke in 2022.
According to the outlet, Fritz died at a Quad Cities hospice facility on the Iowa-Illinois border and was surrounded by friends, including Wolfe.
Although Wolfe did not reveal the cause of Fritz’s death, the star had several health problems in recent years. he had Crohn’s disease And had back surgery After filming his final season of “Pickers” in 2021 (a procedure that required 185 stitches and two rods in his spine), and Was admitted to hospital due to stroke In 2022.
Fritz co-hosted “American Pickers” for 20 full seasons from the show’s inception in 2010 to 2021, and began disappearing during season 21 when he reportedly Had a falling out with Wolfelooked like a couple Things get better in 2023Wolfe’s brother, Rob, replaced Fritz as co-host.
The popular History Channel show followed Fritz and Wolfe as they traveled around America in search of rare artifacts and national treasures that 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 below to see how his friends and former colleagues are remembering the star.
Danielle Colby
Danielle Colby, manager of Wolfe’s shop “Antique Archaeology” mourned Fritz’s death in a post on Instagram,
“Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love of talking tattoos, your epic collection, but what I will miss most are your little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time, ” he captioned a series of photos with his late partner. Co-star. “Frank, you loved your cat and your mother and we are connected by those things. You will be missed for all these reasons and many more.”
She signed it, “Rest in Peace Road Dogg.”
Robbie Wolfe
Mike Wolfe’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz as Mike’s co-host at the beginning of season 21. Said“it [is] With a heavy heart I am sad to say that my friend Frank Fritz passed away last night.
“You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing, and family, he was godfather to my twin girls. His smile was infectious and his laugh will be missed,” he added.
“I spend most of my time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you’re in a better place. , Love you friend, hope you achieve great success. Steady the boat until we see each other in heaven.”
John Szalay
“It’s very sad to say that we lost Frank Fritz last night,” said John Szalay, aka “Jersey John,” wrote on instagram monday. John appeared in early seasons of “American Pickers” as a friend of Wolfe and Fritz.
“It was such a thrill for me to watch Mike and Frank create the amazing American Pickers show, and I was proud to see my friends step up! Frank was a good friend and he always brought me things he picked up at the show, we traded things he picked out and we always had a great time together because of his sharp wit and humor.
“Godspeed brother,” he said. ,[S]Bring me nice things when we meet again[.],
history Channel
The History Channel and Cineflix Productions, producers of “American Pickers,” paid tribute to Fritz in a joint statement provided to The Post on Tuesday.
The statement read, “We are sad to announce that our friend and beloved member of the History Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. Frank hosted American Pickers for more than a decade. Filmed the picker.”
“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 at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
bill stankey
“Frank Fritz was an extraordinary human being,” Bill Stankey, Fritz’s representative, 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’ve ever met. He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.
