Frank Fritz DEAD , ‘American Pickers’ Last words will make you cry

Frank Fritz, the beloved longtime co-host of the popular reality television series American Pickers, passed away on Monday, September 30, at the age of 60. The news of his death was shared by his close friend and former co-star Mike Wolfe, who took to social media to announce the sad news. The two had worked together for over a decade, co-hosting the highly successful History Channel show that followed them as they traveled across the United States in search of hidden treasures, antiques, and artifacts that could be sold in their shop or added to their personal collections.

Mike Wolfe, heartbroken over the loss, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram in which he expressed his deep sorrow. "It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night," Wolfe wrote. "I’ve known Frank for more than half my life, and what you’ve seen on TV is exactly how I always saw him—a dreamer with a sensitive soul and a unique sense of humor." Wolfe went on to reflect on the years they spent working together, noting that Fritz was the same person off-camera as he was on-screen: a genuine, warm-hearted individual with an ability to connect with people simply by being himself.

Frank Fritz's death marks the end of an era for American Pickers, a show that captivated millions of viewers over the years with its charm, humor, and the engaging dynamic between its two hosts. Together, Fritz and Wolfe became household names, as they shared their passion for finding rare and unique items in America’s hidden corners, from dusty barns to forgotten attics. The show not only showcased their expertise in picking valuable antiques but also their friendship, camaraderie, and shared love for history.

The Legacy of American Pickers and Frank Fritz’s Contribution

Frank Fritz first rose to fame as the co-host of American Pickers, which premiered in January 2010. Over the course of more than 300 episodes, the series built a loyal fanbase as viewers tuned in to watch Fritz and Wolfe explore rural towns, small communities, and remote locations in search of valuable or historically significant items. While Wolfe focused on the big-ticket finds, Fritz often specialized in the smaller, more niche collectibles—vintage toys, signs, and oil cans, among other things—that appealed to specific collectors.

Fritz’s deep knowledge of antiques, combined with his approachable personality and witty banter, made him an integral part of the show’s success. Fans were drawn to his everyman demeanor and the authentic excitement he brought to each new discovery. His ability to negotiate deals with sellers while maintaining a friendly and respectful attitude further endeared him to audiences. Through his work on American Pickers, Fritz helped showcase the importance of preserving history through objects that might otherwise be forgotten or discarded.

Although American Pickers was, at its core, a show about antiques, its real heart lay in the stories behind the items and the people who owned them. Fritz and Wolfe took viewers on a journey not just through the artifacts of America’s past but also through the personal histories of the individuals they met along the way. Many of the items they uncovered held sentimental value to their owners, and Fritz always approached each pick with a sense of curiosity and empathy, often uncovering emotional connections tied to the objects they found.

A Friendship That Spanned Decades

Long before American Pickers turned them into reality TV stars, Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe had been close friends. Their friendship began in their youth, growing up in Iowa, where they both developed a passion for “picking” and collecting. Over the years, that shared hobby would blossom into a career, with both men opening their own antique shops before teaming up for the History Channel show that would bring them nationwide recognition.

For 10 years, Fritz and Wolfe traveled the country together, hunting for treasures and delighting audiences with their chemistry. They had a unique dynamic, often trading jokes and good-natured jabs as they scoured junkyards, flea markets, and private collections for hidden gems. The warmth and camaraderie between them were apparent, and their friendship was one of the key elements that made American Pickers stand out in a crowded field of reality television.