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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt Claps Back at Trolls Who Called Her ‘Unrecognizable’ in Stunning New Selfie
Jennifer Love Hewitt didn’t hold back when she responded to trolls who accused her of being “fake” in a recent selfie she shared on social media.
The *Ghost Whisperer* star appeared in an Instagram post uploaded by her hairstylist, Nikki Lee. Some people online quickly criticized the actress for looking different.
This came after Jennifer cut her hair into a bob and dyed it a rich, dark brown. Her stylist captioned the post: “Was time to spice things up.”
As often happens when celebrities change their look, fans had a lot to say. While many comments were positive, some tried to insult Love Hewitt, suggesting she had cosmetic work done.
The 44-year-old actress, known for her role in *I Know What You Did Last Summer* (1997), was even called “unrecognizable” by some people.
Usually, celebrities ignore their critics, but Jennifer Love Hewitt chose to respond to her haters by posting a series of photos that jokingly suggested she had changed her look through surgery.
“So many people said I look different,” the actress wrote.
“I look the same as always. I couldn’t look more natural. I woke up like this. Filters don’t change you that much.”
The playful pictures Jennifer posted used several filters on her face. While they were exaggerated, she also urged people to be kind when commenting on others’ photos.
She ended her post with: “Let people be filtered or unfiltered. Be good. Be kind. Spread love.”
Earlier this year, people also criticized her appearance when she shared a picture for her 44th birthday.
“Woke up at 4am and was 44! I am deeply grateful, blessed, happy, and sometimes insecure about aging. I’m a mom of three amazing kids, married to the most handsome and awesome man, and really excited to see what this year holds for us,” her post read.
“I feel magic in the air, and I love magic. Off to work… thank you, Mom, for giving me life. I miss you so much. I’ll get my job done and celebrate my birthday later. P.S. Atticus woke up way too early and sang me happy birthday! My heart melted. Now go have a great day, everyone. It’s my birthday, so you have to do it! ”Many fans commented, surprised by how different the former child star looked.
“I saw this picture in an article and thought they made a mistake because I didn’t believe it was JLH. I didn’t even see a resemblance. I came to Instagram to double-check and I’m shocked,” one person wrote.
“Why doesn’t she look like herself? I’m so confused,” another added.
“That’s not her,” a third claimed. “It can’t be.”
What do you think of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s recent post? Do you think she’s changed much? If you found this story interesting, check out the woman who hit back at trolls who said she was “too ugly” for selfies!
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