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.
«You Are the Gift That Keeps Giving,» Bruce Willis’ Wife Honors Him on His Birthday With a Heartfelt Post
Bruce Willis celebrated his 69th birthday on March 19, 2024 and his wife decided to honor him publicly. She got candid in a message addressed directly to the fans about how she sees her husband. Needless to say, it can make even the toughest person get emotional.
Emma Hemming Willis, who has been married to Bruce Willis for almost 15 years, didn’t hold back when creating her birthday post for the Hollywood veteran. Alongside a photo of the actor holding one of their daughters, Emma poured her heart in the caption.
«Just like you, we simply adore him,» she began. «What you might not know, but maybe you could imagine, that being wrapped in his arms is the safest place in this whole wide world.»
«He’s a true gentle-man. With so much love to give and share,» she continued. «That’s what I get to see, his true core. I can tell you, it’s so pure and ever so good.»
«Happy Birthday my love. You are the gift that keeps giving 💞»
Bruce, who has been been away from the spotlight ever since his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis was made public in 2023, received nothing but unconditional support from those reacting to the Instagram post, including from his daughters with Demi Moore. «I love you so much. I love him so much! Our Pisces king,» wrote Tallulah; «Love this pic,» added Rummer.
Others spoke on their own experiences living with someone with dementia. «My husband has dementia also. He too is such a kind and gentle soul, still with such capacity for love and laughter. I just wish everyone took the time to see it,» one user commented.
«I know what you mean about seeing his true core. My Dad was diagnosed with FTD in 2021 and for all of the hardship, it really does show you who they are at their essence,» another agreed.
Like Emma, Julia Roberts decided to celebrate her husband’s birthday with a special post on social media. However, the reaction from the public wasn’t quite as heartwarming. Quite a few people brought up an unknown woman in the comments’ section, raising question about how their relationship began. Find out more about it here.
Preview photo credit emmahemingwillis / Instagram, emmahemingwillis / Instagram
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