Frank Fritz, of History Channel’s American Pickers, Dead at 60

Former American Pickers presenter Frank Fritz died Monday at the age of 60, TVLine has confirmed.

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His former co-star Mike Wolfe announced the death Tuesday on Instagram. “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote. “I’ve know Frank for more then 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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

He continued: “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. Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just 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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”

In a joint statement, The History Channel and Cineflix Production, which produces American Pickers , said: “Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade. 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 suffered a stroke in 2022.

Fritz’s last episode of American Pickers aired in March 2020. He did not return when the series resumed production amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in 2021, citing back surgery and ongoing complications from Crohn’s disease. Meanwhile, Fritz told UK tabloid The Sun that he and Wolfe had fallen out of touch .

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“I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said in July 2021. “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.”

At the time, Fritz also suggested that Wolfe’s ego had much to do with their falling out. “The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent,” he said. “I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much. That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”

Wolfe in turn released a statement confirming Fritz’s exit from American Pickers . “[Frank has] been like a brother to me,” he said. “The journey that Frank, Dani and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding. 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.”

Fritz called “ bulls–t ” on Wolfe’s statement, but Wolfe seemed determined to let bygones be bygones in an Instagram post following Fritz’s stroke , writing: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. 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…. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”

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