Reality TV has introduced us to many people and we sometimes grow used to seeing them to the point where we feel like we know them personally. That is how many people felt about Frank Fritz, star of ‘American Pickers.’
Unfortunately, his costar and friend, Mike Wolfe posted a tribute on Instagram to tell us of the news that his friend had passed away. He wrote: “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.”
“I’ve [known] 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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Wolfe went on to say: “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.”
Fritz had suffered a major stroke in July 2022 and it left him struggling with bouts of pneumonia, being in and out of the hospital, and going through a rigorous rehabilitation process.
In addition, for the past 35 years, he has been fighting Crohn’s disease.
To pay tribute, costar Danielle Colby also shared photos, writing: “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.
“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.”
Fritz was replaced by Robbie Wolfe on American Pickers. He went on social media to pay tribute to his friend, saying: “It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
“You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and Family he was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.”
Fritz and Wolfe were part of a reality show in which they would search for rare items in someone else’s trash and turn them into treasure. All in all, he appeared in more than 300 episodes that has been running for 25 seasons.
After going through back surgery that left him with 2 rods in the spine and 185 stitches, he left the show. That was in March 2020. He had a brief uptick in his health due to losing 65 pounds but eventually, would suffer a stroke.
Fans were devastated after hearing of his death. Our thoughts are with the family and fans who are struggling during this difficult time.