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What Happened to ‘American Pickers’ Host Frank Fritz? Inside Private Health Battle Before His Death
American Pickers went through a major change in July 2021 when cohost Frank Fritz left the series. Three years later, fans were shocked by news of his death.
What Happened to Frank Fritz on ‘American Pickers’?
The first season of American Pickers aired in January 2010 on the History Channel. Frank, along with his former cohost, Mike Wolfe, traveled across the U.S. to purchase items for clients or add them to their own antique collections. It seemed like the pair were unstoppable, along with the help of Antique Archaeology worker Danielle Colby, finding some incredible hidden gems over the years.
Longtime fans of the show were shocked when Mike took to Instagram to announce Frank’s departure from the series during season 22.
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” the collector captioned a July 2021 post. “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.”
He added, “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.”
At the time, it was unclear why Frank was leaving the series. His absence had already been felt by viewers after he was missing from a number of episodes in 2020 and 2021.
Inside Frank Fritz’s Health Battle
The TV host faced several health battles since his departure from the series. During a July 2021 interview with The Sun, Frank revealed that he was recovering from an intense back surgery.
“I had a couple of rods put in there. It was from lifting stuff all the time,” he said. “If you watch the show, you can see who the guy is that’s lifting all the time, it’s always me. It had been hurting for a long, long time. I’m talking months and months and months.”
The business owner had also been battling Crohn’s disease for more than 36 years. Despite his challenges, Frank went on a weight loss journey, losing 65 pounds amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He told the outlet that he shed weight by eating healthy and doing more cardio. One year after Frank’s departure from the program was announced, Mike took to Instagram to share that his friend had suffered a stroke and was on the mend.
“I have been very private in the past year in regard to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on,” Mike penned. “There has been lots of opinions in regard to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
American Pickers returned in January 2022 for season 23. Season 24 began airing in January 2023. Mike’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, has made frequent appearances on the series, cohosting several episodes.
Mike Wolfe Announced Frank’s Death
On October 1, 2024, Mike announced in a statement on Instagram that Frank had died.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night. 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 wrote.
“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,” Mike’s caption continued. “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 your in a better place.”
American Pickers costar Danielle Colby also posted a tribute to honor Frank after his passing.
“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.”
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