Antiques Star Frank Fritz of ‘American Pickers’ Passes Away at Age 60

Frank Fritz, co-star of the popular television show “American Pickers,” has passed away at the age of 60. Fritz died on Monday night at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, according to Annette Oberlander, a longtime friend. She clarified that Fritz was 60 years old, correcting earlier reporting by some outlets that he was 58.

Mike Wolfe, Fritz’s former co-host on the History Channel program, was present at his bedside. Wolfe expressed his grief on Instagram, sharing that “Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.” He described Fritz as remaining true to character both on and off-camera, recounting their shared passion for discovering historical treasures.

Fritz had been incapacitated by a severe stroke in 2022, from which he never fully recovered, added Oberlander. She indicated plans for a celebration of life, including a motorcycle run, likely to occur in the spring. “He was a fierce friend,” she stated, noting Fritz’s wide and enduring network of close friends.

The duo of Fritz and Wolfe became household names through “American Pickers,” which aired for more than a decade on the History Channel. Fritz appeared in 308 episodes before leaving the show in 2021. During their tenure, the pair traveled extensively across the United States in search of rare artifacts and collectibles to resell or add to their personal collections.

Following a public falling out, Fritz had not appeared on the show since March 2020, and his last contact with Wolfe was two years prior, according to Fritz’s own statements to media outlets at the time. Nonetheless, Wolfe rallied public support for Fritz after his stroke, urging fans to keep the co-star in their thoughts.

The History Channel and Cineflix Productions issued a joint statement acknowledging Fritz’s contributions to the program. “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Fritz’s manager, Bill Stankey, remembered him as an “exceptional human being” who possessed a profound knowledge of Americana and antiques. “He loved life, he cared about people, he always had a kind word to say,” Stankey noted, adding that Fritz was the “anchor” of “American Pickers.”