Frank Fritz, former co-star of the hit reality show American Pickers, has been hospitalized following a stroke. Fritz, 57, served as a co-host on the antiquing roadshow from 2010 to early 2020; he did not return to the show after its pandemic production hiatus. Fritz’s former American Pickers co-host and friend Mike Wolfe was first to share the news.
In an emotional Instagram post accompanied by a photo of Fritz from one of their antiquing adventures, Wolfe wrote: “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. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”
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“Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank, I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
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A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)
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A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)
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“Highs and Lows, Blessings and Challenges” Wolfe Reflects on Fritz’s Departure Amid Rumors of Feud
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Prior to Fritz’s departure from the show in 2021, he and Wolfe had co-hosted American Pickers since its premiere in January 2010. The History Channel series followed the duo as they traveled across the United States in search of antiques and Americana artifacts, either for their personal collections or to sell in their antique shops.
Fritz’s final episodes on the series aired in March 2020, and he did not return for the reality series’ latest season. Though the two co-stars were allegedly feuding earlier this year, with Fritz “fed up with past lies” and slamming Wolfe and collaborator Danielle Colby, Wolfe still holds love and respect for his former friend.
When news of Fritz’s departure broke, Wolfe shared a sentimental post on Instagram, writing:
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani (Danielle), 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.”
