close
close

“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60

“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60

“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz, who traveled across America searching for treasurers in far-flung corners, died Monday after a long illness, relatives said.

He was 60.

“This is a very difficult announcement as Frank passed away last night around 7:30 p.m.,” read a post on Fritz's friends' Facebook page.

“Pickers” co-star Mike Wolfe said he knew Fritz for more than “half of my life” and told fans that his late friend was a really kind man.


Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz before a television appearance in New York in 2011.Ray Tamarra/FilmMagic via Getty Images file

Fritz was “a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “Just as much behind the camera as in front of it, Frank had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself.”

Fritz appeared in 308 episodes of the popular reality show on the History Channel between 2010 and 2021.

“Pickers” has often been compared to the popular PBS show “Antiques Roadshow,” in which average Americans bring their belongings — often long-forgotten in their basements, attics and closets — to trained appraisers who often shock them with high valuations.

“Pickers” had a slightly different atmosphere: childhood friends Fritz and Wolfe went in search of hidden treasures.

Fritz had largely disappeared from the public eye since his serious stroke in 2022.

The History Channel said in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday that Fritz will be “deeply missed.”

“Frank has filmed 'American Pickers' for over a decade,” the statement said. “We will always remember 'the bearded charmer' and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *