Frank Fritz dead: Former co-host of “American Pickers” was 60

Frank Fritz, the antiques enthusiast and reality television personality and co-host of “American Pickers,” has died.

Fritz died Monday, the History Channel and “American Pickers” producer Cineflix Productions confirmed in a joint statement to The Times. No further information, including a cause of death, was released. Fritz was 60.

“We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. We will miss him very much.”

“American Pickers” debuted on the History Channel in 2010, with Fritz as co-host along with Mike Wolfe. Over hundreds of episodes and more than 20 seasons, Fritz and Wolfe scoured the country for antiques and vintage goods – finding value in aging jewelry and giving them new life. Fritz, often seen on air with facial hair, earned his nickname “bearded charmer” for his ability to persuade hesitant salespeople.

“I just try to stay calm and collected,” he said of his approach during the series’ first episode. “If someone was in my backyard, I would probably look at their face too.”

Fritz was more than just a good speaker, Wolfe said in his Instagram tribute. He was also a “dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny.”

Wolfe added, “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.”

During his tenure as American Pickers, Fritz had recovered items ranging from World War II relics to vintage movie posters to rare automobiles. Fritz’s American Pickers days came to an abrupt end in 2021 when the series announced that he would no longer be returning as a co-host alongside Wolfe. In an interview with the Sun in 2021, Fritz said he left the series due to serious back surgery, which was then followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“American Pickers” continued without its original co-host, and Fritz’s health problems – including Crohn’s disease – continued.

“Every day (with Crohn’s disease) is a crap shoot,” he told the Sun. “One day I could have a double chimichanga with hot sauce and have no problem with it. On another day I could eat a piece of toast with scrambled eggs and throw a tantrum.” Fritz said at the time that he had stopped drinking and had not had any recent flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease.

In July 2022 he suffered a stroke. Wolfe updated “American Pickers” fans about his former co-host and prayed for Fritz’s health.

“Frank, I pray more than anything that you get through this okay,” Wolfe said. “I love you, buddy.”

Wolfe recalled the “many miles” he shared with Fritz before and during their “American Pickers” fame in his tribute Tuesday.

“I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home,” Wolfe wrote. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you (sic) are in a better place.”