Frank Fritz was the co-host of the popular antiques-focused reality TV show, “American Pickers.”
- Died: September 30, 2024 (Who else died on September 30?)
- Details of death: Died in Davenport, Iowa after a period of declining health at the age of 60.
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Frank Fritz’s legacy
Fritz began co-hosting “American Pickers” with his longtime friend, Mike Wolfe, in 2010. The two traveled the U.S. in search of antiques and collectibles, which they would sell in their respective shops or to clients. Though the show was based at Wolfe’s store, Antique Archaeology, in LeClaire, Iowa, Fritz was the owner of another outlet, Frank Fritz Finds, in nearby Savanna, Illinois.
The History Channel show was immediately a hit when it debuted, thanks to the friends’ rapport as they traveled the backroads of America in search of unique finds. Each star had their personal favorite picks, and Fritz’s included vintage motorcycles, antique toys, and oil cans.
Fritz left “American Pickers” unexpectedly in early 2020, and he never returned to the show, replaced as co-host by Wolfe’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, and friend, “Jersey Jon” Szalay. It was later revealed that Fritz and Wolfe had had a falling out, though they reconciled in the months before Fritz’ death. In 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke, and he continued to have health complications in the years that followed.
Notable quote
“I’m more of a regular ol’ guy. The guy that connects with me is the guy who buys a 30-pack of Busch Light and a pizza on the weekend. That’s my guy. My guy buys a $150 sign, not an $8,000 sign. … [A]ll the small scores are the bread and butter and that’s my deal.” — from a 2021 interview for the U.S. Sun
Tributes to Frank Fritz
Full obituary: Des Moines Register
