Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the hit actuality sequence American Pickers, captured the hearts of followers along with his ardour for antiques and distinctive finds. Recognized for his adventurous spirit and eager eye for precious collectibles, Fritz’s journey on the earth of choosing left an enduring influence. Tragically, he handed away on the age of 60 on Monday, September 30, in keeping with his former co-star Mike Wolfe. This information has prompted many to mirror on his contributions to the present and the legacy he leaves behind.
Listed below are 5 issues to learn about Fritz.
Early Curiosity in Gathering
Born on October 11, 1965, in Davenport, Iowa, Fritz developed an curiosity in accumulating at a younger age, influenced by his household’s historical past of treasure looking.
Earlier than his tv profession, he owned a enterprise known as Frank Fritz Finds, the place he purchased and offered antiques. His experience in restoration allowed him to guage and improve the objects he found on the present.
Premiere of American Pickers
Fritz started co-hosting American Pickers when it premiered in January 2010. The present turned a success, showcasing his and Wolfe’s adventures as they scoured the nation for distinctive antiques.
A Passionate Motorbike Fanatic
Past antiques, Fritz was an avid bike fanatic. He continuously shared his ardour for bikes on the present and loved driving in his private life.
He was additionally inducted into the Sturgis Motorbike Museum Corridor of Fame in 2019. In the course of the induction ceremony on August 8 of that yr, Fritz advised the Black Hills Pioneer, “That is an honor that I’ll proudly discuss for the remainder of my life.”
Departure from American Pickers in July 2021
The Historical past Channel introduced Fritz’s departure from the sequence in July 2021, shortly after Fritz claimed to The Solar that he hadn’t “talked to Mike in two years.” Wolfe reacted to the shakeup in an announcement on the time.
“I’ve recognized Frank for so long as I can bear in mind, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani [Colby], and I began again in 2009, like all of life, has include its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, nevertheless it has additionally been essentially the most rewarding,” he mentioned. “I’ll miss Frank, identical to all of you, and I pray for the perfect and all good issues for him on the following a part of his journey.”
Well being Points
Fritz’s final look on American Pickers was in March 2020, shortly earlier than he underwent again surgical procedure.
“I had a few rods put in there attributable to lifting stuff on a regular basis. Should you watch the present, you possibly can see who’s all the time lifting—it’s me,” he advised The Solar in July 2021. “It had been hurting for a very long time—months and months. Lastly, I had it checked out, and so they mentioned it was about prepared to separate in half, the bones in the midst of my backbone. They put in a few huge rods and stitched me up with 185 stitches. I had the again harm, however I can elevate now; I’m okay.”
Fritz was additionally candid about his battle with Crohn’s Illness, stating, “There’s no remedy; it’s like a dragon. On daily basis is a crap shoot. Someday I may have a double chimichanga with sizzling sauce and haven’t any downside. The following day, I may need a bit of toast and a few scrambled eggs and expertise a flare-up. I haven’t had any flare-ups not too long ago; I’ve been doing very well and have give up ingesting.”
In July 2022, one yr later, Mike Wolfe introduced that Fritz had been hospitalized after struggling a stroke.
“I’ve been very personal over the previous yr concerning Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “There have been a lot of opinions about my friendship with Frank and the present, however now just isn’t the time to set the file straight. Now could be the time to hope for my pal.”
He continued, “Please preserve him in your hearts and ideas. Frank, I pray greater than something that you just make it via this okay. I like you, buddy.”