Fans are devastated at the news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who gained fame on the reality series American Pickers, has died at 60.
Fritz, who left the series in 2021, had been suffering from health problems and was hospitalized from a stroke two years ago.
The news was announced by Fritz’s friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, who said that Fritz passed away last night.
“I’ve know Frank for more [than] half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote in a social media tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Fritz and Wolfe gained fame as the hosts of the reality TV series American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series showed the two “pickers” traveling across the USA, searching for valuable antiques and collectibles in unexpected places.
“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration explains. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”
“We make a living telling the history of America… one piece at a time.”
The series attracted millions of viewers, becoming one of History Channel’s most popular programs. In its debut year it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults 25-54.
While the antiques were often interesting, there’s no doubt it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept viewers coming back for more.
In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade on the hit series. Fritz said the decision was not his own, and that he was pushed out by the network after a back surgery.
“I didn’t leave the show,” he told The Sun at the time. “I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came.”
He also suggested that his co-host’s ego was a factor, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said. “He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”
In July 2022, Fritz was hospitalized from a stroke. In 2023, he had a tearful reunion with Mike Wolfe, and the two resolved their purported feud. However, Fritz declined an offer to rejoin American Pickers, deciding to focus on his health.
It’s clear that the two former co-hosts have remained friendly since then, and it seems Wolfe was by his side til the end.
“We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”
American Pickers remains a staple of the History Channel lineup. Fritz has never officially been replaced as co-host, though series regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing trips.
Colby also shared her own tribute to Fritz on social media. “Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,” she wrote.
“Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Rest in peace to the iconic reality TV star Frank Fritz 😢🙏 Please share this story in his memory.
Kelly Rizzo Shows Incredible Strength in the Face of Grief
Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when they pass away. It brings immense grief and sadness that can be difficult to move on from. However, Kelly Rizzo, the widow of beloved Full House star Bob Saget, has shown incredible strength in facing her grief head-on.
After two years of mourning, Rizzo has decided to embark on a new chapter in her life – the world of dating. In January 2022, the world was shocked by Saget’s unexpected passing at the age of 65 due to accidental head trauma. Rizzo openly expressed her grief since then but now, she’s ready to take a step forward.
Initially, Rizzo shared that dating was not something she could even fathom, stating, “The thought of anything serious in the near future was just too complicated emotionally.” However, she also acknowledged the importance of companionship and expressed her openness to meeting someone and enjoying simple activities, such as going for a coffee or a hike.
Recently, Kelly Rizzo made her public debut with her new partner, Breckin Meyer. The couple appeared together at the Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party and posed on the red carpet. Meyer is known for his roles in popular movies like Clueless and the live-action Garfield films.
Rizzo looked stunning in a body-hugging leopard-print dress, while Meyer went for a more casual look with gray khakis and a denim jacket. Their relationship has since been confirmed by the media.
It’s important to remember that healing is a personal journey, and everyone finds love in their own time. Kelly Rizzo’s willingness to open her heart again is a testament to her strength and resilience.
She had previously mentioned that dating was not something she was ready for, as the emotions attached to the idea were still overwhelming. However, she expressed her readiness to explore the possibility in the future.
As we celebrate this new chapter in Kelly Rizzo’s life, let’s also remember the love she shared with Bob Saget. They were married for four years until his passing in 2022. Moving on after losing a loved one is never easy, but we wish her the best of luck in finding happiness in whatever she pursues.
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