Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the hit actuality sequence American Pickers, captured the hearts of followers together with his ardour for antiques and distinctive finds. Known for his adventurous spirit and eager eye for precious collectibles, Fritz’s journey on this planet of choosing left a long-lasting affect. Tragically, he handed away on the age of 60 on Monday, September 30, in line 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.
Here are 5 issues to learn about Fritz.
Early Interest in Collecting
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.
Before 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 gadgets he found on the present.
Premiere of American Pickers
Fritz started co-hosting American Pickers when it premiered in January 2010. The present grew to become successful, showcasing his and Wolfe’s adventures as they scoured the nation for distinctive antiques.
A Passionate Motorcycle Enthusiast
Beyond antiques, Fritz was an avid bike fanatic. He incessantly shared his ardour for bikes on the present and loved driving in his private life.
He was additionally inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2019. During the induction ceremony on August 8 of that 12 months, Fritz informed the Black Hills Pioneer, “This is an honor that I’ll proudly speak about for the remainder of my life.”
Departure from American Pickers in July 2021
The History Channel introduced Fritz’s departure from the sequence in July 2021, shortly after Fritz claimed to The Sun that he hadn’t “talked to Mike in two years.” Wolfe reacted to the shakeup in a press release 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, but it surely has additionally been probably 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 subsequent a part of his journey.”
Health Issues
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 as a result of lifting stuff on a regular basis. If you watch the present, you may see who’s at all times lifting—it’s me,” he informed The Sun in July 2021. “It had been hurting for a very long time—months and months. Finally, 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 large rods and stitched me up with 185 stitches. I had the again damage, however I can raise now; I’m okay.”
Fritz was additionally candid about his battle with Crohn’s Disease, stating, “There’s no treatment; it’s like a dragon. Every day is a crap shoot. One day I may have a double chimichanga with sizzling sauce and haven’t any downside. The subsequent day, I might need a bit of toast and a few scrambled eggs and expertise a flare-up. I haven’t had any flare-ups lately; I’ve been doing very well and have stop consuming.”
In July 2022, one 12 months later, Mike Wolfe introduced that Fritz had been hospitalized after struggling a stroke.
“I’ve been very non-public over the previous 12 months 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 isn’t the time to set the report straight. Now is the time to wish for my buddy.”
He continued, “Please maintain him in your hearts and ideas. Frank, I pray greater than something that you simply make it by this okay. I like you, buddy.”