RIP Frank Fritz (American Pickers)

[luv]

Man, we could start an entire sub-forum with all of the celebrity and athlete deaths in just the past few weeks.

Always enjoyed him on the show.


"It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.

I’ve know Frank for more then 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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.

Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.

Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.

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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place."

Mike Wolfe (Instagram)
American Picker

[Bearcat]

This is why I don't attend scrap concerts.

[Graystoke]

Dam.
Catch me up, did he have cancer or something?

[luv]

Originally Posted by Graystoke

Dam.
Catch me up, did he have cancer or something?

Not sure. Story I read said he had a stroke in 2022. I'm guessing heart disease or diabetes.

[arrowheadnation]

Damn, this was written 5 days ago...

Mike Wolfe ‘Suggested’ Frank Fritz Visit ‘American Pickers’ When ‘He Feels He’s Ready’
Mike Hammer
Thu, September 26, 2024 at 10:59 AM CDT·3 min read

Mike Wolfe and former American Pickers costar Frank Fritz have buried the hatchet after a they had a falling out in 2020 and are now enjoying quiet talks and get-togethers as Frank continues to recover from his debilitating stroke.

"Mike is sorry for the way he treated Frank," an insider exclusively tells In Touch of the 60-year-old TV host. "He didn't deserve the cold shoulder."

The drama between Mike and Frank, 58, began when Frank stopped appearing on the show beginning with the March 9, 2020, episode.

At first, there was no explanation for his absence. However, Frank later revealed that he took some time away from filming to have back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine, according to The U.S. Sun. Amid his recovery, he was also continuing to deal with his chronic Crohn's disease.

Frank would not return to the show for its 22nd season in 2021. Then, in July of that year, he told The Sun, "I haven't talked to Mike in two years. 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."

One year later, Frank was found unresponsive in his Iowa home after suffering a stroke. Despite their differences, Mike wished his former friend well, telling Instagram followers, "Now is the time to pray for my friend."

While it's been years of drama between Mike and Frank, the In Touch source says Mike is "trying to make up for it now by being a better friend."

[Frazod]

I watched this show a little. Seemed to be very scripted. And the tall guy reminded me of Chris Collinsworth, which was a big turnoff. I did kind of like the stripper chick manning the phones, though.

Anyway, RIP

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

Frank going to get a bundle deal when he gets to heaven... RIP Frank

[tyecopeland]

Originally Posted by Frazod

I watched this show a little. Seemed to be very scripted. And the tall guy reminded me of Chris Collinsworth, which was a big turnoff. I did kind of like the stripper chick manning the phones, though.

Anyway, RIP

It was/is a reality TV show. Of course it was scripted.

[MVChiefs]

The dude lived it up for sure for a fat white balding man. He was an ahole and pompous as could be and loved the drugs, booze, and food. Sad he didn't stop soon enough, and it caused him at least 15-20 years. Big lesson for us all.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by tyecopeland

It was/is a reality TV show. Of course it was scripted.

I've only really ever liked two reality shows, although I haven't watched either of them for a long time - Deadliest Catch and Pawnstars. While DC may have created some scripted shit, most of the stuff on the show couldn't be faked. And while Pawnstars was complete bullshit, the cast was funny and enjoyed watching them being obnoxious assholes to each other. Plus the items being pawned were interesting.

I can barely stand to watch the commercials for most of that shit. Mama June? Life After Lockup? You'd have to Clockwork Orange me to get me to watch that dreck.

[ghak99]

Originally Posted by MVChiefs

The dude lived it up for sure for a fat white balding man. He was an ahole and pompous as could be and loved the drugs, booze, and food. Sad he didn't stop soon enough, and it caused him at least 15-20 years. Big lesson for us all.

This man lived near you?

[Rain Man]

I found the show kind of interesting, though I was skeptical of the prices. It seemed like they paid exorbitant amounts of money for many items. But then again, I'm not knowledgeable on collecting.

Given that I have close relatives who are hoarders, some elements of the show started bothering me, because the people they visit are often hoarders, albeit usually hoarding things that have some value.

[MVChiefs]

Originally Posted by ghak99

This man lived near you?

I was an intern on one of his shows before he went Hollywood (He has plenty). Yes, be quiet.

[TribalElder]

RIP

Heard he was going to be named in the P Diddy indictments

[mr. tegu]

This show definitely had an impact on consumers and products. After it became popular, things like rusty looking letters with lights (or no lights) started showing up on shelves. They really seemed to bring antiquing and appreciation of older stuff, whether real or reproduction, out of the niche market for old ladies and hoarders and into a much broader audience.