The “American Pickers” community is in mourning as friends and co-stars of Frank Fritz share emotional tributes, remembering the beloved antique collector following his recent death.
The death of Frank Fritz, a familiar face to millions through “American Pickers” has left a void in the hearts of his friends and co-stars. His long-time co-star, Robert Wolfe, and other cast members have offered touching reflections on the bond they shared both on and off-screen.
Frank Fritz at Lincoln Center in New York City on May 9, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Robert, a close friend and castmate, shared the news on Instagram, expressing his sorrow over Frank’s passing. You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling ,Fishing and Family he was the god father to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed [sic],” he
said
.
Danielle Colby, another co-star, also wrote about what she would miss about 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
shared
on Instagram.
Frank Fritz and Danielle Colby, posted on October 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/daniellecolbyamericanpicker
Danielle expressed that she and Frank bonded over their shared love for his cat and mother, adding that he would be deeply missed for these and many other reasons. She
ended
her tribute with, “Rest in Peace, Road Dog.”
Oliver Starr, the administrator of the Facebook group “Frank Fritz Friends,” expressed sorrow,
stating
that they have “lost a truly genuine person” who loved people and gave them so much joy.
Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe at History Pop Shop in New York City on December 6, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Oliver also revealed Frank’s health struggles before his death. “He fought a valiant battle the last two years with many ups and downs, but ultimately, the combination of the severe stroke and his Crohn’s disease was just too much for his body to bear,” he
said
.
Frank Fritz at the grand opening of the History Pop Shop in New York City on December 6, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Danielle, Robert, and Oliver’s emotional tributes to Frank came after Annette Oberlander Willows, another administrator of the Facebook page dedicated to the late TV personality
announced his passing
on October 1.
Annette stated on the platform that Frank died around 7:30 p.m., surrounded by friends, including Robert’s brother and co-star Mike Wolfe, who had traveled quickly from Nashville to be with him.
In her announcement, Annette also requested,
saying
, “Please understand this is a very rough time for us. Including Mike so be kind as we are trying to figure out how to cope with this. Thank you all for your love and support through the years [sic].”
Frank’s health struggles, particularly with a severe stroke and Crohn’s disease, had become more public after a death hoax circulated before his passing. At the time, Annette had
debunked the false reports
on August 3, clarifying that Frank was alive and emphasizing that any future updates about his health would be shared through trusted sources.
Frank Fritz in the TV show “American Pickers,” shared on October 6, 2018 | Source: YouTube.com/HISTORY
In the days after Frank’s passing, further details about his final wishes emerged. According to Annette, Frank had requested cremation with no formal services, preferring instead a celebration of life. “While this is going to take a minute, plans are in the making and may take some time,” she
shared
.
Frank Fritz in the TV show “American Pickers,” shared on September 4, 2019 | Source: YouTube.com/HISTORY
Looking back on his incredible life, Frank’s journey began long before “American Pickers.” As a child, he wasn’t interested in extracurricular activities but
loved motorbikes
and collecting beer cans and stamps. His stepfather taught him the value of hard work, saying if he wanted something, he had to earn it.
Frank Fritz holding a scrap metal piece shaped like a can on the TV show “American Pickers,” shared on October 6, 2018 | Source: YouTube.com/HISTORY
By his sophomore year in high school, Frank was making $7 an hour and bought his first motorcycle, a 1959 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He rode his Sportster to school while others were dropped off by their parents. Frank kept riding that same bike for decades, attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for over 30 years.
He avoided luxury, camping in the same spot every year and staying grounded. At the rally, Frank
said
, “I’m so flattered and humbled just to be on stage with all these amazing people. This is an honor that I will proudly talk about for the rest of my life.”
For Frank, motorcycles were more than a hobby—they were a lifelong passion. He considered one of his biggest achievements to be keeping his first bike and still riding it. While many friends came and went with Harley-Davidson tattoos and bikes, for him, motorcycling was always in his blood.
Like Robert and his co-stars, Mike, his brother,
had earlier shared his sadness over Frank’s death
. Mike, who had known Frank for more than half his life, called him a dreamer who touched many hearts, both on and off the screen.
“Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” Mike
wrote
on Instagram. He also reflected on their long partnership and countless road trips, noting how blessed he felt to be with Frank during his final moments. Mike’s emotional message concluded with, “I love you, buddy, and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a better place.”
Frank had last appeared on “American Pickers” in
March 2020
, after nearly a decade on the show. He became a fan favorite for his quirky personality and love of antique hunting.
Frank Fritz on “American Pickers” Season 18, Episode 1 posted on October 6, 2018 | Source: Youtube/HISTORY
The series, which followed Mike and Frank as they traveled across the country searching for valuable antiques, became a hit on the History Channel. Their chemistry and shared passion for discovering unique items earned them a loyal following.
In 2022, Frank suffered a stroke, leading to a public message from Mike asking fans to keep Frank in their thoughts. Mike acknowledged that many had speculated about the nature of their friendship due to
Frank Fritz
’s absence from the show, but asked fans to pray for Frank instead. “Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay [sic]. I love you buddy [sic],” Mike
added
at the time.
Frank’s passing marks the end of an era for “American Pickers” fans and those who knew him personally. His contribution to the world of antiques and the hearts of viewers will not be forgotten. Our condolences to all those who loved him.
