(DailyVantage.com) – Frank Fritz, the beloved star of American Pickers, has passed away at the age of 60. The History Channel and Cineflex Productions confirmed his death, sharing their sadness over the loss of “the bearded charmer” who entertained viewers for more than a decade with his passion for vintage motorcycles and collectibles. “Frank will be deeply missed,” the statement read, as they offered their condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mike Wolfe, Frank’s longtime co-star, also paid tribute to him on Instagram, sharing that his heart was broken. “Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote. “I’ve known Frank for more than half my life, and what you saw on TV was what I saw every day—a dreamer, funny, and sensitive.” Wolfe noted that Frank had a special way of connecting with people just by being himself, both on and off the screen.
Danielle Colby, another American Pickers co-star, posted her own tribute, remembering Frank for his sense of humor, love for tattoos, and his vulnerability. “Frank, you loved your cat and your mom, and we bonded over those things,” she wrote. “You will be missed for these reasons and so many more.”
Frank had been recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2022. Wolfe had shared updates during Frank’s recovery but kept much of it private, saying, “Now is the time to pray for my friend.” Fritz had also left American Pickers that same year, with Wolfe expressing his hopes for Frank’s return to the show despite personal struggles.
Frank’s departure from the show had been tied to challenges with addiction, a topic Wolfe touched on at the time. “Frank is just going through a lot personally,” Wolfe said. Though there were differences, the bond between the American Pickers cast remained evident, with tributes pouring in for the man who spent years captivating audiences with his unique finds and charismatic personality.
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