‘American Pickers’ Host Mike Wolfe Opens Up About Grief Six Months After Frank Fritz’s Passing

Fans and Cast of American Pickers Mourn the Loss of Frank Fritz, Mike Wolfe Reflects on Their Lifelong Bond and Future Tributes on the Show

The American Pickers community—both its devoted fans and its cast members—has been mourning the heartbreaking loss of Frank Fritz, the beloved former co-host of the long-running History Channel series. Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. Known for his sharp eye for antiques and warm on-screen presence, his passing has left a lasting impact on those who knew him best.

Six months after his tragic death, Mike Wolfe—Fritz’s childhood friend and longtime co-star—has spoken publicly about his grief and the bond the two shared. In a candid and emotional conversation with The U.S. Sun, Wolfe opened up about how he’s been coping with the loss and shared the ways in which the American Pickers team plans to honor Fritz in the show’s upcoming season.

Wolfe spoke to The U.S. Sun on the red carpet of his film debut, Day of Reckoning, where he appeared alongside his girlfriend, Leticia Cline. Despite his new venture into acting, Wolfe was quick to reassure fans that American Pickers remains a top priority. He confirmed that filming for the current season is ongoing and will continue through June. However, he also revealed that he will be taking a hiatus from the show once filming wraps, not returning until January 2026.

When the conversation turned to Fritz, Wolfe became visibly emotional, speaking with heartfelt sincerity about his late friend. “We had the same crew for 13 years,” he said. “Everyone I’ve worked with over the years was very close to Frank. He was a huge part of our lives—not just on screen, but behind the scenes as well. There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t think about him. We’re always talking about him—about something he would have done, said, or enjoyed.”

Wolfe went on to reflect on their deep and longstanding friendship, which began long before fame entered the picture. “I’ve known Frank since I was in eighth grade,” he shared. “We were very close. He was more than a friend—he was family. Frank was the godfather to my nieces, and I feel incredibly fortunate that I was able to be by his side when he passed. It meant a lot to me to be there for him in those final moments.”

Looking ahead, Wolfe confirmed that he and the American Pickers team are planning to pay tribute to Fritz in the upcoming season, though details remain under wraps. What is clear, however, is that the spirit of Frank Fritz will continue to be felt throughout the show—through memories, laughter, and the legacy he leaves behind.

As fans around the world continue to remember and celebrate Frank Fritz’s life, it’s evident that his presence will always be a part of American Pickers. Both on and off screen, he made an indelible mark on the people he worked with, the audience who watched him, and the best friend who knew him since they were kids.