‘American Pickers’ Will Pay Tribute to the Late Star in Upcoming Season
‘American Pickers’ Will Pay Tribute to the Late Star in Upcoming Season
‘American Pickers’ Star Mike Wolfe Opens Up About Frank Fritz’s Death and Confirms Tribute in Upcoming Season
It’s been over six months since the passing of Frank Fritz, the beloved former co-host of American Pickers, and both fans and cast members are still grieving the immense loss. Fritz, who died on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60, was more than just a reality television personality—he was a familiar face in millions of homes and a true friend to many, especially to his longtime co-star and childhood friend, Mike Wolfe.
In a recent heartfelt interview with The U.S. Sun, Wolfe opened up publicly about the grief he’s been carrying since Fritz’s passing. Speaking from the red carpet of his feature film debut Day of Reckoning, accompanied by his girlfriend Leticia Cline, Wolfe reflected on their decades-long friendship, the legacy Fritz leaves behind, and how the team behind American Pickers plans to honor him in the upcoming season.
A Bond Forged Long Before Fame
Fritz and Wolfe’s friendship began long before television fame entered the picture. The two met in junior high and remained close for over four decades. That bond carried over into their professional lives when they became co-hosts of American Pickers in 2010. For ten years, viewers watched the duo travel across America, digging through barns, garages, and antique shops, uncovering hidden treasures and forgotten stories.
Together, they brought an authentic chemistry to the show—part business partners, part old friends, and part comedic duo—that resonated deeply with audiences. But in 2020, Fritz filmed his final scenes. A year later, it was confirmed that he had left the show permanently due to a series of health complications, struggles with alcohol addiction, and reported tensions with Wolfe behind the scenes.
In 2022, tragedy struck when Fritz suffered a debilitating stroke, leading to even more health challenges. Despite initial hopes for recovery, Fritz’s condition worsened. He passed away in 2024, with Wolfe by his side during his final moments—a full-circle moment for a friendship that spanned more than 40 years.
Wolfe: “There’s Not a Day That Goes By That We Don’t Think of Him”
While Wolfe has largely remained private about his grief, he became emotional during the interview as he spoke about losing Fritz. “We had the same crew for 13 years,” Wolfe recalled. “Everybody I worked with was very close to Frank. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of him and talk about him—what he would have done, what he would have said, what he would have enjoyed.”
As Wolfe reflected on their bond, he shared just how personal the loss truly was. “I’ve known Frank since I was in eighth grade,” he said. “We were very close to each other. He was the godfather to my nieces. He wasn’t just my co-star—he was part of my family. I was lucky to be there when he passed. That meant a lot to me.”
Wolfe admitted that grief still catches him off guard. “It’s hard to talk about still just because it’s new, but sometimes I feel like I’m going to see him,” he said, visibly choked up. “I was at the airport last week, and someone walked by, and for a second, I thought, ‘I should call Frank.’ It’s hard. Him and I worked very hard together, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him. All of us on the show—everyone—worked so hard. Frank was a huge part of that.”
American Pickers Will Pay Tribute to Fritz in Upcoming Season
Though Wolfe is currently exploring new opportunities—such as acting in Day of Reckoning—he made it clear that American Pickers is still an active project for him. The show is currently filming its latest season, set to continue through June. However, Wolfe revealed that he plans to take a break from the show once filming wraps and will not return until January 2026.
Despite his upcoming hiatus, Wolfe confirmed that the new season will feature a tribute to Fritz. “Absolutely we do,” Wolfe said when asked whether the show would honor his late friend. “We’ve been very blessed, and Frank was a big part of that. It’s only right that we celebrate him.”
Although Wolfe didn’t reveal exactly how the tribute will take shape, he hinted that it would be heartfelt and meaningful. Fans will have to tune in to the new season to see how the cast and crew commemorate Fritz’s life and contributions.
A Legacy That Lives On
For fans, Frank Fritz was more than just a television personality—he was a friend, a storyteller, and a warm-hearted presence on their screens. For Mike Wolfe, he was a lifelong companion, a brother in spirit, and someone who shared in the ups and downs of life both on and off camera.
As American Pickers prepares to honor Frank in its next chapter, one thing is clear: though he may be gone, his legacy—and his impact on the people who knew and loved him—will never be forgotten.
