Frank Fritz, “American Pickers” star, dead at 60 — rest in peace

Fans are devastated at the news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who gained fame on the reality series American Pickers, has died at 60.

Fritz, who left the series in 2021, had been suffering from health problems and was hospitalized from a stroke two years ago.

The news was announced by Fritz’s friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, who said that Fritz passed away last night.

“I’ve know Frank for more [than] 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,” Wolfe wrote in a social media tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

Fritz and Wolfe gained fame as the hosts of the reality TV series American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series showed the two “pickers” traveling across the USA, searching for valuable antiques and collectibles in unexpected places.

“American pickers” Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz attend the grand opening of the History Pop Shop at History Pop Shop on December 6, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic)

“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration explains. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”

“We make a living telling the history of America… one piece at a time.”

The series attracted millions of viewers, becoming one of History Channel’s most popular programs. In its debut year it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults 25-54.

While the antiques were often interesting, there’s no doubt it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept viewers coming back for more.

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade on the hit series. Fritz said the decision was not his own, and that he was pushed out by the network after a back surgery.

“I didn’t leave the show,” he told The Sun at the time. “I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came.”

He also suggested that his co-host’s ego was a factor, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said. “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.”

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 30: Frank Fritz (L) and Mike Wolfe attend A+E Network’s 2015 Upfront at Park Avenue Armory on April 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

In July 2022, Fritz was hospitalized from a stroke. In 2023, he had a tearful reunion with Mike Wolfe, and the two resolved their purported feud. However, Fritz declined an offer to rejoin American Pickers, deciding to focus on his health.

It’s clear that the two former co-hosts have remained friendly since then, and it seems Wolfe was by his side til the end.

“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,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”

American Pickers remains a staple of the History Channel lineup. Fritz has never officially been replaced as co-host, though series regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing trips.

Colby also shared her own tribute to Fritz on social media. “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 wrote.

“Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
Rest in Peace Road Dog.”

Rest in peace to the iconic reality TV star Frank Fritz 😢🙏 Please share this story in his memory.

Dаd With 240 Таttооs Fасеs Васklаsh Аs Реорlе Тhink Не Is А Ноrriblе Fаthеr – Тhеn Нis Wifе Rеvеаls Тhе Тruth

Don’t judge a book by its cover is an old saying, but it never hurts to be reminded of it.

If a parent does not fit the usual mold of a parent, judging them simply on their appearance might be very unjust.

The tattoos on his face led others to accuse him of being a horrible father. His wife then revealed some unexpected information, which sh.ocked everyone. Read on to find out more…

One of the pillars of individuality is self-expression. Since they allow people to express themselves visually, tattoos are a fantastic way of self-expression.

Richard Huff, 51, has over 240 tattoos on his body and utilizes them as a means of self-expression.

The ink junkie is raising five kids with his wife. To the dismay of the internet at large, his wife routinely posts on social media with him and his kids in it.

The 51-year-old Huff wants people to know that his family is “no different” from any other. But he has admitted that complete strangers regularly ridicule him online because of his appearance.

He described his beginnings. “It became an addiction, I started with my legs and worked my way up,” Huff said.

He said that 85 percent of his body was now covered in tattoos. Among his tattoos are the lips of his daughter and their names.

“I want to be 100% covered in tattoos probably within the next four years,” shаrеd Richard. “I don’t know if it’s the pain or the artwork that you put on you, but it just becomes fascinating when you’re able to do this.”

He claimed that having so many tattoos had its own difficulties. He admitted that the kids at his kids’ school thought he was scary.

In her own words, his daughter has said, “They say, ’ah it’s a bit scary’ and I say ’no, my dad is not scary, he is good with tattoos.’”

Marita, Richard’s wife, admitted that she, too, was terrified of him. She admitted, “I did judge Richard based on his looks at first but as I got to know him a little bit, he is actually a big-hearted person.”

She frequently writes in her blog posts about how much her husband adores her. She continuously praises his qualities, calling him a devoted husband and loving father.

Marita has revealed to others that Richard is much more than a true father to his three children from previous marriages.

Richard said when questioned about his neighbourhood participation, “I participate in the PTA, I go to all my kids’ functions.”

Despite the fact that his kindness is well known, many still criticise him. One user commented on his facial tattoos and said, “I’m not against tattoos, but I mean honestly, does he really need tattoos on his face likе that?”

However, Richard is not the only one who has supporters. “Everyone keeps talking about his face tattoo. He likеs it. He got it. He’s a good father. Let him be.”

Richard responded to the critique by saying, “If somebody can make negative comments likе that, there’s something wrong with them themselves that they would have to judge somebody else.” Adding, “This is what we did and we’re happy. We’ve been together six years our kids are happy and to us, that’s all that matters.”

Richard goes on to remark that no matter how much his family despises him or how much he despises them, he still loves them.. “Having tattoos does not scare my children, it does not make me a bad father, it makes my kids get a different perspective on life,” he said.

Some people find it hard to believe this is the same person after seeing him without all the tattoos!

Richard Huff appears to be a nice husband and father who is greatly loved by his family.

You can’t judge a book by its cover, and he’s living proof of that!

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