Mike Wolfe Remembers Late Friend Frank Fritz as ‘American Pickers’ Plans First Hiatus in Over a Decade

Mike Wolfe Remembers Late Friend Frank Fritz as ‘American Pickers’ Plans First Hiatus in Over a Decade

Mike Wolfe, the face of the popular show ‘American Pickers,’ is honoring the memory of his late co-star and dear friend, Frank Fritz. The two shared a unique bond, having worked together on the beloved series for more than ten years.

Wolfe reflected on their long-standing friendship in a recent interview, stating, “Every day we think about Frank on set. He was such a big part of the show. He was my friend since eighth grade. Many times, as we explore different properties, there are countless items that remind us of him.” These nostalgic moments showcase the strong connection they had both on and off the screen.

Grieving a Lifelong Friend

As the host of ‘American Pickers,’ Wolfe is navigating the challenging reality of losing someone who was not merely a colleague but a lifelong confidant. He expressed his sentiments, admitting, “It’s hard to talk about because it’s so fresh, but he is with us in spirit every single day.”

Frank Fritz passed away in September 2024 due to complications from a stroke while receiving hospice care. His struggle with Crohn’s disease further complicated his health, as highlighted by his longtime manager Bill Stankey.

‘American Pickers’ Takes a Break

Wolfe’s heartfelt remarks come in the wake of ‘American Pickers’ announcing its first hiatus in over 15 years, marking a significant shift in the show’s production schedule. Wolfe noted, “We haven’t taken a break in 15 years, so it’ll be a nice change. For 15 years, we have been constantly filming.” Filming is scheduled to conclude by June, making way for a long-awaited pause.

During this hiatus, Wolfe anticipates a welcome break of at least four to five months. He expressed enthusiasm about the downtime, indicating that it will provide a much-needed chance to recharge away from the rigorous filming schedule.

Making a Film Debut

In addition to his ongoing work with ‘American Pickers,’ Wolfe recently made his film debut in the Western titled ‘Day of Reckoning.’ Initially, he was apprehensive when offered the role, believing it might be wiser to remain focused on the series. However, after learning about the project, his perspective shifted. “I thought, ‘OK, maybe I can.’ I wasn’t sure if I was stepping outside my comfort zone, but I didn’t have many lines to worry about,” he shared.

Wolfe described the experience as surreal, particularly the opportunity to meet a diverse cast of actors. Such experiences underscore the evolving nature of his career in the entertainment industry.

The Legacy of Frank Fritz

The friendship between Wolfe and Fritz lasted over four decades, with their partnership on ‘American Pickers’ lasting ten years. Following Fritz’s death, Wolfe took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to his friend. He wrote, “I’ve known Frank for more than half my life. What you saw on TV was always real. A dreamer who was equally sensitive and humorous, Frank was authentic both on and off camera. He had an incredible ability to connect with others through his genuine personality.”

Wolfe reminisced about their adventures together, stating, “Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions? Before the show began, we used to embark on spontaneous journeys without a destination, driven solely by our passion for discovering the interesting and historic.”

He concluded his tribute with a touching reflection: “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles. I feel blessed to have been by his side when he began his final journey home. I love you, buddy. You will be missed, but I know you’re in a better place now.”

A Time to Remember and Reflect

As ‘American Pickers’ prepares for this unprecedented hiatus, the impact of Frank Fritz lives on through the stories shared and the memories created. The bond that Wolfe and Fritz shared not only enriched their lives but also touched the hearts of millions of viewers across the nation. This moment of pause allows both Wolfe and the show’s fans to remember and celebrate the legacy of their cherished friend.