As Mike Wolfe steps into a new chapter of his career, memories of Frank Fritz remain close to his heart. The longtime friends built a television phenomenon together, turning roadside barns and forgotten garages into portals of American history. Now, as Wolfe hosts a new series, he finds himself looking back at the man who stood beside him from the very beginning.
The story of Frank Fritz is inseparable from the rise of “American Pickers.” According to Fox News, Wolfe made it clear that there would have been no show without his childhood friend. Their bond stretched back to eighth grade in small-town Iowa, long before cameras ever followed their dusty treasure hunts.
Frank Fritz And The Brotherhood Behind “American Pickers”
For more than a decade, Frank Fritz and Wolfe crisscrossed the country together, chasing antiques and stories. Season 1 of American Pickers premiered in 2010, launching the pair into stardom, but their partnership had already been years in the making. Wolfe recalled pitching the show for five years, with Fritz “side by side” the entire time, never doubting the dream they shared.
Behind the scenes, however, Frank Fritz faced mounting personal struggles. He sought treatment for alcohol abuse before departing the show in 2021, and reports surfaced that the longtime friends were no longer speaking. Wolfe later reflected on the sadness of that period, explaining that no one can change unless they truly want to.
Frank Fritz’s Health Battle And A Final Goodbye
In 2022, Frank Fritz suffered a devastating stroke from which he never fully recovered. His friend Annette Oberlander shared that his health declined significantly in the years that followed. Despite their earlier rift, Wolfe and Fritz reunited in an emotional meeting, even discussing a possible return to the show.
Wolfe was by his side in hospice care and, as reported, held his hand as he took his final breath in 2024. Reflecting on their time together, Wolfe said they had “incredible chemistry” long before fame found them. Today, even as he films a new series for the History Channel, he admits he still feels the absence of Frank Fritz—a friend who helped shape not just a television show, but his life.