Despite a public feud that kept them apart for years, "American Pickers" co-hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe mended their relationship before Fritz's tragic passing.
For years, the ongoing drama between "American Pickers" co-hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe had been a topic of public interest. However, despite their differences, the two friends, who had known each other for over 40 years and starred together on the History Channel series for a decade, managed to reconcile before Fritz's untimely passing.
On Tuesday, Wolfe took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news of Fritz's death, expressing his gratitude for being able to be by his friend's side during his final journey. "It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night," Wolfe wrote. "I’ve known 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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself."
American Pickers Co-Hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe Reunite Before Fritz's Passing
The duo had initially starred in "American Pickers" in 2010, embarking on countless adventures together. Wolfe recalled their unique bond, saying, "Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures. Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic."
He continued, "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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you're in a better place."
American Pickers Co-Hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe Reunite Before Fritz's Passing
According to TMZ, Fritz was surrounded by friends, including Wolfe, at the time of his death. The former co-hosts had not been seen together in years after Fritz abruptly left the show in 2020. However, an unnamed friend confirmed that the two had managed to resolve their differences last year.
"Mike has been wanting to see Frank for quite some time," the friend told the Quad-City Times. "Frank just now felt up to seeing him. It was Frank's request to see Mike."
American Pickers Co-Hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe Reunite Before Fritz's Passing
The friend added, "They were both in tears. Both were crying. Mike brought up how nervous they both were to be going on David Letterman, which was one of their first big appearances. … They talked about old times, how things got started and the impact they had on the world. There were tears flowing on both sides."
Fritz's departure from the series in 2020 had sparked rumors of a feud. In 2021, Fritz told The Sun, "I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. 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."
American Pickers Co-Hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe Reunite Before Fritz's Passing
One year later, Wolfe addressed the claims on Instagram, saying, "I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani [Colby] and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding."
Danielle Colby, who frequently appeared on the series alongside Fritz and Wolfe, also weighed in on Fritz's exit. "I’m truly saddened for the loss of Frank on the show," she wrote on Instagram. "I’m incredibly sad for his struggles. I have personally watched everything over the last decade. I have many thoughts but won’t speak them as they are only my my thoughts, not gospel. I wish things could have been different but we must be accountable for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others."
American Pickers Co-Hosts Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe Reunite Before Fritz's Passing
In 2022, Wolfe revealed that Fritz had suffered a stroke, expressing his love for his friend and hoping for his recovery. During their reunion in 2023, a friend told the Quad-City Times that Wolfe expressed his gratitude towards Fritz.
"He said, 'Nobody can replace you, Frank.' He said it was Frank's 'uniquely funny personality' that made them fit so well together as a team."
Despite their past differences, Fritz and Wolfe ultimately found reconciliation and a renewed appreciation for their bond. The tragic loss of Fritz has left a void in the world of television and in the lives of his countless fans.
