Former star of American Pickers, Frank Fritz, 56, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Mike Wolfe, who co-starred on the reality show alongside Fritz until Fritz’s exit in 2021, shared news of his friend’s stroke on social media and asked fans for prayers.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend,” Wolfe captioned a photo of Fritz. “Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
Mike ended the post with a personal message to his former partner, saying, “Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
View this post on Instagram
American Pickers followed Fritz and Wolfe around the country as they searched for antiques and collectibles for clients and their own personal collections. It premiered on the History Channel in 2010 and has aired for 22 seasons. Fritz’s last episode aired in March 2020, and he didn’t return when filming resumed following the pandemic. The History Channel announced his official departure from the show in July 2021. Wolfe issued a statement wishing his friend well.
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” Mike Wolfe said in a statement. “The journey that Frank, Dani (Danielle), 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. I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
View this post on Instagram
At the time, Fritz cited back surgery and Crohn’s disease complications as his reason for leaving the successful show.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank Fritz and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.