Former American Pickers Star Frank Fritz Hospitalized After Stroke

One of the former stars of American Pickers is in the hospital after suffering a stroke. American Pickers creator Mike Wolfe announced on his Facebook account that his former co-star Frank Fritz was in need of prayers following a stroke. While Wolfe admitted to there being a lot of interest in his and Fritz’s relationship, he said now isn’t the time to get into those details. He only wished for his friend to be okay and to make it through this intense ordeal. The response to the Facebook post has been positive, with many people wishing Frank Fritz a speedy recovery.

“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,” Mike Wolfe wrote in his social media post.

He continued: “Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”

American Pickers followed Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz around the country as they sought out antiques and collectibles, either for clients or for themselves. It made its debut on History Channel in January 2010 and has run for 22 seasons and a total of 325 episodes. In July 2021, History Channel announced that Fritz would be exiting American Pickers. 

“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 regarding Fritz’s departure. “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.”

Fritz’s last episode of American Pickers was in March 2020. He did not return with the show following the COVID-19 pandemic, with Fritz citing back surgery and ongoing complications from Crohn’s disease as reasons for staying off the show. He didn’t want to complicate things with lowered immunity.