‘American Pickers’: Fans Urge Frank and Mike to Make Amends After Stroke
'American Pickers': Fans Urge Frank and Mike to Make Amends After Stroke
American Pickers alum Frank Fritz has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, and fans are encouraging both him and former reality TV co-star Mike Wolfe to repair their relationship.
Wolfe revealed the news via Instagram on Thursday, July 21.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s 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,” the 58-year-old shared alongside a photo of Fritz.
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.”
Several high-profile figures quickly commented on the post, with composer Adrian Younge writing, “Damn,” alongside several prayer hands emojis.
Producer Dee Jay Silver added a praying emoji and heart while Alabama state Senator Garlan Gudger Jr. shared a raised hand and clapping emoji.
On Twitter, news anchor Brad Choat posted: “Just saw word that Frank Fritz from the first seasons of #AmericanPickers had a stroke and is fighting for his life. Always liked him on the show. Will keep in prayer.”
Fans also commented on Wolfe’s Instagram, hoping the pair “make amends,” one user wrote. “Good to hear something. Wish it was better news. You guys both inspired a whole generation of pickers. I appreciate all the knowledge and look forward to hearing better news and learning more. [Prayers],” another person said.
A third urged: “Mike please go see him. Your friend needs you now more than ever … ”
Fritz, 56, and Wolfe have known each other for more than 40 years, but they’ve been open about the ups and downs in their friendship. The pair co-starred on The History Channel’s hit reality series from 2010 to 2020.
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” Wolfe wrote in a statement at the time.
“The journey that Frank, Dani [Danielle 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. 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.”
In response, Fritz told The Sun, “Mike’s statement was bulls***,” alleging that “somebody wrote it out for him.”
“We were never friends in grade school,” he claimed. “I don’t believe in 10 years he’s said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing.”
While neither Fritz nor Wolfe have spoken out about the exact reason for their rift, Fritz hinted there was tension over their stardom.
“The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much,” he told the outlet in a separate interview.
The Iowa native explained: “That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.”
However, Fritz believed he was more popular when it came to viewers, noting he’s “more of a regular ol’ guy.”
“I’m more of the common man guy, I haven’t found a $100,000 vase or any Michelangelo stuff. I’ve never really had a big, big score like that,” he said. “But all the small scores are the bread and butter and that’s my deal.”
Fritz’s last appearance on the the show was in March 2020. He underwent back surgery and never returned following the series’ pandemic-related hiatus.
