Frank Fritz is a name that has become synonymous with antique hunting, largely thanks to his prominent role on the hit television series American Pickers. Known for his deep knowledge of vintage treasures and his charming on-screen personality, Fritz has had a long and varied career. Sadly, his journey came to an end with his passing on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. In this article, we’ll delve into Frank’s early life, family, career, net worth, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Table of Contents
Who is Frank Fritz?
Frank Fritz is an American reality television star who gained fame as the co-host of American Pickers alongside Mike Wolfe. The show, which premiered in 2010 on the History Channel, follows Frank and Mike as they travel across the United States searching for hidden treasures, antiques, and collectibles to restore and resell. Frank’s expertise in old motorcycles, signs, and vintage items earned him a loyal fan base.
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Frank Fritz’s Age and Early Life
Born on October 11, 1965, in Davenport, Iowa, Frank Fritz passed away just before his 60th birthday in 2024. Growing up in Iowa, Frank discovered a passion for collecting at a young age. His childhood was filled with memories of gathering rocks and beer cans, a hobby that laid the foundation for his future career. As he grew older, his interest expanded to motorcycles and antiques, sparking his journey into the world of picking and collecting.
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Frank graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1982. Despite his deep love for collectibles, Frank took a more conventional career path early on. He worked as a fire inspector for 25 years before fully transitioning into the antique business. This job not only provided financial stability but also allowed him to build his collection of firefighter memorabilia, further fueling his love for historical items.
Family Life
Frank Fritz kept much of his personal life away from the public eye. He was the son of Bill and Susan Fritz, and he often spoke fondly of his parents, crediting them with encouraging his curiosity and interest in rare finds. While Frank never married or had biological children, he had a long-term relationship with Diann Bankson. Though rumors about their relationship and potential marriage circulated for years, Frank clarified that they were not married.
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Frank did, however, develop a close bond with Diann’s family, especially her daughter Paige and her granddaughter Eulalia, whom he lovingly referred to as his family. Despite not having children of his own, Frank embraced his role as a father figure and “Grandpa Frank” to those close to Diann. His personal life, while private, was marked by a deep sense of connection to those he loved.
Frank Fritz’s Career and Success
Frank Fritz’s career took off when he partnered with his childhood friend Mike Wolfe to co-host American Pickers on the History Channel. The show, which premiered in 2010, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Frank and Mike traveled across the U.S. in search of rare antiques, visiting barns, attics, and garages in pursuit of hidden treasures. The duo’s dynamic, combined with Frank’s extensive knowledge of vintage items, resonated with millions of viewers.
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Before finding fame on American Pickers, Frank worked as a fire inspector, which helped him develop a sharp eye for detail. His love for collecting and his passion for history gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to identify valuable items others might overlook. His expertise in motorcycles and vintage signs, in particular, made him a standout on the show.
In addition to his work on American Pickers, Frank owned and operated his own antique shop, Frank Fritz Finds, in Savanna, Illinois. This shop allowed Frank to further indulge his passion for antiques, sharing his love of vintage items with the public. Over the years, Frank’s reputation as an expert in the field grew, cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of picking.
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Frank Fritz’s Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2024, Frank Fritz’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million. Much of his wealth was accumulated through his role on American Pickers, where he earned a significant salary as co-host for over a decade. His antique shop, Frank Fritz Finds, also contributed to his financial success, along with various side ventures, including real estate and memorabilia sales.
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Frank’s love for motorcycles was not just a hobby but also a part of his business success. His personal collection of motorcycles, vintage items, and other rare finds contributed to his overall net worth. Frank’s determination and hard work paid off, allowing him to enjoy a prosperous career doing what he loved.
Health Struggles and Death News
Frank Fritz faced numerous health struggles in the latter part of his life. In 2019, he underwent back surgery, which caused him to miss several episodes of American Pickers. His battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition he had been open about, further complicated his health. Despite these challenges, Frank continued working until 2020 when he officially left the show due to his ongoing medical issues.
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In July 2022, Frank suffered a severe stroke that left him hospitalized. The news of his stroke led to an outpouring of support from fans, friends, and colleagues. His former co-host and friend Mike Wolfe posted a heartfelt message on Instagram asking for prayers and thoughts for Frank during his recovery, despite rumors of tension between the two.
Unfortunately, Frank never fully recovered from his stroke. On September 30, 2024, Frank Fritz passed away at the age of 60, two years after his stroke. His death was confirmed by Mike Wolfe, who took to social media once again to honor his friend, marking the end of an era for fans of American Pickers.
Legacy and Conclusion
Frank Fritz’s contributions to antiques and reality television have left an indelible mark. His passion for collecting, combined with his friendly and approachable demeanor, made him a beloved figure in the world of picking. Through American Pickers, Frank inspired countless fans to appreciate the value of history and the hidden stories behind everyday objects.
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While Frank’s health struggles and eventual passing brought his journey to a close, his legacy lives on. His work on American Pickers and his impact on the antique community continue to influence future generations of collectors and enthusiasts. Frank Fritz will always be remembered for his dedication, expertise, and love for the treasures he sought and shared with the world.
Table Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Fritz |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1965 |
| Date of Death | September 30, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 60 years old |
| Parents | Bill Fritz (Father), Susan Fritz (Mother) |
| Birthplace | Davenport, Iowa, USA |
| Career | Reality TV star, Antique collector, Co-host of American Pickers |
| Notable Show | American Pickers (2010–2020) |
| Education | Graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1982 |
| Former Occupation | Fire inspector for 25 years |
| Health Struggles | Crohn’s disease, back surgery (2019), stroke (2022) |
| Relationship Status | Long-term relationship with Diann Bankson (not married) |
| Children | No biological children, but close to Diann’s family |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6 million as of 2024 |
| Business Ventures | Owner of Frank Fritz Finds (Antique shop in Savanna, IL) |
| Cause of Death | Complications following a stroke in July 2022 |
| Legacy | Pioneer in antique collecting and co-host of a beloved TV show |
FAQs
1. Who is Frank Fritz?
Frank Fritz was an American reality TV star and antique collector best known for co-hosting the popular History Channel show American Pickers. Alongside Mike Wolfe, Frank traveled the U.S. in search of rare antiques and collectibles, gaining a loyal following for his expertise and engaging personality.
2. Why did Frank Fritz leave American Pickers?
Frank left American Pickers in 2020 due to ongoing health issues, including Crohn’s disease, back surgery in 2019, and a stroke in 2022. His medical struggles made it difficult for him to continue with the physically demanding nature of the show.
3. Did Frank Fritz ever get married?
No, Frank Fritz was never married. He had a long-term relationship with Diann Bankson, but they did not tie the knot. Frank was close to Diann’s family and referred to her granddaughter as his own, affectionately calling himself “Grandpa Frank.”
4. What was Frank Fritz’s net worth at the time of his death?
As of 2024, Frank Fritz’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million. His wealth came primarily from his work on American Pickers, his antique shop Frank Fritz Finds, and various other ventures.
5. How did Frank Fritz die?
Frank Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. His death followed complications from a stroke he suffered in July 2022. His passing was confirmed by his former co-host and friend Mike Wolfe, who shared the news with fans.
