American Pickers star Mike Wolfe shared an emotional moment he had with his late co-star Frank Fritz before Fritz’s passing. The two had known each other for over 40 years and co-hosted the History Channel series for a decade. Despite a falling-out during the show’s 21st season, they were able to reconcile before Fritz’s death.
Wolfe rushed to be by Fritz’s side after getting the call that he wasn’t doing well. He was with him in his final moments, holding his hand and comforting him. Wolfe expressed his love and care for Fritz, urging him to find peace with his late mother.
The pair met in middle school in Iowa, and their friendship blossomed. Fritz was known for his hard work ethic and sense of humor, making him a beloved figure on the show. Wolfe spoke fondly of their relationship, highlighting Fritz’s caring nature and comedic timing.
Issues arose when Fritz stopped appearing on American Pickers, citing battles with alcoholism and back problems. Despite their differences, Wolfe never gave up on trying to help his friend. He staged an intervention and encouraged Fritz to seek treatment, but unfortunately, Fritz passed away before he could fully recover.
Wolfe reflected on the challenges they faced and the impact of Fritz’s addiction on their friendship. He expressed regret that Fritz had to battle his demons alone and wished that things could have turned out differently. Despite the hardships they faced, Wolfe never lost hope for Fritz’s recovery.
The loss of Fritz left Wolfe feeling like the “last man standing” on the show. He grappled with the void left by his friend’s absence and the memories they shared on screen. Wolfe compared their rift to losing a brother and emphasized the difficulty of hearing Fritz’s struggles.
Their emotional reconciliation before Fritz’s passing brought closure to their strained relationship. Wolfe forgave Fritz for his actions, understanding that addiction had clouded his judgment. He cherished the moments they had together and hoped that Fritz would be remembered for the person he truly was.
While Fritz’s health struggles prevented a reunion on American Pickers, their friendship remained strong until the end. Wolfe visited Fritz in the facility where he was being cared for, ensuring that he could express his love and gratitude for their time together. Despite the challenges they faced, Wolfe’s bond with Fritz endured, leaving a lasting impact on both their lives.
