'American Pickers' star Frank Fritz's 7-figure net worth went to healthcare bills before his tragic death
LE CLAIRE, IOWA: Frank Fritz reportedly racked up a net worth of $6 million, thanks to his highly succesful History Channel reality show, 'American Pickers', which he co-hosted alongside Mike Wolfe.
Sadly, the antique aficionado died on September 30 in a hospice facility in the Midwest, surrounded by friends, including Wolfe, just weeks before his 61st birthday. Fritz had suffered a debilitating stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered from it.
How Frank Fritz built a fortune in antiques and collectibles beyond show
Frank Fritz’s passion for antiques began long before the spotlight found him. Known for uncovering valuable collectibles, particularly vintage toys and cars, he turned his knack for picking into a lucrative career.
His role on 'American Pickers' was the cornerstone of his success, reportedly earning him $300,000 per season until his departure in 2020 in Season 21, as per The Mirror US.
Even after leaving the show, Fritz continued to thrive in the antiques business.
His Illinois-based shop, Frank Fritz Finds, became a popular destination for collectors and enthusiasts, further contributing to his wealth.
According to reports, he also earned around $60,000 annually from investments.
Frank Fritz's debilitating health challenges
Despite his financial success, Frank Fritz’s personal life was fraught with challenges.
In a candid 2021 interview with The US Sun, he opened up about his struggles with Crohn’s Disease, addiction, and his estranged relationship with co-host Wolfe.
Reflecting on life’s ups and downs, he shared, "I’m just trying to get through life like everybody else and be as happy as I possibly can. Life is what you put into it. If you don’t put much into it, you don’t get a lot out of it."
Unfortunately, his health continued to decline.
(Facebook/@FrankFritzFriends)
In July 2022, Fritz suffered a debilitating stroke that left him requiring long-term care, with medical and in-home expenses reportedly amounting to $30,000 per month.
His death was attributed to complications from a stroke, described as "late sequela of cerebral infarction" caused by cerebral vascular disease, according to TMZ.
He also battled aortic stenosis, a chronic condition that impeded blood flow, which contributed to his death.
Wolfe confirmed Fritz's death on October 1, writing, "It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night." He reflected on their long friendship, describing his former co-host as "a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny."
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He was also present at the time of his longtime friend's death, as he told People, "I was there for about an hour before he passed, and I was holding his hand and rubbing his chest when he took his last breath. I took my fingers and I closed his eyes."
Fans revisit Frank Fritz's final 'American Pickers' episode to honor his legacy
Following the tragic death of Frank Fritz, his fans revisited his final moments on the beloved reality show.
Many rewarched highlights from his time on the show, particularly from his final episode, 'Burlesque Queen'.
The episode, which aired in March 2020, features Fritz and Wolfe exploring an abandoned marina in Kansas City, Missouri, as reported by the Express US.
