Frank Fritz wanted to return to 'American Pickers' if not for stroke that left him wheelchair bound

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Frank Fritz, known for his vibrant personality and humor on the hit show 'American Pickers', died on September 30 at the age of 60, two years after suffering a stroke that left the right side of his body paralyzed.

As the show’s Season 26 premiered on October 9, fans and colleagues reflected on Frank's impactful presence during his tenure from 2010 to 2020.

Frank Fritz's health challenges prevented his return to 'American Pickers'

In an exclusive interview with The US Sun, Frank's close friend Jerry Gendreau revealed that had it not been for his serious health issues, Frank would have returned to 'American Pickers'.

“Mike came up with the idea for the show. Mike was smart enough to know the show would be perfect with Frank,” Jerry shared, emphasizing their unique dynamic.

He likened their relationship to that of comedy legends Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, stating, “My analogy of the two, Mike and Frank were like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Frank was just as important or maybe even more important for the show. It’s very hard to be the Jerry Lewis all of the time.”

Frank's health struggles began long before his stroke; he battled Crohn's disease, a bowel condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, from his mid-20s. “I think Frank would’ve gone back, but he had his health issues. And he did have some serious health issues. From 25 or 30 on he suffered from Crohn's,” Jerry explained.

Jerry fondly recalled Frank's charm and humor, describing him as a fan-favorite for his “spontaneity.”

He noted, “He was truly the comedian who popped out with some of the weirdest and dumbest things that you just go, ‘Wow.’ He made a mark on history.”

Frank Fritz's recent health struggles and departure from 'American Pickers'

Recent months were particularly challenging for Frank, who faced significant limitations.

“He felt really, really bad,” Jerry revealed. “You would go to see him in the nursing home and one-half of his body was completely done. He would lift his arm up and it would just drop. That’s got to be tough to be totally bedridden.”

Frank often grew frustrated, feeling unable to express himself fully. “I’ve seen this when people get tired; they get tired. I think if you don’t have the will to live, you won’t,” Jerry said, adding, “I think Frank could’ve lived a lot longer if the will to live would’ve been there.”

Frank's departure from 'American Pickers' was officially marked in 2021 after he underwent back surgery and faced ongoing health challenges.

In a candid 2021 interview with The US Sun, he discussed his fallout with co-star Mike Wolfe, stating, “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is. The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much. That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith, and there’s Steven Tyler, and he’s the frontman. 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.”

He also admitted, “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me."

After Frank's stroke in July 2022, he struggled with ongoing health issues, including pneumonia and seizures, which left him wheelchair-bound.

Frank Fritz's potential return to 'American Pickers' and Mike Wolfe's tribute

In August 2023, a source revealed that Frank was still watching 'American Pickers' and considering a possible return, saying, “I don’t know why he wouldn’t return to the show. He could go back to the show, maybe. He watches the new episodes. He’ll laugh about it. Got to find something on there to razz them about. He’ll tell them about it.”

Following his death, Mike Wolfe dedicated the new season to Frank, expressing his deep affection and respect for his long-time friend.

He wrote, “It’s has taken me a long time to figure out what I was going to say or if I even wanted to post that we have new episodes starting tomorrow night. The timing of this and Frank’s passing is not great however we have been making shows without Frank for four years now and we have always wanted him to be back with this crew, but he couldn’t due to health issues."

He added, "Every time the crew and I were in Iowa, we would go and sit by Frank’s side and let him know how much he was missed, how he could never be replaced and we will work incredibly hard on every episode to make him proud. As always, since Frank has left, I dedicate this show and all the others this season in his honor.”