American Pickers’ Rob Wolfe shut down claims brother Mike was feuding with Frank Fritz just weeks before his death
As I read through this heartfelt narrative, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for the complex relationship between Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe. Having spent decades working together, their bond was forged in the heat of adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the shared passion for the unconventional.
Rob Wolfe, a member of American Pickers, recently refuted speculations about his brother Mike having a falling-out with their late colleague Frank Fritz, stating instead that they maintained a friendly relationship and frequently communicated, even just before Frank’s passing.
Fritz died, aged 60, on Monday night, surrounded by his loved ones.
Despite the mystery surrounding his final demise, he experienced a series of health complications in recent times, one of which was a stroke that occurred in 2022.
Last month, during an interview with DailyMail.com, Rob, aged 57, dispelled rumors suggesting tension between him and Mike, also 60. He emphasized that despite being former co-stars, they’ve managed to maintain contact.
‘We’re in contact with him,’ he said. ‘The crew and I go up and see him.
Discussing Frank as a whole is somewhat challenging since he’s unable to express his thoughts on the matter personally.
‘My brother sees him more than I do.’
Offering a flicker of encouragement amidst sadness, Rob stated: ‘He’s recovering well. However, he’s not yet ready for public interaction.’
In the year 2022, Frank experienced a significant setback in his health following a severe stroke which confined him to a wheelchair.
For many years, he too experienced a long-term struggle with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition affecting the inner walls of the digestive system.
In conversation about his friendship with the late History Channel personality, Rob mentioned: “Frank and I go way back; we’ve been friends since the sixth grade. As you might recall, we spent quite a bit of time traveling together.
back then, we’d attend a lacrosse game and Oktoberfest; those moments were filled with joy. Those are the recollections I carry about him.
Around 2020, there was a high-profile conflict between Frank and Mike. The deceased individual later disclosed that they hadn’t communicated for a long period of time.
The discord between them started when, during that particular year, he decided to pause his role in American Pickers to recuperate from a back operation.
However, upon the show’s resumption in January 2021, Frank remained absent. Later in July, Mike clarified that Frank would no longer appear in the series.
He’s known Frank since their earliest days, and to him, Frank has always felt like a sibling, as he expressed in a previous declaration.
The adventure we embarked on together with Frank, Dani [Colby], and myself way back in 2009, much like any journey through life, has had its share of ups and downs, moments of joy and struggle, yet it has undeniably been the most fulfilling.
He added: ‘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.’
Insiders also told Entertainment Weekly that Frank did not fit into the show’s ‘big picture.’
It was that very month when Frank admitted he had lost touch with Mike, not exchanging words for a full two years.
He acknowledged that I had issues with my back, yet he didn’t reach out to check on me, as reported to The U.S. Sun. That’s simply the way things are, he said.
The show heavily favors him, to a degree that I find it impossible to exaggerate it any further.
That works perfectly. To put it another way, it’s as if you have Aerosmith in a band, and Steven Tyler is the lead vocalist. In this scenario, I’ve found my role as the second act, while he remains the headliner for the performance.
‘That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem.’
Speaking to Newsweek, he also hit out at Mike’s previous statement about his American Pickers exit.
‘Mike’s statement was bullsh*t,’ he told the outlet.
‘Someone took the time to write something for him. Over the past ten years, I can only recall a handful of kind words he’s said to me. It seems like he might have been putting others down, and when we laughed about it, those were the few times he appeared nice.’
However, news emerged in May 2023 that the estranged co-stars were seen together again during the Memorial Day weekend.
Following the news of his death on Tuesday morning, Mike paid an emotional tribute to his ‘buddy.’
With great sadness, I want to inform everyone that Frank unfortunately died last night, as he expressed on Instagram.
“Who would have thought that we’d end up co-piloting a white delivery van, broadcasting our journeys for millions of enthusiasts to watch.
Prior to the performance, we’d embark on spontaneous journeys to unknown locations, without a specific goal other than our mutual enthusiasm for uncovering fascinating historical sites.
He remarked, “Over countless travels, we’ve covered numerous miles together, and I consider myself fortunate to have been with him during his final voyage home. My dear friend, I’ll miss you dearly, but I know you’re now in a peaceful place. I love you.
It was asserted in a Facebook group focused on Frank, that Mike hastily rushed there at a fast pace to be near his bedside.
Danielle Colby, my fellow cast member on American Pickers, penned: ‘Frank, I’ll deeply miss the moments when you made everyone chuckle, your passion for discussing tattoos, and your extraordinary collections; however, what I will cherish the most are those rare instances of glimpses into your vulnerability.’
Dear Frank, it was clear how deeply you cherished your cat and your mother, and we shared a special connection over that shared affection. Your absence will be felt for all these reasons, as well as countless others. May you find eternal peace, Road Dog.
Accompanying an old picture of us two, Rob penned down: ‘With regret and sorrow, I must inform you that my dear friend, Frank Fritz, left us last night.’
‘You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.
Primarily, it was spending hours conversing about life in a fishing boat that was most enjoyable. I believe you’ve moved on to a superior realm… My friend, keep aiming for the big catch. Until we reunite in heaven, may you keep the boat stable for me.
Back in March 2020, I, a die-hard fan, caught sight of myself (or so it felt) on American Pickers! Ever since its debut in 2010, I’d been there, alongside Mike and Danielle Colby, picking through treasure troves of history. What an incredible journey it’s been!
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2024-10-01 20:41