Frank Fritz, the antiques enthusiast and reality TV personality who co-hosted “American Pickers,” has died. Fritz died Monday, the History Channel and “American Pickers” producer Cineflix Productions confirmed in a joint statement to The Times. Additional information, including a cause of death, was not revealed.
Fritz was 60. “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time.
He will be deeply missed.” “American Pickers” made its History Channel debut in 2010, starring Fritz as a co-host with Mike Wolfe. Over hundreds of episodes and more than 20 seasons, Fritz and Wolfe scoured the nation for antique and vintage goods — finding value in and giving new life to aging trinkets.
Fritz, often seen on-air with facial hair, earned his “bearded charmer” nickname for his ability to persuade hesitant sellers. “I just try to be calm and collected,” he said of his approach during the show’s debut episode. “If somebody’s in my backyard I’d probably be up in their face too.
” Fritz was more than just a smooth talker, Wolfe said in his Instagram tribute . He was also a “dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.” Wolfe added: “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.
” During his “American Pickers” tenure, Fritz h.