American Pickers, the popular TV show featuring antique and collectible pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, has been on the air for over a decade.
The two travel around the United States to “pick” various items for resale, for clients, or for their personal collections.
However, following a severe back injury and a feud with his co-host, Frank Fritz is no longer on the show. Over the course of more than 300 episodes, Wolfe and Frank have become one of the most famous TV duos, but their relationship seems to have broken down. Frank revealed that he and Wolfe haven’t spoken in two years.
While Frank has gone through some personal problems and doctors weren’t optimistic as to how much time he had left at the time, apparently he is now doing better than before. He has lost a significant amount of weight and has been sober for some time now. On the other hand, Mike Wolfe shared that the show suffered a loss when Bob Peterson, who had appeared on the series during many occasions, passed away.
Wolfe shared a touching tribute to his friend on Instagram, including photos and video clips featuring Peterson. He confessed that Peterson was much more than a recurring guest on the show, and in fact, was Wolfe’s biggest mentor.
“A few days ago we lost a man that we looked to as a mentor. Not just with mechanical things but in how we should live our lives. Bob was an example to us as someone that loved life and seized each day with so much passion. Always there to help with such conviction and of course humor. He was from an era that we can only romanticize about now. My life and so many others’ lives were better with him in it. He will be greatly missed. I love you, my friend,” Wolfe wrote.
Many fans of the show offered their condolences and support. “Man, what a sweet laugh and cool disposition. Sorry for your loss, my brother,” one person wrote. “I loved watching him and Robbie working on projects,” another fan added.