Frank Fritz, star of AMERICAN Pickers, has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital.
His former co-star Mike has begged fans for their prayers.
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Mike, 58, shared the sad news about his estranged friend Frank, 56, on Instagram.
In regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on over the past year, I’ve been very private. As far as my and Frank’s friendship and the show are concerned, there have been lots of opinions, but now is not the time to set the record straight. It is time for me to pray for my friend right now.
After suffering a stroke, Frank is hospitalized. I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts for him.”
“Frank, I hope you make it through this okay. Love you.”
Commenters shared their best wishes for American Pickers.
One person wrote, “Prayers for a speedy recovery!”.
Another commented, “I hope the two of you were able to heal old wounds.”.
“Oh my god no! He’ll pull through.” said a third.
A SHAKEUP IN THE SHOW
One year after he was fired from American Pickers, Frank suffered a stroke.
Before taking time off to recover from a back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine, he appeared on the show during a March 2020 episode.
In July 2021, Mike publicly announced Frank had been booted from the show.
Frank revealed exclusively to The Sun that Mike hasn’t contacted him since he was fired from the show, despite being childhood friends.
“I haven’t spoken to Mike for two years,” he said.
He knew my back was bad, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. It’s just the way it is.”
For the first time in years, the show’s ratings have plummeted to under one million viewers since Frank was fired.
According to viewers, it is “unwatchable” without the Indiana native.
HISTORY OF HEALTH
Frank lost 65 pounds and was living a healthier lifestyle and avoiding alcohol after attempting to change his life around.
The Sun reported last year that he spent 77 days in rehab for alcohol abuse.
After his nasty split with longtime girlfriend turned ex-fiancee Diann Bankson.
During their breakup, Frank said, “I tried to drink her away.”. It had never happened before.”.
Over the past 30 years, the vintage enthusiast has also been suffering from Crohn’s disease.
Since being let go from The History Channel, Frank has been working on his own Illinois antique shop.