AMERICAN Pickers actor Frank Fritz has suffered a stroke and is still in the hospital.
His former co-star Mike has begged fans for their prayers.
5
Mike, 58, made a lengthy statement on Instagram to share the sad news about his estranged friend Frank, 56.
He began: “I’ve been very private over the past year regarding Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. There have been many opinions regarding me and Frank’s friendship and the show, but this is not the time to set the record straight. Now it’s time to pray for my friend.
“Frank has had a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your heart and mind.”
Mike concluded, “Frank, I pray more than anything that you get through this. I love you, friend.”
Fans of American Pickers rushed to share their best wishes in the comments.
“Prayers for a full recovery!” wrote one.
Another shared: “I’m sorry to hear this and I hope you two have healed old wounds.”
A third added: “Oh my god no! He’ll get through it.”
SHAKE UP SHOW
The shocking news of Frank’s stroke comes a year after he… fired from his role on American Pickers.
He last appeared on the show on a March 2020 episode, before taking time off to recover from grueling back surgery that left 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
Mike was the one who publicly revealed that Frank was booted from the show in July 2021.
Although they were childhood friends, Frank exclusively revealed to The Sun that Mike hasn’t reached out to him since he was fired from the show.
“I haven’t spoken to Mike in two years,” he said.
“He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me to ask how I was doing. That’s just the way it is.”
Since Frank was let go, The Sun has revealed that the show… ratings have fallen under a million viewers for the first time in years.
Have viewers claimed it’s “unwatchable” without Indiana-born Frank.
HEALTH HISTORY
In an effort to change his life, Frank recently lost 65 pounds and he was believed to have a healthier lifestyle and avoid alcohol.
He told The Sun last year that he… admitted to rehab for alcohol abuse for 77 days.
It came after his nasty split from an old friend turned ex-fiancée Dianne Bankson.
Frank said of their breakup: “I tried to drink her away. I’ve never drunk so much.”
The vintage enthusiast also suffers from Crohn’s disease, which he has been battling for over 30 years.
In addition to his health problems, Frank working on his own antique shop in Illinois since he was let go by The History Channel.
5
5
5