MIKE Wolfe has addressed fired former co-host Frank Fritz’s absence from American Pickers.
The showman admitted nothing can replace the fan favorite.
The US SunMike Wolfe shared a tribute video of his crew, which had fans buzzing[/caption]
Coleman-RaynerSome fans have called for Frank Fritz to return to American Pickers[/caption]
On Saturday, American Pickers host Mike shared that he has finished filming the current season, and thanked his crew with a special video tribute.
First to be thanked was antiques expert Jersey Jon Szalay, who folded his arms and smiled for Mike’s camera.
But fans aren’t smiling at Jon, with some demanding his ouster, as calls continue to bring back Frank.
One person commented: “Jersey’s gotta go!!”
Mike, who kept quiet in response to many of the other comments, broke his silence to reply to the fan.
“Been picking with Jersey for over 20 years,” Mike, 58, wrote. “One of the most knowledgeable passionate real deal dudes you’re ever gonna meet. Give him a chance.”
He then shifted the conversation to former bestie Frank, who has been missing since the pair’s relationship devolved into a feud in 2020.
“Nothing will ever replace Frank,” Mike continued. “We miss him very much like y’all do.”
MISSING MIKE
In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun in July 2021, Frank explained that it was not his choice to leave the show and claimed he was eager to return to the cast.
He said at the time: “I would like to come back to the show. I was doing it for 11 years. I’m 100 percent recovered now and I’m ready to roll and go back on the show.”
However, Frank claimed that the network wouldn’t give him a straight answer about returning.
“They talk out of both sides of their mouth. It would be like me telling you I want to go back on the show and then tomorrow going, ‘I never said that, I never said anything about that,’” he continued.
“The showrunner called me on my birthday on October 11 of last year, and he said, ‘I’ll call you back tomorrow,’ but I haven’t heard from those people at all. They don’t contact me.”
FRANK’S FEUD
Frank was very open about his feud with “arrogant” co-star Mike, and at the time claimed they had not spoken in years.
He told The U.S. Sun that he hadn’t “talked to Mike in two years” and said his former friend had not called him to check in after his back surgery.
The feud seems to dwindle after Frank suffered a stroke on July 21, 2022.
On Instagram, Mike said: “I have been very private in the past year regarding Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on.
“There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show.
“But now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”
JERSEY STORY
Jersey Jon is an antique expert that specializes in motorcycles and motorbikes from the early 1900s.
As his name suggests, Jon grew up in New Jersey.
As a teenager, he made extra money by restoring old furniture for people in his neighborhood.
By the age of 17, Jon purchased an old bank, which he converted into a workshop with an apartment on the second floor.
He first appeared in a season seven episode of the long-running History Channel show.
He followed that up with several other appearances, even taking over for Frank on one episode airing in January 2021.
Instagram/mikewolfeamericanpickerOne fan wanted to get rid of Jersey Jon[/caption]
Mike defended his lontime friendA&EFrank left among a bitter feud with his former friend[/caption]
