Shocking Rumors Explained: Did Mike Wolfe From American Pickers Pass Away?

If you caught wind of the rumor that the American Pickers star had passed away — don't worry. Mike Wolfe is alive, well, and, in fact, just taking a well-earned break from the show after 15 years on the road.

So where did this bizarre rumor even come from? It likely gained traction following the recent death of Wolfe's former co-star Frank Fritz, a tragedy that shook longtime fans of the History Channel series. The confusion between the two men — who shared the screen for a decade — might have fueled the false claims circulating online.

What Happened to Mike Wolfe on American Pickers?

For the first time since American Pickers debuted in 2010, Mike Wolfe is stepping back. In an interview with People magazine, he explained that he's hitting pause for several months.

"We haven't done that in 15 years, so that's going to feel good," Wolfe told People. "For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going."

Wolfe shared that the longest previous break for the show was a month during Christmas, but this time he's planning a hiatus of four to five months. And no — this isn't retirement. The guy just needs a breather after crisscrossing the country for well over a decade, digging through barns and garages for collectible treasures.

Wolfe's Next Move: From Picking to Acting

During this break, Mike Wolfe isn't just putting his feet up. He's stepping into unfamiliar territory with a role in an upcoming film called Day of Reckoning. The project co-stars his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, and marks Wolfe's first foray into acting.

The film's premise is pure old-school Western:

A struggling sheriff teams up with a U.S. Marshal to escort a cunning female outlaw, all while an approaching gang — led by her vengeful husband — closes in.

Wolfe admitted that the experience was a departure from his comfort zone.

"I was like, 'Okay, maybe I can.' I don't know if I'm fighting above my weight here," he said, adding that the real thrill was "meeting a lot of the cast."

Fans curious to see Wolfe outside of his well-worn denim and cargo vans will likely want to check this one out when it drops.

The Frank Fritz Connection: Clearing Up the Confusion

If Mike Wolfe's death rumor spread so widely, part of the blame goes to timing. Just six months ago, Frank Fritz — Wolfe's former American Pickers co-host — passed away at 60. Wolfe posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram:

"I've known Frank for more than half my life… Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself."

He reflected on their shared history, driving backroads together in search of forgotten antiques:

"Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures."

Their friendship was complicated, especially in later years. Fritz had revealed in 2021 that he hadn't spoken to Wolfe in two years. He also stated that he "didn't leave the show," implying his exit wasn't entirely voluntary. Regardless, Wolfe made it clear in his tribute that the bond they shared — on screen and off — was real and meaningful.