5 Shocking Updates On Mike Wolfe: Why The American Pickers Star Took A Hiatus And What Happened To His Health

The landscape of *American Pickers* has dramatically changed. As of December 2025, Mike Wolfe, the show’s central figure and chief antique hunter, is navigating a period of significant personal and professional upheaval that has led to a temporary hiatus from the long-running History Channel series. The primary question on fans’ minds—"What happened to Mike Wolfe?"—is answered by a confluence of tragic loss, a serious health scare, and a pivot toward new television projects, making his current status far more complex than a simple break from filming.

The veteran picker's life has been marked by major events in the past year, ranging from a devastating car crash that left him and his girlfriend hospitalized to the passing of his long-time co-star, Frank Fritz. This period has forced Wolfe to re-evaluate his career, his health, and the future of his antique empire, Antique Archaeology, providing a fresh and poignant chapter to his storied career.

Mike Wolfe: A Detailed Biography and Career Snapshot

Mike Wolfe is more than just the face of a reality TV show; he is a lifelong entrepreneur and a dedicated collector whose passion for "rusty gold" turned into a multi-million dollar business and a television phenomenon. His journey began long before the cameras started rolling, rooted in a deep-seated love for history and forgotten relics.

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• Full Name: Michael "Mike" Wolfe
• Date of Birth: November 6, 1964
• Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, USA
• Occupation: Antique Collector, Television Personality, Producer, Author, Entrepreneur
• Primary Business: Antique Archaeology (retail stores and brand)
• Spouse: Jodi Faeth (divorced, settlement cost him $5.8 million)
• Partner: Leticia Cline (current girlfriend)
• Daughter: Charlie Faeth Wolfe
• Career Start: Began picking at age six, pulling discarded bicycles from his neighbor's trash. He later became a competitive cyclist before focusing entirely on antique collecting.
• Television Debut: *American Pickers* premiered on the History Channel in 2010.

Wolfe’s on-screen persona—the relentless negotiator with an eye for valuable Americana—made him a household name. However, the pressures of fame, a high-profile divorce, and the strain of constant travel have all contributed to the recent shifts in his professional life.

The Hiatus, Frank Fritz's Death, and the End of a Public Feud

The most significant factor influencing Mike Wolfe’s current status is the death of his former co-host, Frank Fritz, in September 2024. Fritz's passing brought a definitive, somber close to one of reality television’s most public and long-simmering feuds.

The Tumultuous Relationship with Frank Fritz

For years, the partnership between Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, which was the heart of *American Pickers*, had been fractured. The rift became public in 2021 after Fritz was fired from the show and later suffered a stroke. The falling out was reportedly complex, involving issues of communication, Fritz's health struggles, and creative differences over the show's direction.

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However, in a deeply human turn of events, the two stars reportedly "buried the hatchet" before Fritz's death. Wolfe publicly mourned his friend, stating that Frank’s passing was a profound loss and acknowledging the complicated nature of their shared history. This reconciliation, though private and late, provided a sense of closure for Wolfe, but the emotional toll of the loss and the reflection on their friendship is believed to be a major influence on his decision to step back.

Stepping Away from the Road

Following Fritz's death, Mike Wolfe announced that he would be taking a hiatus from *American Pickers*. While the show has continued with co-star Danielle Colby and Wolfe’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, taking on more prominent roles, Mike's decision reflects a need for personal time and a shift in focus. This break allows him to mourn, recover from his own recent injuries, and dedicate energy to his new projects, signaling a potential new era for the show's format and cast.

Gruesome Car Crash: Mike Wolfe's Health Scare and Recovery

In a shocking turn of events, Mike Wolfe and his longtime girlfriend, Leticia Cline, were involved in a serious car collision in Tennessee. The accident occurred in late 2024, resulting in significant injuries for both of them and sending a wave of concern through the *American Pickers* fan community.

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Injuries and Lingering Effects

Wolfe's injuries, while serious, were less life-threatening than Cline’s. He suffered a broken nose, required stitches, and sustained heavy bruising to his face. He was discharged from the hospital relatively quickly but continues to manage the "lingering effects" of the crash. Cline, a motorcycle racer and fellow antique enthusiast, faced a much longer road to recovery, remaining hospitalized for an extended period due to more severe injuries.

The recovery process has been a major focus for Wolfe, taking precedence over the demanding schedule of filming *American Pickers*. This personal health crisis, coupled with the emotional weight of Frank Fritz’s death, created a perfect storm that necessitated his temporary withdrawal from the spotlight. His representatives confirmed that his focus is entirely on follow-up appointments and continued physical recovery.

New Ventures and the Fate of Antique Archaeology

Despite the personal setbacks, Mike Wolfe has not slowed down his entrepreneurial spirit. His career is transitioning, not ending, with new television projects and strategic changes to his retail business, Antique Archaeology.

Launch of *History's Greatest Picks*

Wolfe is expanding his relationship with the History Channel by hosting a brand-new series titled *History's Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe*. This new venture is a significant creative pivot, moving away from the purely reactive "picking" format.

• Series Format: The show will feature eight 60-minute episodes.
• Premise: Instead of hunting for new items, Wolfe will dive into the stories behind legendary, iconic, and bizarre artifacts, treasures, and relics that are already part of the historical record.
• Role: Wolfe serves as both host and executive producer, indicating his continued influence in the historical non-fiction genre.

This new show allows Wolfe to explore his passion for history and storytelling in a less physically demanding format, potentially offering a more sustainable career path for the future. It confirms that while he is taking a break from *American Pickers*, he is not retiring from television.

The Closure of the Nashville Store

In a major business decision, Mike Wolfe closed the Antique Archaeology store in Nashville, Tennessee, in April 2024. The closure, which occurred after 15 years of operation at Marathon Village, was attributed to Wolfe's decision to focus his efforts on his roots in Iowa. The original, flagship Antique Archaeology location in LeClaire, Iowa, remains open and continues to serve as the hub for his brand and merchandise. This consolidation of his business reflects a desire to simplify his operations and spend more time in his home state, aligning with his recent personal and health-related priorities.