Life is full of surprises—some delightful and others heartbreaking. For many, Frank Fritz is a familiar face, best known for his role on television. Over the years, Frank has faced both career highs and personal lows, making his story one of resilience and hardship.
Frank was in a long-term relationship with Diann Bankson, and their split brought significant challenges into his life, including struggles with alcohol, unemployment, and declining health.
The couple had been on and off since they were 25, but things seemed to be heading in the right direction when they got engaged in 2017. They even purchased a cozy farmhouse in Iowa, planning a future together. Sadly, things took a turn for the worse in late 2018.
Their relationship fell apart when Diann caught Frank with another woman. Frank later admitted how deeply the breakup affected him, so much so that he got a tattoo as a painful reminder of the betrayal.
“I bought a house, a fancy ring, and I was ready to marry her,” Frank shared. Discovering her unfaithfulness was a devastating blow. He turned to alcohol to numb the pain, losing significant weight in the process.
After their breakup, Frank made a conscious decision to stop dating and focus on overcoming his drinking problem.
Frank’s professional life wasn’t any smoother. His time on the popular History Channel show American Pickers ended in March 2020, reportedly due to health issues following back surgery. Frank expressed hope about returning to the show once he fully recovered. However, no concrete plans were made for his comeback, and it seemed the show continued without him.
Meanwhile, Diann moved on with her life. She often posted happy moments on social media with her new partner, Eric Longlett, while Frank struggled to get back on his feet.
Then, tragedy struck. On July 4, 2022, Frank suffered a stroke. His companion quickly called for help upon finding him unresponsive. Although Frank showed signs of improvement, his recovery was slow. He was released from the hospital but placed under a care facility and a conservatorship.
A close friend was appointed as his temporary guardian and conservator, responsible for managing Frank’s finances and personal affairs to ensure he received the care he needed.
Medical reports confirmed that Frank required ongoing supervision for everyday activities, doctor’s appointments, and general well-being.
The court emphasized the importance of guardianship to safeguard Frank’s health and safety. Without this support, there was concern his condition might worsen.
Hearing Frank’s story is heartbreaking. We’re sending him our warmest wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Sharing this information with loved ones can help them stay informed about the life of their favorite TV star.