Mike Wolfe, the familiar face from American Pickers, is stepping away from the world of rusty treasures and vintage finds — at least for a while. After 15 years of being on the road for the hit History Channel show, Wolfe is hitting pause and trying something completely different: acting in a Hollywood movie.
A New Chapter for the Picker Star
For the first time in over a decade, Mike Wolfe is taking a break from American Pickers, the show that made him a household name. This break comes just months after the sad passing of his longtime co-host and friend, Frank Fritz, who died in September 2024. It seems the loss may have played a role in Wolfe’s decision to take some time off.
But instead of just resting, Wolfe is using this break to explore something new.
Hollywood Debut in Day of Reckoning
Wolfe has made his big screen debut in the action thriller Day of Reckoning. The movie stars Billy Zane, Zach Roerig, and Wolfe’s real-life partner, Leticia Cline. The story follows a troubled sheriff and a tough U.S. Marshal as they try to transport a female outlaw — and of course, things don’t go as planned.
Wolfe plays a supporting role as a character named Mark. Even though he doesn’t have many lines, the experience was a big one for him. In an interview, he said he was nervous at first and unsure if he could do it. But thanks to encouragement from the cast and crew, especially actor Billy Zane, he felt more confident on set.
Pushed Into Acting by a Friend
The person behind this unexpected move into acting was director Shaun Silva, who is also a close friend of Wolfe. Knowing Wolfe’s love for motorcycles and adventure, Silva invited him to be part of the project — and Wolfe couldn’t say no.
One of the most memorable moments for Wolfe was when Billy Zane helped calm his nerves before a scene. Zane asked him to run through his lines together, which really helped settle Wolfe down. “When does that happen in life?” Wolfe said, clearly grateful for the support.
Saying Yes to New Experiences
Now 60 years old, Wolfe says he’s trying to say “yes” to more things in life. Although he doesn’t know if more acting is in his future, he’s definitely open to it. Whether it’s a new show, a scripted project, or something completely unexpected, Wolfe is ready to explore new paths.
He said, “You want to do another show? I’m doing another show. You want me to be in a scripted project? I’m doing it.” His excitement shows that he’s not done yet — just moving in a new direction.
History’s Greatest Picks: A New Show on the Horizon
Even though American Pickers is on a break, Mike Wolfe won’t be off TV for long. His next project is called History’s Greatest Picks. This new show will still involve cool discoveries, but it will focus more on the story behind rare and meaningful items from the past.
The show will air on the History Channel and will explore objects with deep cultural, financial, and historical value. It’s a fresh take on what Wolfe does best — finding the hidden value in things that most people overlook.