Arnold Schwarzenegger has paid touching homage to Franco Columbo, a close friend, and partner who died at the age of 78.
They collaborated on multiple films, including the classic ‘Terminator,’ and were even known to exercise and work together in Italy and the United States. Arnold went so far as to declare that Franco’s presence made his life “more complete,” demonstrating the closeness of their connection.
Arnold’s thoughts are with Franco’s family during this terrible time. He hopes that such an outpouring of love for Franco will bring them some solace during these difficult times.
Franco Columbu, the famed Italian bodybuilder and actor, passed away at 78. Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a touching homage to his best buddy on social media, expressing his loss and sorrow at losing such an influential character.
Columbu was known for his remarkable physique and appeared in films such as ‘Stay Hungry’ with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Over his career, he received numerous prizes, including Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981.
Columbu also wrote several books on sports medicine, nutrition, and training, many of which are still utilized by athletes today. Those who knew him personally and those whose lives he touched via his inspiring work are devastated by his death.
Franco Columbu, the Italian bodybuilder and actor, passed away at 78 on Friday afternoon. He was swimming in the ocean when he fell ill and was taken to a hospital in his native Sardinia.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, his longtime friend and colleague tweeted a touching tribute to him on social media in response to the news.
Columbu and Schwarzenegger collaborated on The Terminator, The Running Man, and Conan the Barbarian, forming a friendship that lasted decades. The 72-year-old Hollywood icon shared images of their connection across the years as part of his parting tribute to Columbia – referring to him as “my best pal.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu’s legendary relationship lasted more than a half-century. It all started in Munich when Schwarzenegger asked his instructor, Joe Weider, to invite Columbu along for training. Since then, the two have been inseparable, and their excursions have been filled with joy and laughter.
Schwarzenegger was grieved by his best buddy’s demise, adding that he was “not the same without my closest friend.” On Instagram, he paid tribute to Columbu with a heartfelt poem expressing thanks for the 54 years of companionship that enriched their lives.
Franco Columbu, who had a long connection with Arnold Schwarzenegger, was Schwarzenegger’s best man when he married Maria Shriver in 1986 and served as godfather to the couple’s daughter Christina.
Maria recently expressed her gratitude to Columbu, referring to him as “family” and stating that their friendship was “the genuine deal” and had endured the test of time.
She was happy to have been able to dance with him and tell him how much she loved him. Shriver described Columbu as caring, encouraging, and supporting until the end.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu had a longtime friendship that could withstand adversity. To make ends meet, the two men established European Brick Works in 1969, but this venture raised suspicions about whether the pair had been working illegally before getting a valid work permit.
In his statement, Schwarzenegger expressed deep grief for Columbu’s death, thanking him for 54 years of happiness and the good memories they shared, such as lifting weights and playing chess.
He also mentioned how Columbu left only two survivors—his daughter Maria and his wife Debbie—and how much he will miss his lifetime buddy.
Furthermore, the former Governor of California stated unequivocally that he would never forget the joy Franco brought into his life, as well as the wisdom and continual twinkle in his eye.
