Franco Columbu, an Italian bodybuilder and actor, died in August 2019 at the age of 78. Columbu, a two-time Mr Olympia, co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, The Running Man, and Conan the Barbarian. He died in a hospital in his native Sardinia two years ago after becoming ill while swimming in the sea.
At the time of his death, the former California Governor posted a heartfelt tribute to Franco on Instagram, saying his life was “more fun, more colourful, and more complete” because of him.
“You were my partner in crime from the moment we met in Munich. “We pushed each other, competed with each other, and laughed at every turn,” Arnold wrote at the time. “When I arrived in America, I was alone. I’d abandoned my family, my country, and my entire life. So I asked Joe Weider to bring you to training because I knew I wouldn’t be the same without my best friend. I could live without money and without my parents, but not without you.”
“I am devastated today,” he continued. But I’m also grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we had together. We did everything together: the pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons. We grew, learned, and had fun. Because of you, my life was more enjoyable, colourful, and complete.”
Schwarzenegger
“Franco would have been 80 today,” the actress wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the two when they were younger. “He was my best friend, training partner, and chess partner. “I miss him terribly.”
While Franco isn’t present to celebrate Arnold’s 80th birthday, it’s clear how much of an impression he left on his friend, which will stay with him for the rest of his life.
“I will always miss you,” Schwarzenegger wrote in 2019, “But I’ll also know that a part of you lives on in me, in Debbie, in Maria, and in the millions of people you inspired every day you lived. And I’ll be there for Maria and Debbie, so you can rest easy now.”