Actor, Bodybuilder and Arnold’s Best Man, Franco Columbu dies at 78!

“I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend.” This is how the heart-broken Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted upon knowing that his long-time best friend passed away today.

The veteran bodybuilder is a popular TV series actor and appeared in many arnie’s movie.

Columbu died in a hospital in his native Sardinia on Friday afternoon after being taken ill while he was swimming in the sea.

I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend. https://t.co/X3GhZKlgAd

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2019

After starting his career as a boxer, Columbu progressed into Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and later bodybuilding, winning the prestigious title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981.

Besides his athletic career, Columbu also acted in popular TV series and movies. He appeared in Schwarzenegger’s films The Terminator, The Running Man and Conan the Barbarian.

Columbu was Schwarzenegger’s best man at his marriage to Maria Shriver in 1986.

Rest in Peace, Franco. You’re a great admiration to many!