Arnold Schwarzenegger Says He's 'Devastated' Over Franco Columbu's Death
By Whitney Vasquez on August 30, 2019 at 9:54 AM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger is mourning the loss of his best friend and saying goodbye in a tearful tribute.
The actor poured his heart out sharing with fans the special bond he had with former Mr. Olympia, Franco Columbu, on Friday.
Columbu was a longtime friend of Schwarzenegger's and they even appeared together in the bodybuilding classic documentary, "Pumping Iron," back in 1977.
"You’ve heard me say that I don’t like when people call me a self-made man. You’ve even heard me say that you’re part of the reason I could never accept that label," he started the tribute.
"But I wanted you to know why. From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way."
Sharing a collection of photos from their adventures over the years, Schwarzenegger says he thrived best with Franco by his side.
"When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend," he wrote.
"I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you."
The former California governor says he's "devastated" over the news of his passing, but "so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared."
Remembering everything from chess games, meals and life lessons, Schwarzenegger said, "we did it all together."
Adding, "My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you."
"I will always miss you. 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," he continued.
Schwarzenegger also promised he'll be there for Franco's family.
"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," the actor ended his post.
He was 78 years old.
R.I.P.
