A true friend is one who always stays by your side. For Arnold Schwarzenegger, there was no one who embodied this sentiment more than Franco Columbu. Their friendship endured for over five decades, starting from their beginnings in Europe and culminating in their rise to stardom in Hollywood. They were not just training partners; they were like brothers. However, every good thing eventually comes to an end. 

In 2019, Schwarzenegger had to bid farewell to his companion as Columbu passed away at the age of 78. In remembrance, the Austrian just released a video tribute to his late comrade on his birth anniversary.

Franco Columbu was a training partner, co-star, and a true friend

In a video released on Twitter, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares a flashback of his life with Franco Columbu. It highlighted achievements and the level of friendship that the duo shared. The FUBAR star also included a clip from his 2020 speech where he dedicated a trophy at one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world to Franco Columbu.

Schwarzenegger and Columbu were not just friends, but they also frequently worked together in both movies and bodybuilding competitions. They shared the screen in several of Schwarzenegger’s popular films, including The Terminator, The Running Man, and Conan the Barbarian. In these movies, Columbu often took on roles or served as a stunt double for Schwarzenegger. 

Apart from their acting careers, Schwarzenegger and Columbu also competed side by side in numerous bodybuilding contests, especially the highly esteemed Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions. Both of them kick-started their bodybuilding journeys in Europe, where they achieved victories at regional and national championships. Soon after, the friends made their way to America to train under the guidance of Joe Weider.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, they dominated the bodybuilding scene by amassing a collection of awards and recognition. Schwarzenegger secured seven titles at Mr. Olympia while Columbus claimed victory twice. They each claimed four Mr. Universe titles well. Their captivating rivalry and enduring friendship, during the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest, were showcased in the documentary film Pumping Iron.

Columbu is not the only one the 76-year-old legend remembers; he keeps a check on all of his friends and co-stars as well.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a friend of friends who will always stay by your side

Schwarzenegger remembers all of his friends and people who have helped him grow. The actor had recently shared a heartwarming tribute to another long-time friend and The Expendables co-star, Bruce Willis. The latter was diagnosed with a rare medical condition of frontotemporal dementia. Following the news coming out, the bodybuilding legend hailed Willis as one of the best human beings he has ever met and thanked him for his contributions to cinema.

Similarly, on many occasions, Schwarzenegger has shown support for his friends and former co-stars, constantly being their cheerleader. Another example of this is how he paid tribute to his True Lies co-star Jamie Lee Curtis at her hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre last year.

What do you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger lending out a heartfelt tribute to Franco Columbu? Let us know in the comments below.