Franco Columbu death: Italian bodybuilder and regular Arnold Schwarzenegger co-star dies, aged 78
The Austrian actor paid emotional tribute to his 'best friend'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Franco Columbu, the Italian bodybuilder, actor and close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, has died aged 78.
The star died in hospital after being taken ill during a swim in the sea near his home of Sardinia.
Columbu appeared alongside Schwarzenegger in classic films The Terminator, Conan the Barbarian and The Running Man.
Schwarzenegger paid tribute to his friend on Twitter.
He wrote: “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.”
As well as enjoying a successful athletic career, in which he won Mr Olympia in 1976 and 1981, Columbu appeared in several TV shows and films, including The Streets of San Francisco and Tales from the Crypt.
In 1986, Columbu was Schwarzenegger’s best man at his wedding to Maria Shriver.
Schwarzenegger will next be seen reprising one of his most famous roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, which will be released in the UK on 23 October.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments