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Thread started 08/30/19 8:27pm

OldFriends4Sal
e

R.I.P. Franco Columbo

Franco-Columbu-770x400.jpg

Strongman and actor Franco Columbu dead at 78

Two-time Mr. Olympia champ and actor Franco Columbu has died at the age of 78.

The Italian-born bodybuilder died Friday while swimming off the coast of his native Sardinia, according to reports in Italian media outlets.

La Nuova reported that Columbu drowned Friday afternoon while swimming at the Sardinian beach town of San Teodoro; he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The muscleman, according to his website, set weightlifting records in three categories — bench press (525 pounds), deadlift (750 pounds) and squat (655 pounds). He also secured a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records by bursting a hot water bottle in 55 seconds, solely by sheer lung power.

Before Columbu was inducted into the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness Hall of Fame in 2001, he appeared in Hollywood blockbusters “Conan the Barbarian,” “The Terminator” and “The Running Man,” all of which starred his longtime pal Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Reply #1 posted 08/30/19 8:32pm

OldFriends4Sal
e

Arnold Schwarzenegger Says He's 'Devastated' Over Franco Columbu's Death

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.

Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger are posing for a picture

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Reply #2 posted 08/30/19 8:40pm

OldFriends4Sal
e

Image result for franco columbu terminator gif

Image result for franco columbu terminator gif

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Reply #3 posted 08/31/19 6:31am

2freaky4church
1

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[Snip - luv4u]

All you others say Hell Yea!! woot!
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Reply #4 posted 08/31/19 10:17am

OldFriends4Sal
e

2freaky4church1 said:

[Snip - luv4u]

It wasn't steroids. The man was pushing 80. It is stereotyping, when someone seems someone muscular, that they say steroids is the reason. Franco, was out of the bodybuilding scene for a long time and healthy. He died as the result of a heart attack while swimming and almost drowned.

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Reply #5 posted 09/01/19 7:52am

KoolEaze

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I first read about this on Arnold´s FB page and felt sad for Arnold. His words are very touching and honest and I´ve always admired their friendship and how Arnold kind of helped kickstart Franco´s career in the USA. Both were people I looked up to as a kid, both were very inspirational and motivating.

May he rest in peace.

" I´d rather be a stank ass hoe because I´m not stupid. Oh my goodness! I got more drugs! I´m always funny dude...I´m hilarious! Are we gonna smoke?"
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Reply #6 posted 09/01/19 7:53am

KoolEaze

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2freaky4church1 said:

[Snip - luv4u]

Show some fucking respect dude.

You don´t know shit about steroids OR Franco Columbo.

What´s the point of your remark?

" I´d rather be a stank ass hoe because I´m not stupid. Oh my goodness! I got more drugs! I´m always funny dude...I´m hilarious! Are we gonna smoke?"
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Reply #7 posted 09/01/19 11:12am

RodeoSchro

sad

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Reply #8 posted 09/01/19 11:40am

KoolEaze

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RodeoSchro said:

sad

Exactly how I feel about this.

Arnold is very sad and devastated, and understandably so.

Have you seen his FB post on this? Very touching.

sad

" I´d rather be a stank ass hoe because I´m not stupid. Oh my goodness! I got more drugs! I´m always funny dude...I´m hilarious! Are we gonna smoke?"
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Reply #9 posted 09/10/19 10:07pm

JoeyC

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RIP, Franco. Besides Arnold, Sergio Oliva, Tom Platz, Lee Haney, Lou Ferrigno, Craig Munson(look him up) and a few others, Franco was one of my favorite Bodybuilders. rose

Rest in Peace Bettie Boo. See u soon.
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