Arnold Schwarzenegger pays passionate tribute to Franco Columbo, his best friend with whom he co-starred in numerous films.

Franco, a bodybuilder and actor from Italy, was one of Arnold’s closest friends.

Arnold and Franco collaborated on various projects, including Terminator. They also worked out and exercised together in Italy and the United States.

During this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are with Franco’s family and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He believes that his “fellow bodybuilder” and “partner in crime,” who died at the age of 78, made his life “more complete.”

Franco Columbu, an Italian actor and bodybuilder, passed away at the age of 78. Arnold Schwarzenegger described him as his “best buddy” in a moving tribute on social media.

Schwarzenegger and Columbu, a two-time Mr. Olympia, co-starred in movies like The Terminator, The Running Man, and Conan the Barbarian.

He took unwell while swimming in the sea, according to the Associated Press, and died in a hospital in his native Sardinia.

On Instagram, the 72-year-old Hollywood star paid tribute to his Italian companion, posting images of the two at various points in their lives.

The former governor of California and actor said Columbu made his life “happier, more colorful, and richer” in an emotional ode posted on Instagram.

“But, I’m thankful for our 54 years of friendship and happiness.”

“From the day we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime,” Schwarzenegger wrote of Columbu.

“I knew I wouldn’t be the same without my best friend, so I invited Joe Weider to accompany me to training.”

“I couldn’t live without money or my parents, but I couldn’t live without you.”

To make ends meet, Columbu and Schwarzenegger launched European Brick Works in 1969, according to an interviewer who spoke with him.

That was allegedly prior to the candidate obtaining a legal work visa, which Schwarzenegger denied.

In a statement, he expressed gratitude for their partnership and the “54 years of joy we enjoyed,” while also expressing grief for Columbu’s death.

“Everything, including the pumps, chess matches, construction labor, lunches, practical jokes, and life lessons,” he wrote.

“Through learning and loving together, we grew.”

Maria, Columbu’s daughter, and Debbie, his wife, are his only heirs.