Arnold Schwarzenegger, an iconic former professional bodybuilder turned actor, did a training special for Men’s Health recently. The health and fitness publication released the video on May 24, 2023, on YouTube.
Schwarzenegger, detailing his life, revealed that his bodybuilding endeavor has given him the stardom he enjoys. Talking about his diet and films, the actor got to the part that had him reminisce about his workout partner – the late Franco Columbu.
Columbu, who lost his life in a swimming accident in 2019, was one of Schwarzenegger’s oldest friends, according to The Guardian. The two met in Germany in the 1960s and later embarked on a bodybuilding career together.
They also won the prestigious Mr. Olympia contest with Schwarzenegger winning it six times in a row from 1970 to 1975, once in 1980; and Columbu, in 1976 and 1981, as per their career timeline.
Arnold Schwarzenegger And Franco Columbu’s History
Schwarzenegger and Columbu had 54 long years of togetherness, noted The Guardian. Moving to the United States, the actor had no major connections, but he could always count on his “partner in crime,” as he put it, for just about everything.
Columbu and Schwarzenegger even formed a bricklaying company to earn their daily bread – European Brick Works, it was called. The latter said –
“I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider [Canadian bodybuilder] to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.”
Now ex-wife, Maria Shriver, got hitched to Schwarzenegger in ‘86 and Columbu happened to be the best man at their wedding. Their friendship “stood the test of time,” said Shriver.
The Terminator Brought Up Franco Columbu’s Height
Later in the Men’s Health special, we saw Arnold Schwarzenegger introducing his short-height friend – Douglas Farrell; he is an incredibly talented stuntman, swordsman, and lifter, noted the 76-year-old actor.
Schwarzenegger revealed that Farrell was his training partner and that his height reminded him of Columbu’s height. He said –
“He’s one of my training partners. So, when I miss Franco, I need another short person.” Farrell laughed in the background. “Franco was 5’2.. 5’3,” Schwarzenegger recalled. “I’m 4’5.. 4’6,” said Farrell.
A couple of weeks ago, he posted a video of him and Franco Columbu on Instagram taking ballet lessons. Take a look —
View this post on Instagram
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Netflix original – Fubar has been a hit and Digital Spy reported in July that the second season is on its way.
Source: Men’s Health, The Guardian
