Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Italian Bodybuilder, Actor Columbu Dies at 78 Associated Press ROME - Italian bodybuilder, boxer and actor Franco Columbu, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's closest friends, has died at age78. Columbu died in a hospital in his native Sardinia on Friday afternoon after becomingill while he was swimming in the sea. His longtime friend Schwarzenegger tweeted: 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. [1]https://t.co/X3GhZKlgAd -- Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) [2]August 30, 2019 After starting his career as a boxer, Columbu progressed into Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and later bodybuilding, winning the prestigious title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981. Besides his athletic career, Columbu also acted in popular TV series and movies. He appeared in Schwarzenegger's films The Terminator, The Running Manand Conan the Barbarian. Columbu was Schwarzenegger's best man at his marriage to Maria Shriver in 1986. References 1. https://t.co/X3GhZKlgAd 2. https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1167490345866649601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw .