Franco Columbu

Franco Columbu (August 7, 1941 – August 30, 2019) was an Italian-American bodybuilder, actor, and author. He won two Mr. Olympia titles and had a successful acting career. Columbu was born in Ollolai, Sardinia, Italy, where he grew up in poverty alongside his eight brothers and sisters. At the age of 13, Columbu left home to pursue a career in bodybuilding. He moved to Germany and then to the United States, where he met Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two formed a close friendship and Columbu became Schwarzenegger’s mentor.

Columbu won the Mr. Universe title in 1976 and 1977, and the Mr. Olympia title in 1976 and 1981. He was also a two-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man competition. Columbu also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “The Terminator”, “Stay Hungry”, and “Conan the Barbarian”. He also appeared in the television show “The King of Queens”.

Columbu was an author as well, writing books such as “The Franco Columbu Diet and Fitness Program” and “The New Bodybuilding for Old-School Results”. He also co-authored the book “The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding” with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Columbu was an advocate for health and fitness. He was an ambassador for the International Sports Hall of Fame and was an ambassador for the International Federation of Bodybuilding. He was also the founder of the Franco Columbu Foundation which provides health and fitness resources to underprivileged children.

Columbu was married to his wife, Oanh, for over 48 years. The two had two children, Joseph and Maria. Columbu passed away on August 30, 2019 at the age of 78 due to a drowning accident in Italy. He will be remembered as an inspirational bodybuilder, actor, and author who had a lasting impact on the fitness community.