Arnold Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to his "best friend", co-star and training partner Franco Columbu, who has died while swimming on holiday in his native Italy.
Seventy-eight-year-old former Mr Olympia and Mr Universe Columbu drowned off the coast of Sardinia having taken ill while swimming.
He and Schwarzenegger had been friends for over 50 years and starred together in The Running Man, The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian.
In a heartfelt tribute to Columbu on Instagram, Schwarzenegger wrote: "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.
"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.
"When I finally got to America, I was alone. I'd left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked [bodybuilder] Joe Weider 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.
"I am devastated today. But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared. The pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons - we did it all together. We grew and we learned and we loved. 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 [Columbu's wife] Debbie, in [daughter] Maria, and in the millions of people you inspired every day you lived. And I will be there for Maria and Debbie, so you can rest now with no worries.
"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."
Columbu was best man at Schwarzenegger's wedding to former wife Maria Shriver in 1986.
Shriver also paid tribute to her late friend, writing on Instagram: "Franco was Arnold's best friend. I loved the friendship they had. It was the real thing, and it stood the test of time. It was funny, kind, honest, and loving. They shared a love of hard work, chess, bodybuilding, and family.
"Franco was family. Franco was also a great friend to me and all our children. He was always loving, always supportive, and encouraging to the very end. A friend for more than 40 years, I'm so glad I recently had the chance to dance with him and to tell him how much I loved him. Never miss the chance to tell someone what they mean to you!
"Franco was also our daughter Christina's godfather. He never missed a birthday, and he always showed up for her. My heart goes out to Debbie and Maria. God bless you, Franco.
"I'm going to toast you tonight with a glass of your homemade wine!"
