Won the title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981

A long time friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco has appeared in many shows and films throughout his long career, and there are plenty of references to his name being spelt both Columbu and Columbo.

It can't have gone unnoticed that there was also an incredibly famous TV detective called Columbo seemingly always on TV during this time too. Could this be a simple case of conflation in the public mind of the similar-sounding surnames? Hardcore Columbo fans also know a secret - the detectives first name just happened to be Frank...

Starred in many movies

Columbu is Sardinian, where names ending in  -"u" are common. He was originally a boxer. He's also been in many movies, including The Terminator, The Running Man and Conan the Barbarian with his friend Arnold Schwarzenegger. He authored several books on nutrition and bodybuilding. He was best man at Schwarzenegger's wedding and godfather to his child. He sadly died after having a hearth attack whilst swimming at the age of 78.

Many internet references to him back in his bodybuilding days do refer to him as Columbo.