True champion strong as hell for his size . First book I ever read on Body buliding was his . He could of flew with the back he had . Franko book was from I remember lift hard keep positive attitude keep a real good diet veggies fruit . Even talked about steriods oral Injectables do not take. Nothing by passes the liver . Well I'm sure he probably did some I dont think he liked the use of them very much. Did not condone . RIP Franco heaven has a true legend, mr Olympia
You all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me.
I am 62 and the first time I saw him was in NY at a IFBB contest. I was never impressed with his pictures as I always thought his arms looked small but I was blown away when I saw him on stage. The amount of thickness he carried and muscle density was mind blowing. Of course we all waited for Arnold to come out but when I look back, Franco was the more complete bodybuilder. May he rest in peace and condolences to you and his family.
@Daryl Strawberry I saw him in 73 and 74. He was huge and cut when I saw him. In my teenage mind there was no one better.I also saw Sergio Oliva who was competing in the Lurie shows which were also held in NY. He too was unbelievable for the time. Easily as big as Arnold but not as cut. If I remember correctly the 73 Olympia was held in Brooklyn whereas the 74 was held at MSG. All the Lurie shows were held at Hunter College in Manhattan. They were great times and you waited a year for these shows and they were worth the wait. I no longer care to go to the shows though I still workout hard. They were great and exciting times.
@Daryl Strawberry I will direct you to a book written by Dick Tyler, West Coast Bodybuilding Scene. When I was a kid he wrote for the Welder magazines. His articles were what most of us read first. He had a way of conveying an excitement of what was then the Santa Monica bb scene. I believe you would enjoy the book. To me it brought back many memories of a simpler time and one of the many reasons many of us preferred the Welder magazines over the Hoffman, even though the Hoffman magazines had better information.
Olegario Martinez An old bodybuilding friend of mine who is also my dermatologist (we call him Doc) pointed out the blueprint for perfection is based on the circle of man by DaVinchi (I forgot who did it actually). The torso is three head lengths, the legs are five, so on and so forth. There is an age old formula for the perfect physique.
@@deathcommando1 I was an art major in college so I am very familiar with the proportions you speak of. I was taught that the perfect body was 7 heads tall.
Dear Ric, I didn't know you but I knew Franco. I was 17 in the late 90s an he inspired me to do something about myself, I was very skinny, computer geek but always fascinated with Conan, Terminator or Predator movies. Once I got to highschool in my little town in Poland i ment some firends and we all went to gym and it all started. I begand to do my research and I found you, the golden age of bodybuiding, I found Franco who was noboday like me from a country in Europe but he inspired me so much, he was just a little shorter than me and he got mr olympia....I still workout, i am no close to a bodybuilder but I really think you guys like Zane Franco and Arnold were my mentors and fathers in this sport, I than you for that sinceryly. All the best.
A friend and fellow chiropractic student and I were visiting LA in 1985. We decided to drop in unexpectedly to see Franco at his clinic. He took us on a tour of his clinic and could not have been more gracious to two total strangers. I've never forgotten that and never will.
Ron Love and in francos case everyone in bodybuilding I have truely never seen so much tributing posts to anyone who died in the bodybuilding industry Hard warming to say the least
I knew that when I read “tribute” to Franco it was not going to be good news, May God Bless him and his family. For what it’s worth, at least he got to live his life the way that he wanted to; how many people can say that!
I thank God that I had the distinction of meeting him and Arnold at NY's Mid City Gym back in the 70's.It was a wonderful experience standing along side these great magnificent Icons.I have no words to express my sorrow for this terrible tragedy. I know Arnold must be devastated,they were like brothers. RIP . Franco.You will never be forgotten.
Sad day. We lost a legendary bodybuilder today. I met Franco in 1977 at the Mr. Olympia Contest, he was a very nice man. Condolences to his family members and loved ones.
Rest in Peace Franco! I read about him in my Pumping Iron book. He would forever be remembered. Thank you Rick for always telling us stories from the Golden Age of bodybuilding.
The very first bodybuilding book I had to work for and save my money to buy was Franco Colombo's Winning Bodybuilding in 1977 when I was 15-years old, Franco was such an inspiration and role model for all us young guys in the 70's in our gym. Wow what a shock, it's like someone in my own family has passed because Franco meant so much to all of us in the powerlifting & bodybuilding world. Thank you Ric for having Franco on your show so we can go back and still have him in our lives, Franco you are surly a hero to me and so many others.
You'e right Ric. You almost have to count your blessings nowadays. Even at 29 I've lost so many friends to freak accidents, its never natural causes. The world is cruel and strange. Its hard to think about. Bless up Ric have a good one bud. Keep feeding us you energy. We need it.
My childhood hero 😱😭 I loved putting on my dads VHS of pumping iron just to watch Franco blow up the hot water bottle and lift that car in Italy. A legend in the truest sense. 🙏 Rest in power 🙏
R.I.P Franco. His appearance in Pumping Iron in 1977 is what got me into weightlifting, the seen where he’s laughing while benching 315 for 10 or so reps is amazing! I’m 55 now and still go to the gym 3 times a week. I can still get 315 up but not for reps! Lol! Thank you Franco for the motivation and memories! We have no more bodybuilders like this! He was the best! Rest peacefully my brother in Iron! You deserve it!
He was maybe the last of the old time "strongmen." The water bottle, the lifting of cars and other everyday objects. The bending of bars and other strongman stunts we grew up with. I'm 68 and I remember when those stunts were popular, tearing a phone book or a deck of cards- that sort of thing. Do you remember when Franco was injured while competing in the World's Strongest Man Competition. I can't remember the exact details, but I think it was a refrigerator race and one of the television cables was in his path. Caused him to be injured. He recovered fully and stayed as strong as ten men.
I remember very well that Strongman episode! I was watching it! Believe I was about 14 or 15 at the time, as I recall “Big Lou” crosses over into Franco’s lane on this track they were running on with 400 lb refrigerators on there backs! Big Lou bumped into Franco and down he went with the ref on his back breaking his left leg in two places.
Lou is a hell of a nice guy too. I know him a little too. I told him that I get my best results now at this age (him and me are the same age) doing 5x5's, full body, three days per week. About 2 hour workout because I train at home and have to change plates - takes time. He gave me the thumbs up and said that sounded like a good regimen.
Flint Long Awesome! Lou always seemed like a great guy! Never the ego most had, the only one I’ve ever met from the “Golden Era” is Dave Draper, met him at a book signing here in Hollywood. Very down to earth very humble. He’s actually my favorite from that era, even though Joe Weider screwed him over but that’s another topic. Great you still work out! I plan to till I just can’t anymore. My father who I lost in 2017 worked out till his mid 80”s. I plan “God willing” to do the same.
Hey Dave, very cool. I occasionally exchange emails with Dave and Laree, but we've never met in person. The way I got to be friends with the Weiders is that I used to perform in Las Vegas, piano and comedy in the lounges. They became my fans and then friends. When Joe realized I was into it, it went to a whole new level. I've heard and read all the stories about Joe and his dealings, but with me he was very generous and straight up. I still train regularly, but I'm sorry to say it's really hard to keep my midsection up to snuff. My diet is still pretty clean. I handle lighter weights now and go for form. But trust me, you can still get good results with moderate weight 5x5's at 68 years old. I still move pianos around and lift heavy objects for my wife etc. Stuff other men my age can't do! haha! Dave is one of my favorites from that era too. I knew Boyer Coe pretty well at one time. He trains on machines a lot now in his early seventies. I've been natural 90 per cent of the time. Most of them really are humble. So are we, eh? Do you visit Leroy Colbert's youtube videos? They are sensational. You're familiar with him, right?
Oh Ric, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news - Sending my love from the UK from the city of Leeds to you guys - Sad to see the loss of a legend in Franco- We have lost him way too soon. RIP
So sorry for your loss Ric. That was a wonderful video. I think all of us in the bodybuilding community are still in shock. I'm like you, I thought Franco would live to 100. RIP Franco!
Very sad news about Franco. I loaned my copy of “Coming on Strong” to a guy 8 years ago and he never returned it to me. Now Franco is gone - and my book is gone too 😢
I never go swimming by myself I've almost drowned twice and I've learned my lesson. swimming is like weightlifting you need a spotter in case you drop the weights in your self. Swimming you need a lifeguard or somebody watching you in case you need help if you're drowning safety first.
What wonderful stories, thank you for sharing them. Very few people have known Franco for as long as you have and he sounds like a wonderful man. My deepest condolences.
Words fail at times like these. Ric thank you for your tribute to Franco I didn’t know him but can tell by your kind words how amazing of a person he was. I’m so sorry for Franco, his family and his dear friends like yourself. I can tell that even though you and Franco may have lost touch for a while as many friendships do, you were able to rekindle the friendship you both had and didn’t miss a beat. God bless Franco and yourself as well Ric. Please take care of yourself right now and surround yourself with loved ones my friend.
In the 80's, we did a column together called, "Body by Franco", for IronMan Magazine. He was a man who knew how to enjoy life. I have nothing but good memories of him.
Hey Tina big fan! Just wanted to say hello! Long live Franco. Incredible bodybuilder and, I'm sure, to people like you who knew him, an incredible friend. Take care and stay healthy.
@@JOECANDELA22 Hey, so nice of you to chime in! Franco & I had a lot of fun, and those memories make me smile. Thank you for your comment. Be well, my friend.
@@tinaplakingertreadingonserpent Thanks for your response. By the way I forgot to mention, I recently read Tony Pearson's autobiography "Driven". Amazing! Never knew what this guy went through. He even mentions when both of you posed together in a couples competition back in the day. Take care!
Sorry for your loss Rick. I grew working out in late 70’s - presently. I look thru every muscle mag growing up and idolizing all of you guys especially Franco, my friends called me Franco growing up. Rip 🙏🏻 so sad
Extremely sad to hear this yesterday! This was one of the saddest ones yet, although all of them are missed in their own right, Franco was one of my original bodybuilding icons and a great representative of the sport!
My prayers to the Family, I'm 65 and have followed hi career since 1969, even got to see him in person in NY back in 1971 or 1972. Rest peace my friend
A group of us drove to Columbus to see Franco and Arnold in the 70s.We met Franco and he was a real gentleman.Looked us all in the eye and shook our hands. This is terribly sad. thank u Ric
OMG I couldn’t believe it had to rewind it and listen if I heard that right. Geez that’s so sad. I remember Francisco and Arnold in all the muscle mags when I was a kid. R,I.P Franco!
Rick, thank you for the memories you share. It is heartbreaking that my childhood heroes are passing away. It crushes me. Keep sharing your memories of Golden Era, it is important for all of us. Best to you, Rick. - Zach
Fitting Tribute Ric. Your heartfelt words comes through , We can feel your pain . One photo you publish was from a book I have called"The Businessman's Minutes A Day Guide to Shaping Up",by Dr. Franco Columbo.This book contained many great topics along with a Chapter on Sports Training Programs, programs for Arm Wrestling, Backpacking, Dancing, Baseball, Football, Basketball, etc. . Franco was an icon. He will be missed, Good job Ric!
Very sorry for him, his family and friends and that you have to go thru pain as we11. Actually Valerie Harper and Franco both kind of part of that 70's era. We a11 keep getting older and things we never expect to happen do. Sad, but am happy they were here in the first place.
So sorry for the loss of your friend. He inspired me along with the other guys in Pumping Iron to work out. Even more so these past few years seeing him pop up on you tube videos. Always smiling, it just put you in a good mood seeing him. He’ll be missed.
Thank you for the tribute and sharing Ric. Franco was an inspiration to me as a young teenager in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He continued to inspire through the years with his energy and vibrancy for life. The world has lost an absolute treasure, RIP Franco Columbu.
My heart aches, Ric, for you, Arnold, all his family and friends. I love the stories from the 70's and Franco, of course, was a huge part of The Golden Era. Makes me wish I could turn back time for you guys, just for a little while. RIP Franco.😢
Thank you Ric, I had read that on IG and it was mentioned that he die at sea. But didn’t say how . It’s a tragedy how good people are taken away from us way to early. I am saddened but will always have memories of him and will never be forgotten! R.I.P. my friend 😔😥🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lovely remembrance tribute for Franco! Condolences to the Columbu family and friends. So glad you were able to have Franco interviewed on your show Ric, yet it's saddening and shocking news to hear this. God Bless!
I had the pleasure visiting and staying at Franco and Debbie’s home with my friend, in the 90’s, I had a cup of espresso for the first time at his home, drank some of his home made wine and heard him tell funny stores as we ate. Maria was not born yet and I was a young fitness trainer at the time. Never forget the time and the rusting old gym equipment in his back yard, and the tangerine trees. Such a generous host, and person.
Nice tribute. Thanks for sharing. Franco started inspiring me in the 80's and still does today. Always will. A true gentleman. There wasn't a mean bone in his body as far as I can tell. And I have to say, What a body he had!! Excellent proportions.
Rest in peace Franco! The bodybuilding community will miss you.
Wrong Arnold will miss his only best friend
True champion strong as hell for his size . First book I ever read on Body buliding was his . He could of flew with the back he had . Franko book was from I remember lift hard keep positive attitude keep a real good diet veggies fruit . Even talked about steriods oral Injectables do not take. Nothing by passes the liver . Well I'm sure he probably did some I dont think he liked the use of them very much. Did not condone . RIP Franco heaven has a true legend, mr Olympia
You all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I somehow lost my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me.
God bless you Franco...Sardinian/Italian proud 🙏🏻
RIP to both Franco and Ric. It is so ironic, 1 year after this video, we hear the passing of Ric as well. :( Condolences to Ric Drasin's family.
Feels like a family member dying great loss for bodybuilding Rick my condolences for losing a good friend
I am 62 and the first time I saw him was in NY at a IFBB contest. I was never impressed with his pictures as I always thought his arms looked small but I was blown away when I saw him on stage. The amount of thickness he carried and muscle density was mind blowing. Of course we all waited for Arnold to come out but when I look back, Franco was the more complete bodybuilder. May he rest in peace and condolences to you and his family.
@Daryl Strawberry I saw him in 73 and 74. He was huge and cut when I saw him. In my teenage mind there was no one better.I also saw Sergio Oliva who was competing in the Lurie shows which were also held in NY. He too was unbelievable for the time. Easily as big as Arnold but not as cut. If I remember correctly the 73 Olympia was held in Brooklyn whereas the 74 was held at MSG. All the Lurie shows were held at Hunter College in Manhattan. They were great times and you waited a year for these shows and they were worth the wait. I no longer care to go to the shows though I still workout hard. They were great and exciting times.
@Daryl Strawberry I will direct you to a book written by Dick Tyler, West Coast Bodybuilding Scene. When I was a kid he wrote for the Welder magazines. His articles were what most of us read first. He had a way of conveying an excitement of what was then the Santa Monica bb scene. I believe you would enjoy the book. To me it brought back many memories of a simpler time and one of the many reasons many of us preferred the Welder magazines over the Hoffman, even though the Hoffman magazines had better information.
Olegario Martinez An old bodybuilding friend of mine who is also my dermatologist (we call him Doc) pointed out the blueprint for perfection is based on the circle of man by DaVinchi (I forgot who did it actually). The torso is three head lengths, the legs are five, so on and so forth. There is an age old formula for the perfect physique.
@@deathcommando1 I was an art major in college so I am very familiar with the proportions you speak of. I was taught that the perfect body was 7 heads tall.
@@olegariomartinez6807 Just imagine Franco 3 or 4" taller with the same proportions
Dear Ric, I didn't know you but I knew Franco. I was 17 in the late 90s an he inspired me to do something about myself, I was very skinny, computer geek but always fascinated with Conan, Terminator or Predator movies. Once I got to highschool in my little town in Poland i ment some firends and we all went to gym and it all started. I begand to do my research and I found you, the golden age of bodybuiding, I found Franco who was noboday like me from a country in Europe but he inspired me so much, he was just a little shorter than me and he got mr olympia....I still workout, i am no close to a bodybuilder but I really think you guys like Zane Franco and Arnold were my mentors and fathers in this sport, I than you for that sinceryly. All the best.
A friend and fellow chiropractic student and I were visiting LA in 1985. We decided to drop in unexpectedly to see Franco at his clinic. He took us on a tour of his clinic and could not have been more gracious to two total strangers. I've never forgotten that and never will.
Remember the good old days
What a great bodybuilder and strongman!
Thanks Ric. Like Keanu said about death..."you'll be missed by those who loved you".
Very true indeed.And its amazing how many people he has affected even if he never met them in person 😲
Ron Love and in francos case everyone in bodybuilding
I have truely never seen so much tributing posts to anyone who died in the bodybuilding industry
Hard warming to say the least
Thank god for Keanu because no one would have thought that.
@@balyeetbhagaloe6416 indeed And I feel it is because Fanco IS ,WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE one of the few who truly embodied the spirit of Bodybuilding.👊👍
Kudos to Keanu. RIP Franco
I knew that when I read “tribute” to Franco it was not going to be good news, May God Bless him and his family.
For what it’s worth, at least he got to live his life the way that he wanted to; how many people can say that!
I thank God that I had the distinction of meeting him and Arnold at NY's Mid City Gym back in the 70's.It was a wonderful experience standing along side these great magnificent Icons.I have no words to express my sorrow for this terrible tragedy. I know Arnold must be devastated,they were like brothers. RIP . Franco.You will never be forgotten.
Sad day. We lost a legendary bodybuilder today. I met Franco in 1977 at the Mr. Olympia Contest, he was a very nice man. Condolences to his family members and loved ones.
Franco had an American dream kind of life. What a legend!
I got to cross the street with Franco at the 25th Arnold Classic it was definitely an honor. May he RIP
One of my favorites ! One of the best thickest chest in history
That was full hearted and beautiful, thank you for the tribute Mr Drasin
Yes . I followed him for years..what a shame.
Man, who are the 5 people that disliked this video? RIP FRANCO
Rest in Peace Franco! I read about him in my Pumping Iron book. He would forever be remembered. Thank you Rick for always telling us stories from the Golden Age of bodybuilding.
RIP Francio.
Respect to you Mr Drasin...........Gonna raise a pint for Franco over here in Uk, love your channel, take it easy Sir.............
That was a really nice tribute Ric.. Franco was my inspiration to train my hero RIP FRANCO x
Wow I remember muscle builder power mag always had pictures of him and Arnold all the time. Early 70's It goes fast.
The very first bodybuilding book I had to work for and save my money to buy was Franco Colombo's Winning Bodybuilding in 1977 when I was 15-years old, Franco was such an inspiration and role model for all us young guys in the 70's in our gym. Wow what a shock, it's like someone in my own family has passed because Franco meant so much to all of us in the powerlifting & bodybuilding world. Thank you Ric for having Franco on your show so we can go back and still have him in our lives, Franco you are surly a hero to me and so many others.
Goosebumps all over. Just when i began to realise Franco must have been a wonderful person. He seems so kind and joyful. May he rest in peace
WE LOVE YOU FRANCO...ETERNALLY!
Such a wonderful life he lived , god bless 🙏
Nice tribute to your old buddy Ric. Franco Columbo will certainly go down in the annals of bodybuilding and will never be forgotten.
You'e right Ric. You almost have to count your blessings nowadays. Even at 29 I've lost so many friends to freak accidents, its never natural causes. The world is cruel and strange. Its hard to think about. Bless up Ric have a good one bud. Keep feeding us you energy. We need it.
That was amazing Ric, nice tribute to Franco Columbo Thé One and Only God bless and my condolences. Take care Rik.
RIP FRANCO...sorry for your loss Ric.
God bless Franco. Very sorry Ric. Was wonderful you had him on the show. What a powerhouse Franco was.
Prayers to his family🙏🏻❤️
From sardinia with love rip FRANCO🥊🏋️♀️🏆
Sorry for your loss. May he RIP.
No words. Just prayers.
I'm saddened to learn of Franco's passing. Some guys, like Franco, you just think are immortal.
Hey man I’m very sorry for your loss.
For me, it all started with Franco, an immeasurable inspiration! : )
My childhood hero 😱😭 I loved putting on my dads VHS of pumping iron just to watch Franco blow up the hot water bottle and lift that car in Italy.
A legend in the truest sense.
🙏 Rest in power 🙏
I bought his book Coming On Strong when I first started out,soon I will have outlived all of the idols that inspired me.
I have it along with Winning Bodybuilding,Winning Weightlifting&Powerlifting, and The Bodybuilder's Nutrition Book
RIP Franco. Thank you Ric for the stories and interview with him. Respect.
Still in shock. Rest In Peace Franco😥
🙏😥 R.I.P. Franco, you will never be forgotten!
R.I.P Franco. His appearance in Pumping Iron in 1977 is what got me into weightlifting, the seen where he’s laughing while benching 315 for 10 or so reps is amazing! I’m 55 now and still go to the gym 3 times a week. I can still get 315 up but not for reps! Lol! Thank you Franco for the motivation and memories! We have no more bodybuilders like this! He was the best! Rest peacefully my brother in Iron! You deserve it!
He was maybe the last of the old time "strongmen." The water bottle, the lifting of cars and other everyday objects. The bending of bars and other strongman stunts we grew up with. I'm 68 and I remember when those stunts were popular, tearing a phone book or a deck of cards- that sort of thing. Do you remember when Franco was injured while competing in the World's Strongest Man Competition. I can't remember the exact details, but I think it was a refrigerator race and one of the television cables was in his path. Caused him to be injured. He recovered fully and stayed as strong as ten men.
I remember very well that Strongman episode! I was watching it! Believe I was about 14 or 15 at the time, as I recall “Big Lou” crosses over into Franco’s lane on this track they were running on with 400 lb refrigerators on there backs! Big Lou bumped into Franco and down he went with the ref on his back breaking his left leg in two places.
Lou is a hell of a nice guy too. I know him a little too. I told him that I get my best results now at this age (him and me are the same age) doing 5x5's, full body, three days per week. About 2 hour workout because I train at home and have to change plates - takes time. He gave me the thumbs up and said that sounded like a good regimen.
Flint Long Awesome! Lou always seemed like a great guy! Never the ego most had, the only one I’ve ever met from the “Golden Era” is Dave Draper, met him at a book signing here in Hollywood. Very down to earth very humble. He’s actually my favorite from that era, even though Joe Weider screwed him over but that’s another topic. Great you still work out! I plan to till I just can’t anymore. My father who I lost in 2017 worked out till his mid 80”s. I plan “God willing” to do the same.
Hey Dave, very cool. I occasionally exchange emails with Dave and Laree, but we've never met in person. The way I got to be friends with the Weiders is that I used to perform in Las Vegas, piano and comedy in the lounges. They became my fans and then friends. When Joe realized I was into it, it went to a whole new level. I've heard and read all the stories about Joe and his dealings, but with me he was very generous and straight up. I still train regularly, but I'm sorry to say it's really hard to keep my midsection up to snuff. My diet is still pretty clean. I handle lighter weights now and go for form. But trust me, you can still get good results with moderate weight 5x5's at 68 years old. I still move pianos around and lift heavy objects for my wife etc. Stuff other men my age can't do! haha! Dave is one of my favorites from that era too. I knew Boyer Coe pretty well at one time. He trains on machines a lot now in his early seventies. I've been natural 90 per cent of the time. Most of them really are humble. So are we, eh? Do you visit Leroy Colbert's youtube videos? They are sensational. You're familiar with him, right?
Very sad! One of the originals! RIP!
Nice story about the construction work Ric !
Sorry for your loss my friend.
Sad day to loose a great guy .Rip Franco
Oh Ric, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news - Sending my love from the UK from the city of Leeds to you guys - Sad to see the loss of a legend in Franco- We have lost him way too soon. RIP
Thanks Ric. RIP Franco, you’re one of my childhood heroes. 💪🏻
Thanks for the stories Ric, may Franco rest in peace.
3Runner95SRB yes, thanks for the memories shared ❤️
So sorry for your loss Ric. That was a wonderful video. I think all of us in the bodybuilding community are still in shock. I'm like you, I thought Franco would live to 100. RIP Franco!
Nice job Ric 👍🏻
I read his book Coming On Strong in the '70's and admired him since. Sad day today for BB'ing. Rest In Peace Franco
R.I.P. Franco and thanks Ric for telling us your memories about him.
So sorry for your loss, Rick.
Sorry for your loss Ric 🙏
Very sad news about Franco. I loaned my copy of “Coming on Strong” to a guy 8 years ago and he never returned it to me. Now Franco is gone - and my book is gone too 😢
I never go swimming by myself I've almost drowned twice and I've learned my lesson. swimming is like weightlifting you need a spotter in case you drop the weights in your self. Swimming you need a lifeguard or somebody watching you in case you need help if you're drowning safety first.
original copy of that and winning bodybuilding I never lent it since i 1st owned them in 1980s
Thank you for the stories. Rest in peace to a man who inspired me.
What wonderful stories, thank you for sharing them. Very few people have known Franco for as long as you have and he sounds like a wonderful man. My deepest condolences.
Words fail at times like these. Ric thank you for your tribute to Franco I didn’t know him but can tell by your kind words how amazing of a person he was. I’m so sorry for Franco, his family and his dear friends like yourself. I can tell that even though you and Franco may have lost touch for a while as many friendships do, you were able to rekindle the friendship you both had and didn’t miss a beat. God bless Franco and yourself as well Ric. Please take care of yourself right now and surround yourself with loved ones my friend.
In the 80's, we did a column together called, "Body by Franco", for IronMan Magazine. He was a man who knew how to enjoy life. I have nothing but good memories of him.
Hey Tina big fan! Just wanted to say hello! Long live Franco. Incredible bodybuilder and, I'm sure, to people like you who knew him, an incredible friend. Take care and stay healthy.
@@JOECANDELA22 Hey, so nice of you to chime in! Franco & I had a lot of fun, and those memories make me smile. Thank you for your comment. Be well, my friend.
@@tinaplakingertreadingonserpent Thanks for your response. By the way I forgot to mention, I recently read Tony Pearson's autobiography "Driven". Amazing! Never knew what this guy went through. He even mentions when both of you posed together in a couples competition back in the day. Take care!
@@JOECANDELA22 I didn't know he wrote a book; I will check it out. Thanks.
Sorry for your loss Rick. I grew working out in late 70’s - presently. I look thru every muscle mag growing up and idolizing all of you guys especially Franco, my friends called me Franco growing up. Rip 🙏🏻 so sad
Extremely sad to hear this yesterday! This was one of the saddest ones yet, although all of them are missed in their own right, Franco was one of my original bodybuilding icons and a great representative of the sport!
RIP, he was a great man
Arnold spoke beautifully about Franco on his FB page. Great photos too. Ric, I can see your eyes, a day with plenty of tears. Stay strong my friend.
Sorry for your loss Ric.
Franco is classic through and through.
thank you Ric
My prayers to the Family, I'm 65 and have followed hi career since 1969, even got to see him in person in NY back in 1971 or 1972. Rest peace my friend
Beautiful words Ric. Rest in peace Franco. xx
God bless you Rick.
So sad to hear about Franco.. Thanks Ric for the update, I know this was a difficult video for you.
A group of us drove to Columbus to see Franco and Arnold in the 70s.We met Franco and he was a real gentleman.Looked us all in the eye and shook our hands. This is terribly sad. thank u Ric
OMG I couldn’t believe it had to rewind it and listen if I heard that right. Geez that’s so sad. I remember Francisco and Arnold in all the muscle mags when I was a kid. R,I.P Franco!
Rick, thank you for the memories you share. It is heartbreaking that my childhood heroes are passing away. It crushes me. Keep sharing your memories of Golden Era, it is important for all of us. Best to you, Rick. - Zach
Very sorry for the family and your loss..great gentleman RWG
Fitting Tribute Ric. Your heartfelt words comes through , We can feel your pain . One photo you publish was from a book I have called"The Businessman's Minutes A Day Guide to Shaping Up",by Dr. Franco Columbo.This book contained many great topics along with a Chapter on Sports Training Programs, programs for Arm Wrestling, Backpacking, Dancing, Baseball, Football, Basketball, etc. . Franco was an icon. He will be missed, Good job Ric!
So sad! So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and a great person and inspiration!
Very sorry for him, his family and friends and that you have to go thru pain as we11. Actually Valerie Harper and Franco both kind of part of that 70's era. We a11 keep getting older and things we never expect to happen do. Sad, but am happy they were here in the first place.
So sorry for the loss of your friend. He inspired me along with the other guys in Pumping Iron to work out. Even more so these past few years seeing him pop up on you tube videos. Always smiling, it just put you in a good mood seeing him. He’ll be missed.
Thanks for sharing your memories of your time with Franco, RIP 🙏🏾
Very sad to hear about Franco's passing. He was one of my heroes who inspired me to learn about weightlifting. RIP Franco.
I'm sorry about your friend Ric. Keep your head up and God Bless you
Thank you for the tribute and sharing Ric. Franco was an inspiration to me as a young teenager in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He continued to inspire through the years with his energy and vibrancy for life. The world has lost an absolute treasure, RIP Franco Columbu.
Franco seemed like such a great guy. All the best to his loved ones. This aging thing sucks. Everything. All the best to everyone.
Franco big and positive influence on me, and so many others. I remember when he came to the Leaning Tower YMCA in Niles,IL, right outside of Chicago.
Started bodybuilding back in the late 70"s Who didnt love Franco! What a shock...RIP
Rest in peace. God bless.
My heart aches, Ric, for you, Arnold, all his family and friends. I love the stories from the 70's and Franco, of course, was a huge part of The Golden Era. Makes me wish I could turn back time for you guys, just for a little while. RIP Franco.😢
Thank you Rick!!
I'm astonished at this news!
Beautiful story and message Ric😢. We can see how much you respected him. May Franco Rest In Peace😔
Thank you Ric, I had read that on IG and it was mentioned that he die at sea. But didn’t say how . It’s a tragedy how good people are taken away from us way to early. I am saddened but will always have memories of him and will never be forgotten! R.I.P. my friend 😔😥🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
One of the great characters of the sporting world. Loved his audio books. RIP Franco.
Lovely remembrance tribute for Franco! Condolences to the Columbu family and friends. So glad you were able to have Franco interviewed on your show Ric, yet it's saddening and shocking news to hear this. God Bless!
Great story. R.I.P Franco Columbo.
I had the pleasure visiting and staying at Franco and Debbie’s home with my friend, in the 90’s, I had a cup of espresso for the first time at his home, drank some of his home made wine and heard him tell funny stores as we ate. Maria was not born yet and I was a young fitness trainer at the time. Never forget the time and the rusting old gym equipment in his back yard, and the tangerine trees. Such a generous host, and person.
Great tribute Ric. My condolences
Nice tribute. Thanks for sharing. Franco started inspiring me in the 80's and still does today. Always will. A true gentleman. There wasn't a mean bone in his body as far as I can tell. And I have to say, What a body he had!! Excellent proportions.