Not only the realm of bodybuilding but also Hollywood has lost many icons this year, and yet there is one more saddening news. Al Ruddy, the Oscar-winning producer and the dearest friend of bodybuilding enigma Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Witnessing this heartbreaking news, the Austrian Oak reminisced about his time with Ruddy, and wrote a heartfelt caption, and shared a series of pictures of moments spent with Ruddy, paying tribute to the Oscar-winning producer.

Arnie mentioned the producer of movies like “Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby” as a legend and absolute icon. The Terminator wrote, “A visionary who made some of the best movies of all time.” He further highlighted that he wanted to share about Ruddy he knew from his meeting with him.

The Austrian Oak first met Ruddy forty years ago when he was trying to step into movies, and the Oscar-winning producer was dominating Hollywood with his presence. Since then, Arnie and Ruddy have been good friends. He even mentioned the producer of Godfather as his mentor, and he led him to the right path of success.

“People like Al are why I refuse to be called a self-made man. Where would I be without him? My life wouldn’t be what it is without fantastic people like him who have been there every step of the way,” wrote Arnie, paying tribute to the Canadian producer. The Austrian Oak also unveiled a lesser-known fact about Ruddy.

Ruddy was not only a producer but a great story teller also says Arnie

The Terminator always found inspiration in Ruddy because of his working style and still being there for his family. Arnie wrote, “He also might have been one of the world’s greatest storytellers. Whether he was talking about being threatened by real mafia heavy hitters while he was making the Godfather or telling a story about his kids, it didn’t matter.”

The seven-time Mr. Olympia shed light on the fact that the producer was highly respected and wrote, “When Al talked, everyone listened.” Arnie still remembers the toast at his wedding given by Ruddy that made everyone burst into laughter. The Austrian Oak says whenever you watch any of Ruddy’s movies, just “take a minute to remember Al Ruddy.”

The Terminator felt honored to meet the Oscar-winning producer and concluded by saying, “I know I will never forget him. I will miss him dearly, but Al will always be with me. I am filled with gratitude that I had the opportunity to get to know such a great man with such a big heart.”