The seven-time Mr. Olympia turned action-hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s former wife, Maria Shriver, paid tribute to the late Hollywood icon Albert S. Ruddy, who passed away at the age of 94, on Saturday. She expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of a dear friend. Sharing her thoughts in a heartfelt post, Shriver reminisced about Ruddy’s legendary status and the enduring friendship they had for decades.

Shriver took to her Instagram and wrote, “Al Ruddy was a legend and a close friend for decades. There was no one like him.” In sharing Schwarzenegger’s Instagram post along with her heartfelt words, Shriver honored Ruddy’s memory while embracing the cherished memories they shared.

Earlier, in his post, Arnold Schwarzenegger recollected the time he spent with his dear friend, Al Ruddy. His passing deeply saddened Arnie as he mentioned that they had been friends for over four decades. Schwarzenegger acknowledged and praised Ruddy for his incredible work ethic.

He further spoke warmly of Ruddy’s profound influence on his life, describing him as a mentor whose wisdom and guidance shaped his career path. Schwarzenegger admired and wrote, “I was inspired by how he worked his ass off while always being there for his family. Al showed you really can have everything. He loved his family, and they loved him.”

In his long post for Al Ruddy, Schwarzenegger also reminisced about Ruddy’s sense of humor. The 76-year-old expressed gratitude for knowing such an extraordinary individual and extended his heartfelt condolences to Ruddy’s family. Furthermore, Al Ruddy’s life story is nothing short of inspiring.

Al Ruddy’s legendary journey in a nutshell

Al Ruddy was born in 1930, in Montreal, Canada. Later his family moved to the USA, and he was raised in New York City. Ruddy began his career as an architect and his path interestingly turned around and he delved into showbiz. He worked in the film and television industry for over 6 decades and is best known for winning Oscars for the films, “The Godfather,” in 1972 and “Million Dollar Baby,” in 2005. But his influence extends far beyond these masterpieces.

Ruddy’s career is packed with hits like “The Longest Yard” (1974), and “The Cannonball Run” (1981), showcasing his versatility. Not just limited to the big screen, he’s made waves on TV too, with shows like “Hogan’s Heroes” (1965-1971) and “Mafia Wars” (1980). Despite criticism, Ruddy’s knack for storytelling and cost management was the key to his success.

Ruddy’s death has definitely left an undeniable mark on many people’s lives, such as Schwarzenegger and his family. His journey from an architect to a Hollywood heavyweight proves that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.