Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding mentor dies

Joe Weider, the bodybuilding legend who created the Mr Olympia contest has died at the age of 93.

It was Weider who encouraged a young Arnold Schwarzenegger to move to the US from his native Austria and take up a career in acting, landing him his first part.

On his website Arnie paid tribute to the man who'd built a publishing empire with magazines such as 'Muscles and Fitness' and 'Shape' saying, "He taught us that through hard work and training we could all be champions." 

Schwarzenegger's first role was in a TV film, 'Hercules Goes Bananas' after Weiner had responded to producers requests to find someone suitable muscleman. Arnold said that Weider had suggested him by saying "I got the perfect guy, he's done Shakespearean plays in Germany, he's a great actor, but his English isn't too good."

Schwarzenegger also called Weider, who died of heart failure in Los Angeles, "the godfather of fitness."

"He was there for me constantly throughout my life... and I will miss him dearly."