Paul Walker's life did not begin at 40; it ended following his untimely death on November 30, 2013. Although it's been nine years since the tragedy, his longtime friend, Vin Diesel, has cared for his daughter, allowing his family to grow. Find out everything that transpired in those years.
Paul Walker first charmed the world with his blue eyes, infectious smiles, and impeccable acting skills in "The Young and the Restless" and the comedy-drama, "Varsity Blues," before gaining international recognition in the first film from the "Fast and Furious" franchise.
Over the years, following more installations of the box office hit and appearances in other films, he became more famous, but success did not make him selfish.
Walker was noted for his philanthropy. In 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, he founded "Reach Out Worldwide," a disaster relief charity.
Three years later, his charity was helping another set of disaster victims in the Philippines via a charity event when the actor happily strolled out of the venue— a car shop in Santa Clarita, California, and never returned.
Unfortunately, while riding a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT with his pal, Roger Rodas, who was behind the wheel, the vehicle burst into flames after running into a curb, light post, and trees. Describing the incident, Antonio Holmes, a close friend of the actor who witnessed the scene, shared:
"Employees, friends of the shop. We tried. We tried. We went through fire extinguishers."
Another eyewitness, Jim Thorp, also a friend, told reporters that before the accident, Walker was excited about going for a drive, and his last words were, "Hey, let's go for a drive." Thorp added:
"He lived his life and he died fast and furious… He loved speed, he loved cars, and he had to die this way. He died in a very fast car with his friend."
Sadly, Walker died before the seventh "Fast and Furious" installation was completed. However, he was survived by siblings and co-stars who carried on his legacy — giving him a happy ending in the film.
Actor Paul Walker on March 17, 2009 in Bochum, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Director James Wan looked forward to giving his character Brian O'Conner a befitting send-off. Thankfully, with a great storyline, the use of CGI, and the inclusion of his brothers, Caleb and Cody, who doubled for him, fans were able to memorialize their beloved star.
Following Walker's death announcement, reports claimed the actor left the entirety of his assets worth $25 million to his only child and daughter, Meadow.
Walker's decision to hand over everything to his daughter stirred conflict among his other relatives. It even severed the relationship between Meadow, her uncles, and her grandmother.
"The Young and the Restless" star wrote his will in 2001, at age 28, when he witnessed international fame in the first "Fast and Furious" film. While the will might have saved his family from fighting over his estate, it did not make provisions for his then-partner of seven years, Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell.
Despite the shock over Walker's will, his family admitted that the actor treasured his daughter, and they shared a close bond before his demise.
Model Meadow Rain Walker on November 1, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
A 2018 documentary in his honor titled "I Am Paul Walker," showed them acknowledging that Meadow was her dad's favorite being. In a clip, her grandad, Paul Walker III, revealed, "No father loved a child more than he did Meadow."
Daughter Got Married
Unfortunately, Walker did not stick around long enough to watch his daughter blossom into a beautiful woman. Meadow grew into a confident young lady, but unlike her dad, she is passionate about fashion.
In an interview with Extra, Diesel, a father to three kids, revealed that Meadow truly acknowledges him and extends her love to his family.
Last year, during Paris Fashion Week, she made her first appearance on the runway, appearing as Givenchy's model. Previously, she was featured in the Proenza Schouler lookbook following her contract with DNA Model Management.
Despite having the talent and physique of a beauty queen, Meadow was grateful for strutting down the runway of a leading brand during Paris Fashion Week. On Instagram, she reached out to Givenchy's creative director, Matthew M. Williams, and everyone who made the show successful.
Meadow's growth is not complete without mentioning that she is married. On October 22, 2021, she exchanged vows with her boyfriend, Louis Thornton-Allan, in a private ceremony.
Vin Diesel Takes Care of Paul's Family
In 2001, Walker and his co-star Vin Diesel thrilled fans with their intimate friendship on-screen after appearing in "The Fast and the Furious" This was not different from their reality, as the men took their relationship to the next level by becoming more than friends.
Their closeness was enjoyed by Meadow, who became Diesel's goddaughter. Since Walker's death, her godfather has stepped in, becoming very protective and loving. Interestingly, she has had no problem reciprocating these emotions.
In an interview with Extra, Diesel, a father to three kids, revealed that Meadow truly acknowledges him and extends her love to his family. He said:
"She's the first person on Father's Day to wish me Happy Father's Day. To see her with my children is one of the most beautiful things. I feel very protective. It goes beyond the movie."
Diesel means serious business when looking out for Meadow, and experiencing the most memorable day of her life has been one way to prove it. The "Riddick" star played dad on her wedding day when he walked the bride down the aisle. In a montage shared online, Diesel also posed close to the bride and groom.
Other familiar faces like Jordana Brewster, a fellow co-star from "F9," was present for the event. Brewster greeted the bride charmingly with a hug and smile.
To family, friends, and fans, memories of the beloved actor continue to live on. On the eve of the ninth anniversary of his friend, Diesel shared an old photo of them leaning on a car with some honest words that read:
"Nine years… love you and miss you."
Truly, he has shown his love for the deceased by caring for everything related to him. In the past, Diesel earned praise from Cody over how he honors his brother!
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtwcWtlaXp6ediemKurXaWutriMsJilo5WnwG6wxJqroWWYnsBussCmoKWxXZ7Ab7TTpqM%3D