Paul Walker was a famous American actor, model, and founder of the charity organization Reach Out WorldWide. He became well-known for his role as the truth-loving police officer Brian O'Conner in the "Fast & Furious" film series.
Paul Walker
Childhood and Family
Paul William Walker IV was born on September 12, 1973, in Glendale, Southern California. His father, Paul Walker III, worked in construction as a sewer contractor. He was a boxer in the past, becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion. After leaving competitive sports, the elder Walker became interested in firearms and won the world championship in speed shooting in 1979.
Paul Walker with his parents
Paul's grandfather was also a boxer, known in the ring as "Billy the Irish." One of the actor's paternal relatives was a race car driver in the 60s, representing Ford's production.
Paul's mother, Cheryl Walker, was a fashion model in her youth and after getting married, she dedicated herself to homemaking and raising children. Paul was the eldest child, later joined by two younger brothers—Caleb (born in 1977) and Cody (born in 1988), and two sisters: Ashlie (born in 1976) and Amie (born in 1986). The entire family practiced Mormonism.
Paul Walker (right) was the eldest of the five Walker children
When Paul was one and a half years old, he appeared in a Pampers diaper commercial. Since infancy, he was immersed in the advertising and modeling business. Cheryl, who had not realized her dream in her youth, tried to fulfill it through her son. She constantly took him to castings, and Paul Walker Sr. supported her in this. They both found it amusing to see their son on the catwalk.
Paul Walker in a Pampers commercial
But Paul himself didn’t find it amusing. The boy was fascinated by the marine world, adored the shows of Jacques-Yves Cousteau and even built his own aquariums. Acting didn’t attract him, and he felt that his life choices had been made for him.
Paul Walker as a child
In the Walker family, all the men were laborers, policemen, or builders, holding "traditional" male professions. His brothers would tease Paul, believing that acting wasn't a real job, and he felt less masculine compared to his relatives.
Paul Walker in his youth
In 1985, Paul appeared in TV series such as "The Young and the Restless," "Highway to Heaven," and "Who's the Boss?". His debut in a feature film was in 1986 in the horror comedy "Monster in the Closet." The film starred the famous actor John Carradine, and the role of Lucy was played by future The Black Eyed Peas vocalist Stacy Ferguson.
'Monster in the Closet'. The first feature film with Paul Walker
In 1988, Paul participated in the children's game show "I'm Telling!" Twenty-five years later, the boy who appeared with him in that episode shared the video and his memories of Paul. "I only saw Paul once, but he seemed really sweet, cool, and down-to-earth. He was just a nice guy. And when Paul grew up and became a famous actor, he retained those qualities."
Paul Walker on 'I'm Telling!' (1988)
Road to Fame
In 1991, Paul Walker graduated from Village Christian School in Sun Valley. He then studied marine biology at several colleges, surfed, and led a rather carefree lifestyle. Even then, his friends nicknamed him "Vagabond," because he never stayed in one place for long. Meanwhile, the young man continued to build his acting career. He felt obliged to succeed in cinema, as he believed that he had no prospects in any other profession due to constant teasing from his brothers.
Young Paul Walker
Between 1992 and 1993, he starred as Brandon Collins in the series "The Young and the Restless," dedicated to the confrontation between poor and rich families in a fictional version of Genoa City, Wisconsin. This project was one of the longest-running on American television, with the first episodes broadcast in 1973.
The Young and the Restless. A scene with Paul Walker
In 1998, Paul appeared in the comedy "Meet the Deedles" as Phil Deedle, one of the twin brothers living off the handouts of their wealthy single father. The brothers had to fight the villain Slater, played by Dennis Hopper, and his henchman Mr. Nemo, portrayed by Robert Englund. After this movie, Walker became known to a wider audience.
A still from the movie 'Meet the Deedles'
But even more interesting was the film "Pleasantville," starring Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon. In the story, their characters find themselves in the world of the "Pleasantville" TV series – a cozy town from the 50s, where everyone seems happy but actually suffers from boredom and hypocrisy. Walker played Skip Martin, the school heartthrob, who starts a romance with Witherspoon's character.
Paul Walker in the movie 'Pleasantville'
In the early 2000s, he auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker in the second episode of "Star Wars." According to Paul, it was the only role he desperately wanted to land. However, the casting director considered him too mature for the part and chose Hayden Christensen instead.
Paul Walker auditioned for the role of Anakin Skywalker
The Fast and the Furious
Paul Walker gained worldwide fame after starring in the summer blockbuster "The Fast and the Furious" (2001). The actor recalled, "When Universal decided to move the premiere to summer, I thought the film was going to be a flop. But it turned out differently. It exploded like a bomb. Producer Neal H. Moritz called me and shouted, 'It's a cultural phenomenon!'"
‘The Fast and the Furious’ was Paul Walker's star-making role
Walker played Brian O'Conner—a police officer working undercover who infiltrated a gang organizing illegal street races. He gradually developed a liking for the gang's leader, Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel. Paul also became friends with Vin Diesel in real life. When Diesel's daughter was born in 2008, he named her Pauline in honor of his friend.
Paul Walker and Vin Diesel were friends off-screen as well
In 2003, Paul Walker starred in the second installment of the franchise, "2 Fast 2 Furious". With Vin Diesel temporarily leaving the project to star in "The Chronicles of Riddick" after not getting a $20 million fee, Walker had an excellent chance to become the franchise's lead.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) - Audition Race Scene
Success finally reconciled him with acting. Walker admitted that he enjoyed playing in action movies, as it gave him a chance to feel like "a real man."
Now he was recognized on the street. Once, while driving in Santa Barbara, he was pulled over for speeding. The police officer, seeing him, smirked: 'You were driving like Brian O’Conner.' And he didn't even issue a fine, just asked him to not break the rules again.
Walker occasionally tried his hand at other genres. One of his most interesting roles was Hank Hansen in the military drama "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006). Directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film recounted the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, and how the war affected the lives of five Marines. Walker's character, a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi and became a hero, but later died in battle against the Japanese.
Paul Walker in 'Flags of Our Fathers'
During the filming of "Furious 6" (2013), the actor suffered an injury when he got his foot tangled in a cable and fell. He suffered a meniscus tear. His knee was stabilized with a hard brace, and for the remaining two weeks, Walker had to shoot while injured. Only after filming was he finally able to undergo surgery.
Charity and Other Projects
The actor also pursued his interest in marine life. In 2009, he filmed a series of documentaries about sharks that aired on National Geographic in June 2010.
Paul Walker (Shark Week 2013 Spawn Of JAWS)
In January 2010, Haiti was struck by an earthquake. Paul Walker visited the country with his friend Jesse Brisendine. Shocked by what he saw, he founded the charity organization Reach Out WorldWide, bringing together medical and construction professionals to help people in the event of natural disasters.
Walker was not just someone who wrote checks; he actively participated in the organization's work. In March 2010, he traveled to Chile to bring water and medical supplies to the victims of the tsunami.
Paul Walker personally assisted tsunami victims
Paul Walker's Personal Life
During his college years, Paul couldn't stand Keanu Reeves and Christian Slater because "all the girls were in love with them."
He didn't consider himself a romantic because his interests were fishing, shooting, martial arts, and car racing, and he thought girls didn't like guys who were into those things.
Paul Walker was renowned for his charm with the ladies
The actor had many relationships with beautiful and popular women. In 1993, he dated actress Denise Richards. They starred together in the comedy "Tammy and the T-Rex" (1994).
Paul Walker and Denise Richards in 'Tammy and the T-Rex'
In 1998, Walker met Rebecca Soteros. This relationship was short-lived, but it resulted in the birth of their daughter Meadow Rain. Paul Walker was present at the birth. Vin Diesel became the girl's godfather. Meadow spent her childhood in Hawaii, and in 2011 she moved to live with her father in Santa Barbara.
Paul Walker, Rebecca Soteros, and their daughter Meadow
Rebecca left Walker in 1999 because he never married her, didn't give her enough attention, preferring to spend time with his friends.
The next woman in his life was singer Christina Milian. This relationship also lasted only a year, from 1999 to 2000. Walker left Milian for model and actress Jaime King. But Jaime also failed to win his heart for long. Soon after, Paul started dating Bliss Ellis. This romance lasted until 2003 when the actor began a relationship with model Aubrianna Atwell.
With Bliss Ellis
In 2004-2005, Walker dated Amanda Paige. In 2006, he started his longest relationship with student Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell. They were together until the actor's death in 2013. In 2009, there were rumors that Jasmine and Paul had exchanged engagement rings, but the actor denied this information.
Paul Walker dated Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell until his death
Walker was also rumored to have romances with actresses Jessica Alba and Genesis Rodriguez.
His favorite actor was Paul Newman, and his favorite actress was Sophie Marceau. Among musical performers, Walker favored the band Coldplay.
Paul Walker's daughter Meadow as a child and now
As an amateur racer, he competed in the Redline Time Attack racing series, driving a BMW E92 M3. Paul was generally interested in cars and owned a collection of more than 30 vehicles. He co-owned them with his friend and fellow racer Roger Rodas. Their shared love of cars led to a tragic turn of events.
In Paul Walker's garage
Death
On November 30, 2013, Paul Walker visited his mother with his daughter Meadow. They discussed Christmas plans and intended to buy a Christmas tree. Afterward, the actor went to Santa Clarita for the opening of a car dealership he had established with Reach Out WorldWide to support the residents of the Philippines affected by the typhoon. At the dealership, Paul Walker took a photo with a fan; he looked happy and full of energy.
Paul Walker and his friend, racing driver Roger Rodas
On the way back, Walker was in a two-seater Porsche Carrera GT, driven by his friend Roger Rodas. Rodas lost control, and the car crashed into a concrete lamp post and two trees at a speed of 130-150 km/h. The vehicle caught fire, Rodas died from multiple injuries, and Walker died from the combined effects of trauma and burns. According to the investigation, there were no traces of alcohol or drugs in Walker's or Rodas's blood. Walker had multiple fractures, including his jaw, ribs, arms, and pelvis.
Paul Walker died in a car accident on November 30, 2013.
Walker's body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills area.
Photos from the scene of Paul Walker's death
His grief-stricken father called his son "reckless". According to him, Walker always disregarded safety measures, performing all the stunts himself during filming, even those which professional stuntmen were hesitant to attempt.
Universal Pictures suspended the production of "Furious 7" out of respect for the actor's grieving family. To honor him, the studio added the song "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth to the film's soundtrack. The movie was released in 2015.
Fast and Furious 7 end scene
Paul's brothers, Cody and Caleb, helped complete the film, especially Cody, who bears a strong resemblance to his older brother despite a 15-year age difference. With the help of computer graphics, his face was adjusted, and the audience did not notice a difference.
Paul Walker's younger brother starred in 'Furious 7'
Memory
Paul Walker was posthumously awarded a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by his mentor Ricardo Miller. Before his death, he had achieved a brown belt.
In September 2015, Meadow Rain sued Porsche, claiming that the car her father was driving had numerous technical defects, and that these, not the driver's skills, caused the crash. In April 2016, U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez ruled in favor of Porsche.
In 2018, a documentary about Paul Walker was released
On August 11, 2018, the Paramount Network premiered the documentary "I Am Paul Walker". It covered the actor's youth, his desire to live life to the fullest, his attempts to be a real father to Meadow, and his self-doubt. With this film, Paramount continued their series about tragically deceased celebrities, which included Heath Ledger and Bruce Lee.
