Paul Walker, the star of the Fast and the Furious movies, passed away in 2013, shocking the entire world. But his passing significantly affected one person, Vin Diesel, his longtime friend and co-star, who was like a brother to the late actor. Even after all these years, Vin has never failed to honor and remember his true friend, who holds a special place in his heart.
Best friends on-screen and in real life
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Paul Walker and Vin Diesel first appeared together on-screen in The Fast and the Furious, where Walker portrayed Brian O’Conner and Diesel depicted gang leader Dominic Toretto. Along with the emotional bond the movie characters form, the 2 actors also started cultivating a sweet friendship off-screen that transcended time and space.
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They forged a genuine friendship at the start of the franchise that persisted throughout the production of the films from 2001 to 2013 and lasted for almost 15 years. In fact, Diesel is his late friend’s daughter Meadow Walker’s godfather, proving their amazing connection goes beyond the simple co-star relationship.
“When we first started doing this, we thought we were doing a classic car movie, and we would do one and that would be it,” Diesel recalled. Instead, he confessed how unsure of whether the strategy was to make “alternatively, 7, 8, 9, and 10.” Discussing this even further, Diesel reflected on a promise they had made to one another, saying, “We would take this franchise and end it at Fast 10,” Diesel said.
The tragic incident
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On November 30, 2013, Walker reached out on Twitter to let his followers know that the sixth installment of the cherished movie series would soon be available. However, a few hours later, Walker tragically passed away in a car accident.
Walker was a very well-known philanthropist, and that day, he spent his time at a charitable event. Just like the character he had played, Walker shared the same passion for fast cars. In fact, that very day, Walker and his friend, Roger Rodas, held the charity event at the high-performance car shop they owned.
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When they left the gathering, Walker was sitting in the passenger seat while Rodas was driving, and suddenly, only a few hundred yards away, the driver lost control of the vehicle. Those present at the event hurried to help, but they were powerless. Walker’s friends watched helplessly as the tragedy quickly spread through the media. Within hours, Walker’s passing shocked fans all over the world.
Vin Diesel never goes a day without cherishing his best friend fondly.
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were close friends, and when the actor passed away, it devastated Diesel. Losing his best friend forever tore him apart. However, the actor has always tried to keep his memory alive by talking about Walker and their special relationship. In fact, during some interviews, he would frequently cry in front of the camera.
The actor also discussed meeting Walker’s mother the day after the fatal car crash. He admitted that Walker’s mother’s response, in which she expressed regret, surprised him. “I said, ’Why? Why are you saying sorry to me?’ And she said, ’Because you lost your other half.’”
Vin Diesel found it difficult to accept that his beloved confidant had suddenly vanished, ceasing to rely on and watch out for one another. Walker was a substantial source of support for him, especially when he helped Diesel restore his relationship with his mother. “You spend 15 years going from being a nobody to somebody with a brother. And then one day he’s gone, and it’s a very heavy experience.”
Because Fast and Furious 7 was still in the making, Diesel had not even had time to mourn the loss of his friend. After Walker passed away, Diesel was forced to act as though his friend was standing next to him while the movie was being filmed. He declared, “I’ve been acting all my life, and they don’t teach you in acting how to mourn someone and simultaneously pretend they’re in a scene with you.”
The unique connection between their families
The relationship between Walker and Diesel is unbreakable, and despite Walker’s passing, Diesel has continued to be close with his family, giving them a sense of their late father’s presence. Additionally, Diesel gave his second daughter the name Pauline as a tribute to his deceased friend.
Both the Diesel and Walker families frequently get together, and a special bond between their daughters shows how friendship can cut across all barriers. Above all, Diesel remained close to Meadow, his goddaughter, whom he said “takes good care” of him.
“She’s the first person on Father’s Day to wish me Happy Father’s Day,” Diesel said. “To see her with my children is one of the most beautiful things. There are moments when I see her playing with Pauline, and it hits me so deep, ’cause I can only imagine what my brother sees when he sees that.”
One of the most meaningful tributes Diesel paid to his late friend was walking his daughter Meadow down the aisle. This single act moved everyone because it showed the actor’s love for Walker and fulfilled a duty that the late father would have had to fulfill if he were still alive.
“Life’s blessings always follow tragedies in life,” Diesel wrote on his Instagram. “Look at this photo, Pablo. It will make you smile. The same angel that you helped me prepare for in the most beautiful way with your brotherly advice is the same angel that precious Meadow asked to be her maid of honor.”
What is the most generous thing you have ever done for a friend? Have you ever experienced the loss of a loved one?
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