Paul Walker was an American actor best known for his work in the Fast and Furious film series. He was born in Glendale, California, on September 12, 1973, to Paul William Walker III and Cheryl (née Crabtree).
He began acting at the age of 15 after moving to California with his family, where he attended high school at Village Christian School in Sun Valley before graduating in 1991.
Walker has appeared in films such as Joy Ride (2001), Into the Blue (2005), The Lazarus Project (2008), and many more. He got a Teen Choice Award in 2001 for best action star/hero male for his portrayal as Brian O’Conner in 2 Fast 2 Furious, alongside Tyrese Gibson and Eva Mendes, among others.
In 2005, he won another Teen Choice Award, this time in the category of best comedic performance, alongside Ludacris, who played Tej Parker in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, while they were trying to flee from police officers patrolling their neighborhood streets after partying all night after winning their first race together against some local street racers who wanted revenge against them due to their victory over them earlier that evening when they first met. In this article, HowAfrica brings you all you need to know about Paul Walker.
Early Life and Career
Paul Walker was born on September 12, 1973, in Glendale, California. He was the oldest of five children in a Mormon family that moved frequently due to his father’s employment as an auto mechanic.
When he was eight years old, he earned a role in the TV series Kids I.O. Throughout high school, he continued to act, appearing in commercials and guest starring on shows such as Highway to Heaven and Who’s the Boss? During this time, Walker appeared in many films, including Young Guns II (1990), The Skulls (2000), Varsity Blues (1999), and Joy Ride (2001).
In 2001, he scored his breakthrough role as Brian O’Conner opposite Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious, which went on to become one of Universal Pictures’ most successful franchises ever, grossing over $4 billion worldwide!
The Fast and the Furious Franchise
With over $5 billion in box office receipts, the Fast & Furious franchise is one of the most profitable film series in history. Walker’s portrayal of Brian O’Conner helped launch his career and consolidate his place in Hollywood. He was particularly well-known for his connection with Vin Diesel, who played Dominic Toretto in all eight films.
Walker was a car enthusiast and race car driver in addition to being an actor; he competed in multiple contests before dying at the age of 40 from injuries received in a vehicle incident while filming Furious 7 (2015).
Other Notable Roles
- Joy Ride
- Eight Below
- Running Scared
- Flags of Our Fathers
- Pawn Shop Chronicles
- Hours
- Brick Mansions
- She’s All That (and more)
Paul Walker’s personal life
Walker was a wonderful father to his daughter Meadow. Their bond was, in fact, one of the most significant things in his life.
Walker also enjoyed vehicles and racing, and he founded his own car firm, Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW). He was deeply committed to assisting people through charitable work and giving back to communities all around the world through donations from ROWW and other organizations such as the Reach Out Worldwide – Philippines Earthquake Relief Fund.
Paul Walker’s Philanthropy and Charity Work
Walker was an active philanthropist who sought to assist those in need. He was the founder and CEO of Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), a disaster relief organization that helps victims of natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan.
ROWW also collaborates with local communities all over the world on projects such as rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals; providing medical care; delivering food supplies; repairing water systems; distributing clothing donations from celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Alba; conducting clean-up efforts after tornadoes hit Oklahoma City in 2013; and distributing supplies during floods caused by torrential rains in Louisiana last year, to name a few.
Awards
| 2002 | MTV Movie Award | Best On-Screen Team The Fast and the Furious | Won | |
| 2011 | Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actor – Action | Fast Five | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Choice Movie: Chemistry | Fast & Furious 6 | Nominated | |
| 2014 | MTV Movie Award | Best On-Screen Duo | Won | |
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actor: Action | Furious 7 | Won | |
| Choice Movie: Chemistry | Furious 7 | Nominated |
Walker’s Tragic Death
Paul Walker, 40, was killed in an automobile accident on November 30, 2013. He was a passenger in a Porsche Carrera GT that collided with a pole and caught fire. The driver of the car, Roger Rodas (a friend of Walker’s), died on impact from serious head injuries.
They were at an event for Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide, when they decided to take a spin in Rodas’ new sports vehicle before coming home. While the circumstances surrounding their deaths are still unknown, it is thought that speed and intoxication from alcohol intake earlier in the evening played a role.
Walker’s Legacy
Paul Walker’s legacy will carry on in perpetuity. His influence on the film business is evident, as is his continuing impact on fans.
Since its inception in 2001, the Fast & Furious franchise has become a cultural phenomenon. Walker appeared in all but one of the films, Fast & Furious 6, which grossed over $5 billion at the box office globally. The popularity of the series has resulted in various spin-offs, including The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Fast Five (2011), and, most recently, Hobbs, starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.
Other films in which he co-starred with Vin Diesel include 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Into the Blue (2005), and Running Scared (2006).
Paul Walker is renowned for his charitable work and the way he lived his life. He was an outspoken supporter of those in need, whether through his own charity or simply by being a nice person. His legacy lives on via the many individuals, including myself, who were inspired by him and his acts.