Paul Walker was an American actor best known for his role in the Fast and Furious franchise. He was born on September 12, 1973, in Glendale, California, to Paul William Walker III and Cheryl (nee Crabtree).
He began acting at age 15 after moving with his family to California, where he attended high school at Village Christian School in Sun Valley before graduating from Village Christian School in 1991.
During his career as an actor, Walker starred in movies including Joy Ride (2001), Into the Blue (2005), The Lazarus Project (2008), and many more. In 2001, he won a Teen Choice Award for best action star/hero male category for his role as Brian O’Conner in 2 Fast 2 Furious, which also starred Tyrese Gibson and Eva Mendes, among others.
In 2005, he won another Teen Choice Award, this time under the best comedic performance category, alongside Ludacris, who played Tej Parker in The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift, while they were trying to escape from police officers patrolling their neighborhood streets after partying all night long 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 each other during one of those races held annually by local authorities around town every year since its inception back when America first became independent from Great Britain.
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Paul Walker Biography
Full Name | Paul William Walker |
---|---|
Date of Bith | September 12, 1973 |
Place Of Birth | California, United States |
Occupation | Actor |
Children | Meadow |
Active Since | 1975–2013 |
Died | November 30, 2013 |
Early Life and Career
Paul Walker was born in Glendale, California, on September 12, 1973. He was the oldest of five children and grew up in a Mormon family that moved around often due to his father’s job as an auto mechanic.
He began acting at age eight when he landed a role in the TV series Kids I.O. He continued to act throughout high school, appearing in commercials and guest starring on shows like Highway to Heaven and Who’s the Boss? Walker also appeared in several films during this time, including Young Guns II (1990), The Skulls (2000), Varsity Blues (1999), and Joy Ride (2001).
In 2001, he landed his breakout role as Brian O’Conner opposite Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious, which became one of Universal Pictures’ most successful franchises ever with over $4 billion in worldwide box office receipts!
The Fast and the Furious Franchise
The Fast and the Furious franchise is one of the most successful film series in history, with over $5 billion in box office revenue. Walker’s role as Brian O’Conner helped to establish his career and solidify his place in Hollywood. He was also known for his on-screen chemistry with Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto in all eight movies.
In addition to being an actor, Walker was an avid car enthusiast and race car driver himself; he competed in several competitions before his death at age 40 from injuries sustained during a car crash 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 devoted father to his daughter Meadow, who he adored. In fact, their relationship was one of the most important things in his life.
Walker also loved cars and racing–he even started his own car company called Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW). He was passionate about helping people through charity work and giving back to communities around the world through donations from ROWW and other organizations such as Reach Out Worldwide – Philippines Earthquake Relief Fund.
Paul Walker’s Philanthropy and Charity Work
Walker was an avid philanthropist, who worked to help others in need. He was the founder and CEO of Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), a disaster relief organization that provides aid to areas affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan.
ROWW also works with local communities around the world on projects that include rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals; providing medical care; delivering food supplies; repairing water systems; distributing clothing donations from celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Jessica Alba; conducting clean-up efforts after tornadoes hit Oklahoma City in 2013; distributing supplies during floods caused by torrential rains in Louisiana last year – just some examples of what Paul did for people all over the world who needed help after being devastated by tragedy or natural disaster.”
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
On November 30, 2013, Paul Walker was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 40. He was a passenger in a Porsche Carrera GT that crashed into a pole and burst into flames. The driver of the car was Roger Rodas (Walker’s friend), who died on impact from severe head trauma.
The two had been attending an event for Walker’s charity Reach Out Worldwide when they decided to take a ride in Rodas’ new sports car before heading home. While details surrounding their deaths are still unclear, it’s believed that speed may have been involved as well as intoxication due to alcohol consumption earlier in the evening.
Walker’s Legacy
Paul Walker’s legacy is one that will continue to live on. His influence on the film industry, as well as his lasting impact on fans, is undeniable.
The Fast and Furious franchise has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2001. Walker starred in all but one of the films (Fast & Furious 6), which have grossed over $5 billion worldwide at the box office. The series’ popularity has led to several spin-offs, including The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Fast Five (2011), and most recently Hobbs, starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham.
The actor also starred alongside Vin Diesel in other high-grossing movies such as 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Into the Blue (2005), and Running Scared (2006).
Paul Walker is remembered for his commitment to charity and for the way he lived his life. He was an advocate for helping those in need, whether it be through his own charity or by simply being a good person. His legacy lives on through the many people who were inspired by him and his actions, including myself.