Paul Walker and Vin Diesel: A Close Friendship of 20 Years Despite Life and Death Differences

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel: A Close Friendship of 20 Years Despite Life and Death Differences

Vin Diesel has always been grateful for Paul Walker’s character and good lifestyle. He named his daughter after Paul and adopted his late friend’s daughter.

Recently, the story of actor Vin Diesel walking his late friend Paul Walker’s daughter down the aisle at her wedding, replacing her father and taking meticulous care of her like his own daughter, has deeply touched the audience. Eight years after Paul Walker’s tragic car accident death, Vin Diesel still holds a special affection for his dear friend, caring for Paul’s loved ones and living the rest of his life well in his memory.

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel began meeting and working together after collaborating in “Fast & Furious” in 2011. In the storyline, they had a somewhat tense relationship as Paul played the police officer Brian O’Conner, assigned to uncover the identity of a notorious car theft gang led by Dominic Toretto (Diesel).

However, despite their on-screen rivalry, Paul Walker and Vin Diesel developed a beautiful bond off-screen. Throughout the five films, they became close friends, accompanying each other both on set and in their everyday lives.

In 2008, Vin Diesel’s girlfriend, model Paloma Jimenez, was admitted to the hospital to give birth just when Vin Diesel was busy filming “Fast and Furious.” Paul Walker quickly advised his close friend to pause his work and rush to the hospital to be by his wife and child’s side.

Later, in an interview, Vin Diesel expressed that when he heard Paul Walker’s advice, he felt like he was listening to his own younger brother.

Paul Walker’s mother, Cheryl Walker, once revealed in an interview about the close relationship between her son and Vin Diesel: “They could talk for hours, discussing not only guns and other activities but also planning future events together.”

By the fifth installment of “Fast & Furious,” Brian O’Conner and Dominic Toretto truly became friends. Speaking about this famous on-screen brotherhood, Paul Walker affirmed, “Dominic is actually the father and the big brother that Brian never had. Dom isn’t just a friend; he’s family.”

A Terrifying Tragedy and Remaining Affection

Paul Walker’s traffic accident in 2013 shook not only Hollywood but also the world. Paul Walker passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind unfinished films and his young daughter, Meadow Walker.

Upon hearing this heartbreaking news, Vin Diesel immediately rushed to the accident scene. Fans and the media were deeply moved witnessing the silent grief of the actor. For a long period, Vin Diesel disappeared from all social media platforms, abstaining from Twitter, Facebook, and declining interviews with the press.

Later, whenever asked about his late friend, Vin Diesel couldn’t hide his emotions. At a fan event at CinemaCon in 2017, Vin Diesel choked up and covered his eyes as he remembered Paul Walker.

He expressed, “Paul Walker promised there would be an eighth installment. I keep thinking about this idea. I always feel like he’s with us. We don’t want to disappoint him. A part of Paul’s legacy lives in every frame of ‘The Fate of the Furious.’ The audience will be reminded of an angel, an integral part of the brotherhood theme from the previous films.”

Living up to Paul Walker’s Responsibility, Vin Diesel welcomed his co-star’s daughter as his own, providing support and care, accompanying her in charitable activities, and leading a foundation named after Paul.

Moreover, Vin Diesel’s perception of family life drastically changed, inspired by Paul Walker’s virtuous lifestyle during his lifetime. He courageously embraced the role of a father and named his youngest daughter Pauline, after Paul Walker.

“Paul Walker

Nghia Pham