I just re-watched I Am Paul Walker, the documentary film from 2018 in which his family + friends detail his whole life from when he was an infant to the event of his tragic demise.

This film really puts into perspective how wrong I was when I first saw Paul in the FAST & FURIOUS movies. He was such a giving, caring, compassionate human being and although the opposite of shy, he certainly fought against media attention in favor of spending time with his beloved family.

Some little facts:

+ Paul was originally supposed to be the guy who is scene in the car next to Lucas Black at the end of TOKYO DRIFT (F&F 3), not Vin Diesel. They had to replace him with Vin at the last minute due to family commitments Paul had regarding his grandfather.

+ Paul was very passionate about Marine Biology and actually preferred this for his career path over acting (which he felt was too commercialized and had too many two-faced industry people). A friend ultimately talked him into staying with acting by saying that it was the more financially secure option and he could use it as a way to spread the message of Marine life to the world.

+ With some help from Vin Diesel's relatives who lived close by, Paul and an emergency services helper took a helicopter to Haiti during the earthquake disaster. He spent time there helping to reset victims' broken bones and offering them fresh water. He swore his manager to secrecy, refusing to allow press to be informed. Tyrese Gibson says Paul was doing it for pure reasons, unlike attention-seekers who demand the spotlight.

+ Paul did most of his own stunts in his movies, even going back as far as the first FAST & FURIOUS movie. He even demanded to be hurt on set of certain movies when directors suggested it was too dangerous.

+ Paul had actually had a long-term (on/off) relationship with Rebecca, the mother of his child Meadow Walker. Tabloids had always tried to suggest that it was a one-night stand simply because they didn't get married but Paul's mother insisted that Rebecca grew up with their family and was like a daughter to her. They split up due to their different career aspirations. Rebecca did not embrace the spotlight of movie making.


Such a wonderful and criminally underrated human being. I appreciate getting the chance to watch this documentary film. PAUL WALKER, you live on in our thoughts always - and in the amazing charity work that you never sought credit for.