Before this actor died, he welcomed one child who would later become the sole beneficiary of his wealth. Luckily, the child had a good support system after losing her father, with one special person stepping in to walk her down the aisle when she got married.
This late actor’s life did not begin at 40; it ended with his untimely death on November 30, 2013. Although it’s been more than a decade since the tragedy, his longtime friend and fellow actor has cared for his daughter, allowing his family to grow. Here’s what transpired during those years.
The late actor during the 5th Annual Hollywood Film Festival Gala Ceremony Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on August 6, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
The late star first charmed the world with his blue eyes, infectious smile, and impeccable acting skills in “The Young and the Restless” and the comedy-drama, “Varsity Blues,” before gaining international recognition in the first film from the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Over the years, with more installments of the box office hit and appearances in other movies, he became even more famous. Yet, success did not make him selfish.
Devon Aoki and the late actor during the World Premiere of “2 Fast 2 Furious” in Universal City, California, on June 3, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The actor was noted for his philanthropy. For example, in 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, he founded “Reach Out Worldwide,” a disaster relief charity. Three years later, his organization was helping another set of disaster victims in the Philippines.
He assisted them through a charity event, and afterward, he happily strolled out of the venue, a car shop in Santa Clarita, California, but never returned.
The late actor and a guest at the premiere of “One True Thing” in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on September 16, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
How the Little Girl Lost Her Famous Father but Became a Millionaire
Unfortunately, while riding in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT in 2013 with his friend Roger Rodas, who was behind the wheel, the vehicle burst into flames after running into a curb, a light post, and trees. Describing the gruesome incident, Antonio Holmes, a close friend of the actor who saw the scene, shared, “Employees, friends of the shop. We tried. We tried. We went through fire extinguishers.”
The late actor in the movie “The Skulls” on March 8, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Another eyewitness, Jim Thorp, also a friend, told reporters that before the accident, the actor was excited about going for a drive, and his last words were, “Hey, let’s go for a drive.” Jim added, “He lived his life and he died fast and furious… He loved speed, he loved cars, and he had to die this way. He died in a very fast car with his friend.”
The actor at a celebrity party on March 23, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, the late star died at age 40, before the seventh “Fast and Furious” installment was completed. But, he is survived by his only child, who was 15 at the time, his siblings, and his co-stars who carried on his legacy, giving him a happy ending in the film.
The movie’s director, James Wan, looked forward to giving the late actor’s character, Brian O’Conner, a proper send-off. Thankfully, with a great storyline, the use of CGI, and the help of his brothers, Caleb and Cody, who stood in for him, fans were able to memorialize their beloved star.
Following the announcement of his death, reports claimed the actor left the entirety of his assets, worth $25 million, to his only child and daughter. His decision to leave everything to her caused conflict among his other relatives.
It even severed the relationship between his daughter, her uncles, and her grandmother. The “The Young and the Restless” star wrote his will in 2001, at age 28, when he found international fame in the first “Fast and Furious” film.
While the will may have saved his family from fighting over his estate, it did not make provisions for his then-partner of seven years, Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell. Despite the surprise over his will, his family acknowledged that the actor treasured his daughter, and they shared a close bond before his death.
A 2018 documentary with his name and done in his honor showed his family confirming that his daughter was his favorite person. In a clip, her grandfather revealed, “No father loved a child more than he did [daughter’s name].” Years later, the star’s only child found her calling and got married.
His Daughter Became a Model and Married
Unfortunately, the actor did not live long enough to watch his daughter blossom into a beautiful woman. She grew into a confident young lady, but unlike her dad, she is passionate about fashion.
During the 2021 Paris Fashion Week, she made her first appearance on the runway as a Givenchy model. Before, she had been featured in the Proenza Schouler lookbook after signing with DNA Model Management.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to walk the runway for such a prominent brand during Paris Fashion Week. On Instagram, she thanked Givenchy’s creative director, Matthew M. Williams, and everyone who helped make the show successful.
Her growth would not be complete without mentioning that she is married. On October 22, 2021, she exchanged vows with her boyfriend, Louis Thornton-Allan, in a private ceremony. Though she now has her husband’s support, the late star’s daughter has always had someone close to her father looking out for her.
Louis Thornton-Allan and his wife at the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Close Friend Takes Care of the Actor’s Family
In 2001, the late actor and his co-star thrilled fans with their close friendship on-screen in “The Fast and the Furious.” This bond extended to real life, as the two men became more than just co-stars.
The two actors pose with their Award for “Best on-screen Team” backstage at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles, in 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Their closeness benefited the late actor’s daughter, who became his friend’s goddaughter. Since his passing, her godfather has stepped in to become a loving and protective figure, and she gladly reciprocates those emotions.
In a past interview, the late star’s friend, who is a father to three children, shared that his goddaughter truly appreciates him and extends her love to his family. He said, “She’s the first person on Father’s Day to wish me Happy Father’s Day.”
The late actor’s daughter posing at an event on November 1, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The godfather added, “To see her with my children is one of the most beautiful things. I feel very protective. It goes beyond the movie.” Vin Diesel takes his role seriously when it comes to looking out for Meadow Rain Walker, and walking her down the aisle on her wedding day is one way he’s shown it.
Meadow Walker at the world premiere of “F9: The Fast Saga” in Hollywood on June 18, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The “Riddick” star stepped in as a father figure on her wedding day when he walked the bride down the aisle. In a montage shared online, Vin also posed close to the bride and groom. Other familiar faces, like Jordana Brewster, a fellow co-star from “F9,” were present at the event. Jordana greeted the bride warmly with a hug and smile.
To family, friends, and fans, memories of the beloved actor continue to live on. On the eve of the ninth anniversary of Paul Walker’s death, Vin shared an old photo of the two of them leaning on a car.
He captioned the post with heartfelt words that read, “Nine years… love you and miss you.” Truly, Vin has done a wonderful job of showing his love for the deceased by caring for everything connected to him. In the past, Cody even praised Vin Diesel for how he continues to honor his late brother.
