This morning I was sad to read the news about Paul Walker’s unfortunate car accident which has cost him his life. I am a big fan of the Fast & Furious franchise and always enjoyed his work in those. Although I am not very familiar with the rest of his work (only seen a couple of his other movies) it is a shame that this actor is no longer with us. I thought there is not a better way to celebrate his work by taking a look at the work he has left behind in this special Many Faces of post.
Paul Walker was born on September 12, 1973 in Glendale, California. He studied marine biology when growing up. He started acting early as his first TV work was in a Pampers commercial and did other modeling. In 1985 he appeared in TV shows including Highway to Heaven, Who’s the Boss, The Young and the Restless and Touched by an Angel. His first movie role was in the horror film Monster in the Closet. He became more famous when he acted in Meet the Deedles in 1998. He appeared in movies like Pleasantville, She’s All That and The Skulls. When he appeared in The Fast and the Furious in 2001 though it meant his big breakthrough. Since then he appeared in the sequels in the franchise and movies like Joy Ride, Timeline, Into the Blue, Flags of Our Fathers, Takers and Running Scared.
What’s your favorite Paul Walker role?
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He’s always going to be Brian O’Connor and that is just cool with me. He was always a nice guy and despite his limited range, did manage to win me over in some good films. Fast Five was the turning point for me as far as the franchise goes as I watched with it low expectations and ended up enjoying myself forcing me to re-evaluate the entire series where I was starting to embrace how good it is in all of its flaws and ridiculousness. I just hope he had already had shot some scenes for the 7th film as I think it should be the last one. They just can’t continue w/o him. He’s the Sundance Kid to Diesel’s Butch Cassidy.
Yeah, it is his most iconic role and that’s the first thing I’ll associate him with as well. Fast Five was awesome. Just have to wait and see what will happen to the new film.
While I doubt they’ll stop making F&F films (they make too much money for Universal to just give up on them) they really need to be careful how they handle the release of the upcoming 7th. Honestly, I think they need to remove Walker almost entirely from the marketing, find a way of giving him an off-screen send off somehow, and bring in a new “Brian” type character. Such a tragic waste. He seemed so likeable.
I don’t think they will stop making those films either, but they really have to think how to handle the next one. It all depends on what was already shot, what they could use and how they can remove him from the story in a respectful way.
Great tribute for Paul Walker, Nostra. I’m afraid I’ve only seen him in Timeline and those F&F movies. He’s way too young to go, oh so tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his families and friends.
Thank you Ruth. I think Timeline is also the only movie I’ve seen him in outside F&F (maybe 1 other, but I’m not sure). Tragic indeed.
I did not know that he started really early. He must have been raised good because he’s quite humble. Always admired that from him, despite of his good looks and fame. Great pick for The Many Faces!
I didn’t know this either before reading his bio. Thanks Andina!
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Like most people, he’ll always be Brian for me. The Fast & Furious films were brought to life again when Paul Walker and Vin Diesel were “reunited” in the fourth one. Just their onscreen chemistry was something you don’t see in action films of late.
Reading some of what his co-stars were saying about him was very touching. He seemed like a very well liked kind of guy.
Very sad that he’s gone. Wonder what will happen to the F&F franchise. Even though the last one wasn’t all that fantastic, it’s been a fun ride.
You didn’t like the last F&F? I thought it was the best one. It’s not often that you are not that big on big action movies like this.
I LOVED 5, but thought 6 was very weak. Just cringey bad in parts. Some silly bits I couldn’t forgive.
Yeah? I thought both 5 and 6 were good, but if I had to rewatch one I’d probably first would pick 6.