Henrick Vartanian
The world learned today of the tragic death of Paul Walker, just 40 years old, in a car accident just north of Los Angeles. The star of the FAST AND FURIOUS movies, a native of Glendale, California, was widely known by the industry, press and fans, as a genuinely relaxed and affable guy.
He started as a child actor, appearing as a series regular at the age of 12 on the TV shows, YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and THROB. But Walker managed that rare feat – he navigated Hollywood waters into a grown-up career.
His must-see films?
His film career began playing jocks and preppies in the hit movies: SKULLS, VARSITY BLUES and PLEASANTVILLE. Walker had an aw-shucks likability like a young Dennis Quaid and at 6’2″ the handsome blonde hair, blue-eyed actor could have been relegated and typecast in himbo roles.
In 2001, Walker hit critical and commercial leading man success in THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS – a movie that turned him and Vin Diesel into household names, gave him bankability with a worldwide hit franchise, and captured the thrill of LA car culture. That same year, JOY RIDE demonstrated his acting chops opposite Steve Zahn in this stylish thriller.
Walker starred in the much-loved family film, EIGHT BELOW, about an Antarctic explorer who saves his sled dogs. He also demonstrated his range as a thug in the brutal thriller RUNNING SCARED.
He worked with director Clint Eastwood in the acclaimed FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS which was a drama about the men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima.
Last summer, Walker’s FAST AND FURIOUS 6 was a huge commercial and critical hit, grossing $275 million worldwide.
Walker had been shooting FAST AND FURIOUS 7 (which was scheduled for next summer’s release) at the time of his death. He also recently began producing his own projects, including PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES and VEHICLE 19. Next, He will be seen in HOURS directed by Eric Heisserer, slated for December 2013 release.
Paul Walker leaves behind an entertaining body of work, memorable films that his fans will always treasure. In an eerie echo of James Dean’s tragic death 58 years earlier, it’s been reported that Walker too was killed in a Porsche.