Following the tragic news of actor Paul Walker's death on Saturday, stories of his charm, generosity and kindness have come to light - showing that he was far more than a movie star.
Walker brought his charisma to five films about fast cars, how to build a family out of close friends, and living your conscience. Survived by many co-stars, by his parents and by a 15-year-old-daughter, friends, fans and family are all mourning Walker's death.
Walker's daughter Meadow lived with her mother in Hawaii for 13 years while Walker focused on his career and the perks of being a celebrity. At the time of his death, he had been rekindling his relationship with his daughter.
"My daughter lives with me full-time now and she’s the best partner I’ve ever had," Walker told Entertainment Weekly earlier this year. "There’s a part of me who feels like I’m making up for lost time."
Walker told USA Today that his character, Brian O'Connor, from the Fast and Furious movies, was as much of a family guy as he was.
"The guy's a sucker for family," he told USA Today. "Brian's a heart guy, he just is. What's Dom really representative of to him? He's the father and the older brother he never had. It's not a buddy. Brian doesn't even realize it. He gave up on having that kind of family or life before he even knew it was possible, and I don't think he ever thought it could be as great as what he has."
Raised in the LDS church, Walker said he maintained Christian values through his life.
The actor also had a passion for marine biology, which he studied in college before becoming an actor. Walker took his love of the sea to the next level by hosting "Expedition Great White" for National Geographic in 2010. He spent 11 days catching and tagging great white sharks.
He also founded the nonprofit Reach Out Worldwide, which benefitted victims of the Chile earthquake, Haiti's earthquake and the typhoon in the Philippines.
Many have mourned Walker by posting tributes on social media. Jordana Brewster, who played his love interest in the "Fast and the Furious" movies, released a statement about her friend.
"He lived with integrity, humanity and humility and seemed most happy when talking about his daughter, Meadow," Brewster said. "I don’t know anyone who lived each moment more fully and loved life more than Paul; making his loss all the more heartbreaking."
"Fast and Furious" Co-star Tyrese Gibson has been especially vocal about his heartache over the loss of his friend. He posted an "open letter to God" on his Instagram account:
"My open letter to God.... Father God I love you, I trust you and honor your presence in and around my life.... I know I am still here for a purpose so use me up.... I will speak what you ask I will go where you tell me to.... I will do what you tell me to do.... Order my footsteps and I will walk....
"My heart is hurting badly but in this darkness you used me as a light with my bothers family tonight.... Use me up father God I owe you...."
Email: ataylor@deseretnews.com