Sunday, December 8, 2013

Paul Waker

Paul William Walker IV (September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013) was an American actor. He became famous in 1999 after his role in the hit film Varsity Blues, but later garnered fame as Brian O'Conner in The Fast and the Furious film series. His other films include Eight Below, Into the Blue, Joy Ride, She's All That, and Takers.

 Contents

1 Early life

Early life

Walker, the son of Cheryl (née Crabtree), a fashion model, and Paul William Walker III, a sewer contractor and a fighter who was a two-time Golden Gloves champion,[5] was born in Glendale, California.[6][7] His paternal grandfather was a professional boxer.[8] One of his grandfathers raced factory cars for Ford in the 1960s.[5] The oldest of five siblings, Walker was raised primarily in the Sunland community of Los Angeles and attended high school in the San Fernando Valley, graduating from Sun Valley's Village Christian School in 1991.[9][10] He was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[6] After high school, Walker attended several community colleges in Southern California, majoring in marine biology.[11]

Career

Walker began his small screen career as a toddler, when he starred in a television commercial for Pampers. He began modeling at the age of two and began working on television shows in 1985, with roles in shows such as Highway to Heaven, Who's the Boss?, The Young and the Restless, andTouched by an Angel. That same year, he starred in a commercial for Showbiz Pizza.[12] Walker's film career began in 1986, with the horror/comedy film Monster in the Closet. He and his sister Ashlie were contestants on a 1988 episode of the game show I'm Telling!; they finished in second place. In 1993 he played Brandon Collins on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. He and his co-star Heather Tom, who played Victoria Newman, were nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a soap opera at the Youth in Film Awards. In 1998, Walker made his feature film debut in the comedy Meet the Deedles, which finally gained him fame. This subsequently led to supporting roles in the movies Pleasantville (1998),Varsity Blues (1999), She's All That (1999), and The Skulls (2000).

In 2001, Walker's breakthrough role arrived when he starred opposite actor Vin Diesel in the successful action film The Fast and the Furious. The film established Walker as a notable film star and leading man and led to his reprisal of the role in the 2003 sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious. He continued his career with leading roles in films such as Joy Ride (2001), Into the Blue (2005), and Timeline (2003); he had a supporting role in Clint Eastwood's adaptation of Flags of Our Fathers (2006).
Walker then starred in the crime thriller Running Scared and Walt Disney Pictures' Eight Below, both released in 2006. Eight Below garnered critical-acclaim and opened in first place at the box office, grossing over US$20 million during its first weekend.[13] During the filming of Running Scared, director Wayne Kramerstated that "[Walker] is that guy on some level"[14] when comparing Walker with his character in the movie, Joey Gazelle. Kramer continued on to say that he "loved working with [Walker] because as a director he's completely supportive of my vision of what the film is. And even better, he's completely game for it."[14]
Walker starred in the independent film The Lazarus Project, which was released on DVD on October 21, 2008. He subsequently returned to The Fast and the Furious franchise, reprising his role in Fast & Furious, which was released on April 3, 2009.[15] Walker then appeared in the crime drama Takers, which began filming in early September 2008 and was released in August 2010.[16]
The Coty Prestige fragrance brand Davidoff Cool Water for Men announced in January 2011 that Walker was going to be the new face of the brand as of July 2011.[17] He reprised his role in the fifth installment of The Fast and the Furious series, Fast Five (2011), and again in Fast & Furious 6 (2013). Upcoming films in which Walker starred or appeared in due for release are Hours, set for release in December 2013, and Brick Mansions, set for release in May 2014. At the time of his death, Walker had been filming Fast and Furious 7, which was slated for release in July 2014.[18] He was also set to play Agent 47 in the Hitman film adaptation.[19]

Personal life

Walker lived in Santa Barbara with his dogs.[6][20] He and Rebecca McBrain,[21] a one-time girlfriend,[22] had a daughter[23] who lived with her mother in Hawaii for 13 years and then moved to California to live with Walker in 2011.[24] He held a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller at Paragon Jiu-Jitsu.[25]
Walker's first passion was marine biology; he joined the Board of Directors of The Billfish Foundation in 2006.[26] He fulfilled a lifelong dream by starring in a National Geographic Channel seriesExpedition Great White (later retitled Shark Men), which premiered in June 2010.[27][28] He spent 11 days as part of the crew, catching and tagging 7 great white sharks off the coast of Mexico. The expedition, led by Chris Fischer, founder and CEO of Fischer Productions, along with Captain Brett McBride and Dr. Michael Domeier of the Marine Conservation Science Institute took measurements, gathered DNA samples, and fastened real-time satellite tags to the great white sharks. This allowed Dr. Domeier to study migratory patterns especially those associated with mating and birthing over a 5-year period of time.[29]
In March 2010, Walker went to Constitución, Chile to offer his help and support to the people injured in the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27. He flew with his humanitarian aidteam, REACH OUT Worldwide, to Haiti to lend a helping hand to the 2010 Haiti earthquake victims.[30]
An avid car enthusiast, he competed in the Redline Time Attack racing series in which he raced an M3 E92 and was on the AE Performance Team. His car was sponsored by Etnies, Brembo Brakes, Ohlins, Volk, OS Giken, Hankook, Gintani, and Reach Out Worldwide.[31] Walker had been preparing for an auto show prior to his death.[32]
Roger Rodas became Walker's financial adviser in 2007 and helped to establish Reach Out Worldwide.[33] Rodas was the CEO of Always Evolving, a Valencia high-end vehicle performance shop owned by Walker.[34]

Death

On November 30, 2013, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PST, Walker and friend Roger Rodas,[35] age 38, left an event for Walker's charity Reach Out Worldwide for victims of Typhoon Haiyan[36][37] in Rodas' red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. After leaving the event, the car crashed into a light pole and tree on Hercules Street, a 45 mph speed zone near Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, after which the vehicle burst into flames.[36][38][39][40][41] The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared both victims dead at the scene.[39][42] Rodas died of multiple traumatic injuries, while Walker died from the combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries, according to the Los Angeles county coroner's office.[43]
The curve where Walker and Rodas were killed is a popular spot for drifting cars.[44] Investigators believe the car he was in reached at least 90 mph before the crash.[45] Police also investigated as to whether drag racing played a role, but were unable to find evidence of a second car's involvement.[46] Authorities determined that Rodas was driving the car, while Walker was the passenger.[43]
With Fast & Furious 7 in the middle of filming at the time of Walker's death, Universal announced an indeterminate hiatus on the production, citing a desire to speak with his family before determining what to do with the film.[47] Numerous friends and movie stars have posted tributes to Walker on social media.[48]

Filmography

Film


YearTitleRoleNotes
1986Monster in the ClosetProfessor Bennett
1987Programmed to KillJason
1994Tammy and the T-RexMichael
1998Meet the DeedlesPhil Deedle
1998PleasantvilleSkip Martin
1999Varsity BluesLance Harbor
1999She's All ThatDean Sampson
1999Brokedown PalaceJasonUncredited
2000The SkullsCaleb Mandrake
2001The Fast and the FuriousBrian O'Conner
2001Joy RideLewis Thomas
2002Life Makes Sense If You're FamousMikey
2003Turbo-Charged PreludeBrian O'ConnerShort introductory film for 2 Fast 2 Furious
20032 Fast 2 FuriousBrian O'Conner
2003TimelineChris Johnston
2004NoelMike Riley
2005Into the BlueJared Cole
2006Eight BelowJerry Shepard
2006Running ScaredJoey Gazelle
2006Flags of Our FathersHank Hansen
2007Stories USAMikey
2007The Death and Life of Bobby ZTim Kearney
2008The Lazarus ProjectBen Garvey
2009Fast & FuriousBrian O'Conner
2010TakersJohn Rahway
2011Fast FiveBrian O'Conner
2013Vehicle 19Michael Woods
2013Fast & Furious 6Brian O'Conner
2013Pawn Shop ChroniclesRaw Dog
2013HoursNolan
2014Brick MansionsDamien
2014Fast & Furious 7Brian O'ConnerHad not finished filming his scenes at time of death
2015Random Acts Of ViolenceUnknownHad not finished filming his scenes at time of death

Television


YearTitleRoleNotes
1985Highway to HeavenEric Travers1 episode
1986Highway to HeavenTodd Bryant2 episodes
1986–1987ThrobJeremy Beatty23 episodes
1988I'm Telling!Contestant1 episode
1990Charles in ChargeRussell Davis1 episode
1991Who's the Boss?Michael Haynes1 episode
1992–1993The Young and the RestlessBrandon Collins
1994CBS Schoolbreak SpecialDill1 episode
1994The Boys Are BackJesse HansenPilot episode
1996Touched by an AngelJonathan1 episode
2010Shark MenHimself3 episodes
2013Shark WeekHimself1 episode

Music videos

YearArtistSong
1997The Mighty Mighty Bosstones"Wrong Thing Right Then"
2003Ludacris"Act a Fool"

Awards and nominations


YearAwardCategoryFilm/TV showResult
1993The Youth in Film AwardsOutstanding Lead ActorNominated
2000Young Hollywood AwardExciting New Face – MaleNominated
2001Hollywood Breakthrough AwardBreakthrough Male PerformanceWon
2001Young Hollywood AwardNew Stylemaker – MaleWon
2002MTV Movie AwardBest On-Screen Team
Shared with Vin Diesel		The Fast and the FuriousWon
2002MTV Movie AwardBreakthrough Male PerformanceThe Fast and the FuriousNominated
2003Teen Choice AwardChoice Movie Chemistry
For Paul Walker and his car		2 Fast 2 FuriousWon
2009Teen Choice AwardChoice Movie Actor: Action AdventureFast & FuriousNominated
2011Teen Choice AwardChoice Movie Actor: Action AdventureFast FiveNominated

References

  1. ^ "Paul Walker - Biography". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  2. Jump up^ Stape, Will (May 29, 2013). "Celebrity Net Worth 'The Fast and the Furious 6' – Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez". Yahoo!. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  3. Jump up^ "Paul Walker on Christian Faith: 'Who Couldn't Believe There's a God?'". The Christian Post. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  4. Jump up^ WGN News at Nine. November 30, 2013. 32 minutes in.WGN-TV/WGN America.
  5. ^ Jump up to:a b Hobson, Louis B. (June 17, 2001). "Paul Walker kicks it into high gear". Canoe.ca. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  6. ^ Jump up to:a b c Keck, William (September 27, 2005). "Fame lets Paul Walker dive in". USA Today. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  7. Jump up^ Atkin, Hillary (June 6, 2003). "Walker's in the 'Fast' lane to film stardom". USA Today. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  8. Jump up^ "Meet Paul Walker". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. March 29, 2006. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  9. Jump up^ "Stars React To Paul Walker’s Death, Other Crash Victim Identified". CBS Los Angeles. December 1, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  10. Jump up^ Gazzar, Brenda (December 1, 2013). "‘Fast & Furious’ star Paul Walker remembered as kind, carefree". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  11. Jump up^ "Paul Walker Bio: Fast & Furious Actor". Tribute. Tribute Entertainment Media Group. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  12. Jump up^ Youtube. "Showbiz Pizza Commercial". Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  13. Jump up^ "Eight Below (2006)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  14. ^ Jump up to:a b Murray, Rebecca. "Intassiew with 'Running Scared'Writer/Director Wayne Kramer". About.com. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  15. Jump up^ "Apple – Movie Trailers – Fast and Furious". Apple. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  16. Jump up^ Fleming, Michael (September 9, 2008). "Screen Gems digs up 'Bone' cast". Variety. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  17. Jump up^ "Coty Prestige Announces Agreement with Paul Walker".PR Newswire. January 14, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  18. Jump up^ "Report: Paul Walkers death forces delay of Fast and Furious 7 shoot". HitFix. December 1, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  19. Jump up^ Trumbore, Dave. "Paul Walker Leads HITMAN Reboot in AGENT 47". Collider. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  20. Jump up^ Koltnow, Barry (February 18, 2006). "Just chillin'". The Orange County Register. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  21. Jump up^ Gilbey, Ryan (December 1, 2013). "Paul Walker obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  22. Jump up^ "Paul Walker: Daughter Meadow with ex girlfriend Rebecca McBrain left behind after actor's tragic death in car accident". Christian Today. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  23. Jump up^ "Meadow Walker Paul Walker’s Adorable Daughter[PHOTOS]". Daily Entertainment News. November 30, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  24. Jump up^ Smith, Grady (December 1, 2013). "The sides of Paul Walker you may have missed". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  25. Jump up^ Duane, Daniel (September 6, 2005). "Paul Walker's Adventure Sports Workout Routine". Men's Health. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  26. Jump up^ "Paul Walker Joins The Billfish Foundation to Kick-Off 20th Anniversary Celebration". Sport Fishing. September 25, 2006. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  27. Jump up^ "Paul Walker Leads Shark Expedition". Starpulse.com. November 12, 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  28. Jump up^ "Actor Paul Walker Joins National Geographic Shark Expedition". DiverWire. November 13, 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  29. Jump up^ "Expedition Great White". National Geographic. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  30. Jump up^ "REACH OUT Worldwide". REACH OUT Worldwide.
  31. Jump up^ "AE Performance". Redline Time Attack.
  32. Jump up^ "Paul Walker, estrella de "Rápidos y furiosos" falleció en accidente de tránsito". El Comercio.
  33. Jump up^ "Call to Action". Merrill Lynch. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  34. Jump up^ Smith, Perry (November 30, 2013). "Paul Walker, Santa Clarita CEO Reportedly Killed In Fatal Single-Car Crash".KHTS Radio. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  35. Jump up^ "Walker and Rodas, you will be missed". December 1, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  36. ^ Jump up to:a b Duke, Alan; Sutton, Joe (December 1, 2013). "'Fast & Furious' star Paul Walker killed in car crash". CNN. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  37. Jump up^ "'Fast and Furious' star Paul Walker dies in Valencia car crash, publicist says". ABC News. November 30, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  38. Jump up^ "Officials: Paul Walker crash not part of street race". The Press Democrat. December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  39. ^ Jump up to:a b "Publicist: Fast & Furious Actor Paul Walker Dies in Car Crash". Time. November 30, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  40. Jump up^ Schabner, Dean (November 30, 2013). 'Fast and Furious' Star Paul Walker Killed in Crash". ABC News.
  41. Jump up^ Joel Landau (November 30, 2013). "Paul Walker dead at 40:'Fast and Furious' star killed in fiery car crash". Daily News. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  42. Jump up^ "Fast & Furious actor Paul Walker dies in California car crash". BBC News US & Canada (BBC News). December 1, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  43. ^ Jump up to:a b "Big questions in Walker crash probe". CNN. November 30, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  44. Jump up^ Wood, Daniel B. (December 4, 2013). "Paul Walker crash could 'romanticize' growing street racing culture". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  45. Jump up^ Breuer, Howard (December 4, 2013). "Paul Walker Car Reached at Least 90 MPH Before Fatal Crash, Investigator Says". People. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  46. Jump up^ "Paul Walker death investigation: Police rule out second vehicle, focus on speed". CNN. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  47. Jump up^ Gonzalez, Maricela. "'Fast & Furious 7' production halted after Paul Walker's death". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  48. Jump up^ "'Speechless' Vin Diesel pays tribute to Paul Walker".The New Zealand Herald. December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.

External links



Note: Copied from wikipedia
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