The sudden death of 40-year-old Paul Walker has broken the hearts of everyone who ever loved him. His close friends and family are still mourning over the tragic loss, and are now publicly expressing their love for the fallen star.
Friends have described him as a “fun and carefree guy” with a “kind soul.” Although most of us grew to love Walker because of his movies and gorgeous looks, many are now discovering that he wasn’t just a pretty face.
Check out our 7 reasons why Paul Walker was more than just a good-looking guy.
1. He Once Purchased An Engagement Ring For A Military Vet
Since Walker’s tragic death on Saturday, many people have come forward to discuss the memorable encounters they had with him and how he impacted their lives. One jewelry store sales associate in particular experienced Paul Walker’s selflessness first hand. According to Dailymail.co.uk, Irene King was working in the jewelry store the day that Walker visited. King revealed that Walker witnessed a couple searching for engagement rings and overheard that they couldn’t afford the $10,00 ring that they wanted. King told CBS Los Angeles:
“After overhearing that a ring worth $10,000 was too expensive for them, Walker stepped in. It was such a heartwarming story.”
She also revealed that Walker asked the store manager to put the ring on his tab and keep his identity a secret before he walked out the door. No one knew about the selfless act of kindness…until now.
2. He Participated In The Film Pawn Shop Chronicles To Help Secure Funding
In an interview with Salon.com, Walker discussed his role in the Wayne Kramer-directed film Pawn Shop Chronicles. He revealed that not only did he sign on to do the movie because he fell in love with the character Raw Dog, but he was aware that his participation in the film secured funding. Walker told the site:
“I liked Raw Dog. That was what I liked. I wanted to play that guy. They would lose financing if I didn’t do it. I called Wayne and said ‘Check this out. We can bring in the people we love.’ It’s what I wanted and it was the thing to do.”
3. He’s A Loving Father
Paul Walker is survived by his parents, siblings, and his 15-year-old daughter Meadow. In recent interviews, Walker has not been shy about expressing his love for his baby girl and praised how much she has encouraged him. In an interview with GQ UK, Walker revealed that his daughter was his inspiration to continue acting after 40. He told the mag:
“It’s so funny, my daughter now lives with me full time and my original plan was to work up until I was 40 then reassess my life, even go in a completely different direction with things. She keeps encouraging me to do all this stuff. I thought at this point in my life I would need to be home with her, but she wants me to keep acting so she can travel around the world with me.”
4. He Didn’t Want To Be Just A Pretty Face
Most celebs that are deemed ‘Sex Symbols’ tend to live lifestyles that glorify that title, but Paul Walker seemed to remain grounded despite all of his success in the entertainment industry. The blue-eyed bombshell revealed to Salon.com that he missed out on a lot in his youth and was categorized because of his good looks. He stated:
“Why are they giving me work? Because I was a pretty kid? I was pretty. I was a pretty little girl, a pretty little shit. I hated it! I was in my early 20s and they were putting me in teen magazines. I almost sabotaged my career.”
5. He’s A Doer
Just before Walker’s sudden death, he attended an event for a non-profit organization that he co-founded with friend Roger Rodas, who was also killed in the tragic car accident. The foundation Reach Out Worldwide is a disaster relief organization benefiting victims of natural disasters like the Sri Lanka Tsunami. In a quote from the organization’s website, Walker stated:
“I’m a doer, and whether it was the tsunami in Sri Lanka or the earthquake in Indonesia, I was always saying, I should be there; I should be helping out.”
6. He Believes That The Truth Comes From Within
Having such a successful career sometimes causes people to lose every humble bone in their body, fortunately that wasn’t the case for Paul Walker. In an interview with Salon.com, he revealed that he was a true believer in the power of self. He stated:
“You compromise your integrity for this or that reason … I don’t care what it is in life: listen to your heart. If you do, no matter what, you win. Stay true to yourself. Don’t listen to noise. Stay in the game and listen to your heart.”
7. He Was Funny, Kind, And Caring
The friends and family of Paul Walker all have the same things to say about the beloved actor — he was a fun-loving, happy guy. Andy Muxlow, a former schoolmate of the departed actor, made a statement to the Huffington Post discussing the greatness of the late Paul Walker. He said:
“…He’s just so likeable and really cares about others. He thinks about other people before himself most of the time.”
He continued on, telling about Walker’s love of the ocean and sharks and even revealed what his last conversation with Walker was like. He admitted:
“He said ‘I love my daughter and I don’t want to miss out on her life and family and caring for her.’ He was trying to see how he can be relocated more in the L.A. area to better care for her.”
All of the fame and attention that made Paul Walker popular is insignificant compared to the personal success he’s achieved – aside from being known as one of the sexiest people. He will continue to be loved and missed as his legacy lives on.
