Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul Walker
How Paul Walker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Paul Walker was an American actor best known for his role as Brian O'Conner in the highly successful Fast & Furious franchise. His portrayal of the undercover cop turned street racer made him a global star. Beyond acting, Walker was known for his philanthropic efforts and passion for marine biology. His life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved actor and humanitarian.
1984: Television Acting Career Begins
In 1984, Paul Walker began his acting career on television, appearing in CBS Schoolbreak Special.
1986: Highway to Heaven Appearance
Between 1984 and 1986, Paul Walker appeared in two episodes of the fantasy drama "Highway to Heaven".
1986: Film Career Begins with Monster in the Closet
In 1986, Paul Walker began his film career with a role in the horror comedy "Monster in the Closet".
1987: Leading Role in Throb
In 1987, Paul Walker secured his first leading role as Jeremy Beatty in the sitcom "Throb".
1993: Role on The Young and the Restless
In 1993, Paul Walker portrayed Brandon Collins on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless", gaining fame and receiving a nomination at the Youth in Film Awards.
1994: Return to Film with Tammy and the T-Rex
In 1994, Paul Walker returned to film, starring in "Tammy and the T-Rex".
1996: Final Television Role
In 1996, Walker's final television role was on "Touched by an Angel".
1998: First Feature Film Role
In 1998, Paul Walker secured his first feature film role in the comedy "Meet the Deedles". He also acted in "Pleasantville".
1999: Rising Recognition in Hollywood
In 1999, Paul Walker gained recognition for his performances in the teen comedy "She's All That" and the comedy-drama "Varsity Blues".
1999: Supporting Roles in Notable Films
In 1999, Paul Walker secured supporting roles in the films "Varsity Blues" and "She's All That".
2000: Role in The Skulls
In 2000, Paul Walker acted in the film "The Skulls".
2001: Breakthrough Role in The Fast and the Furious
In 2001, Paul Walker had his breakthrough role starring in "The Fast and the Furious", which launched a successful franchise.
2001: International Fame with The Fast and the Furious
In 2001, Paul Walker rose to international fame by starring in "The Fast and the Furious", marking a significant milestone in his career.
2001: Starring in Joy Ride
In 2001, Walker starred in the commercially successful road thriller "Joy Ride", solidifying his status as an action star.
2003: 2 Fast 2 Furious and Timeline
In 2003, Paul Walker reprised his role in "2 Fast 2 Furious" and starred in "Timeline".
2005: Starring in Into the Blue
In 2005, Paul Walker starred in "Into the Blue", which was commercially unsuccessful.
2006: Declined Role in Superman Returns
In 2006, Paul Walker declined the role of Superman in "Superman Returns".
2006: Praise for Eight Below and Flags of Our Fathers
In 2006, Paul Walker earned praise for his performances in the survival drama "Eight Below" and for his portrayal of Hank Hansen in "Flags of Our Fathers".
2006: Joined The Billfish Foundation
In 2006, Paul Walker joined the board of directors of The Billfish Foundation, demonstrating his interest in marine biology.
2006: Roles in Flags of Our Fathers and Eight Below
In 2006, Paul Walker portrayed Hank Hansen in "Flags of Our Fathers" and starred in "Eight Below", which received critical acclaim.
October 21, 2008: The Lazarus Project DVD Release
On October 21, 2008, the independent film "The Lazarus Project", starring Paul Walker, was released on DVD.
2009: Return to Fast & Furious Franchise
In 2009, Paul Walker reprised his role as Brian O'Conner in "Fast & Furious", which became the highest-grossing film in the franchise at that time.
June 2010: Premiere of Expedition Great White
In June 2010, the National Geographic Channel series "Expedition Great White" (Shark Men), starring Paul Walker, premiered.
2010: Founding of Reach Out Worldwide
In 2010, Paul Walker founded the humanitarian aid nonprofit charity Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) in response to the Haiti earthquake.
2010: Starring in Takers
In 2010, Paul Walker starred in the heist film "Takers".
2011: Teen Choice Awards Nomination and Modeling
In 2011, Paul Walker was nominated for Choice Movie Actor – Action at the Teen Choice Awards for "Fast Five", and became the face of Cool Water.
2011: Footage from Fast Five
In 2023, archival footage from Fast Five (2011) was used to include Paul Walker in Fast X.
2012: Founding Laguna Ridge Pictures
In 2012, Paul Walker founded the film production company Laguna Ridge Pictures, which signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
2014: Intended Role in The Best of Me
Paul Walker was set to play Dawson Cole in "The Best of Me" (2014) but died before production began.
2015: Intended Role in Hitman: Agent 47
Paul Walker was set to play Agent 47 in "Hitman: Agent 47" (2015) but died before production began.
2023: Posthumous Appearance in Fast X and Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2023, Paul Walker posthumously reprised his role as Brian O'Conner in "Fast X" through archival footage. He also posthumously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
