• Paul Walker was a child actor and soap star.
• His mother was a fashion model and his father was a retired boxer.
• He became famous with the film saga ‘Fast and Furious’.
• His relationship with Rebecca McBrain and his only child are often confused with Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain’s wife.
• In the wake of Paul’s death, there has been a public legal battle, his daughter has taken over his philanthropic work, and a song has been released in his memory.
Paul Walker’s name will forever live on in the Hollywood history books. Even now, nearly seven years after his passing, Paul will be remembered as many people’s favorite action hero, who once made street racing one of the most popular activities of the twenty-first century. Despite rising to fame as the character Brian O’Conner in the ‘Fast and Furious’ movie saga, there are plenty of things people don’t know about the late actor.
Among these hidden details are his relationship with Rebecca McBrain and his slow rise to fame.
Many don’t know that he was a child actor, as well as a soap opera star, and that the mother of his only child is often confused with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain’s wife, also Rebecca McBrain. In the wake of Paul’s departure, the drama hasn’t stopped as Walker’s mother has filed for custody of his child, sparking a public legal battle. If you want to know more, feel free to read on as we reflect on the life Paul Walker left behind and what has happened since.
Paul’s Walk to Fame
Paul William Walker IV was born in Glendale, California on September 12, 1973.
His mother, Cheryl Crabtree, was a fashion model and his father, Paul William Walker III, was a sewer contractor and a retired boxer who had been a two-time Golden Gloves Champion. Paul was the eldest of five siblings, including two brothers, Cody and Caleb. Most likely through the influence of his mother, Paul began his career as a child model and actor in the early 1980s.
He gained recognition when he landed a role in the soap opera ‘The Young and The Restless’ but became famous for his role in ‘The Fast and The Furious’.
It only seemed destined that Paul would achieve great fame as a street racer, as one of his grandfathers drove factory cars for Ford in races in the 1960s.
Paul grew up in Sunland, Los Angeles, California and attended San Fernando Valley Village Christian School. After graduating from college in 1991, Paul attended several community colleges in Southern California, eventually graduating with a major in marine biology. This passion motivated his participation in a National Geographic Channel series ‘Shark Men’, as well as joining the board of directors of the Billfish Association. .
Apart from this, Paul was also very passionate about cars and by the time of his departure owned more than thirty collectibles, including several vintage models.
Paul’s film credits grew rapidly after the success of the early ‘The Fast and The Furious’ films, to include titles such as ‘Into The Blue’, ‘Joy Ride’ and the heartbreaking film ‘Eight Below’. However, Paul was never able to finish filming ‘Fast 7’ and the producer had to use his brothers as substitutes to finish the film. Paul passed away on November 30, 2013 due to a car accident and is deeply missed by all his fans, family and friends.
His relationship with Rebecca McBrain
Rebecca MacBrain was born in 1974, so was a year younger than her long-term boyfriend Paul Walker. Until she started dating Paul in 1998, Rebecca was pretty much unknown. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Hawaii, but when she started seeing, Paul Walker gave up teaching to live with him in California.
Although the couple never married, they did have one child together, Paul’s only child. Meadow Rain Walker, was born on November 4, 1998 in Northern California.
In 2009, after Rebecca insisted the two get married and Paul refused, they separated. During this time, Rebecca and Meadow moved back to Hawaii where Meadow was raised by her mother. Rebecca became a maid, has been quietly living away from media attention ever since.
Paul Walker’s controversial relationship with Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell
After Paul’s failed relationship with Rebecca McBrain, he met Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell.
“When you bring out goodwill, it’s amazing what can be achieved.” – Paul Walker #DoGood #MondayMotivation #TeamPW
Posted by Paul Walker on Monday, June 15, 2020
At the time, Jasmine was 16 and Paul was 33, but despite the large age difference and controversial nature of their relationship, they apparently had a happy time together and dated for seven years until Paul’s untimely passing.
Although no children were born of the relationship, Jasmine had a very healthy and close relationship with Paul’s daughter Meadow. Jasmine was devastated by Paul’s departure, but has since moved on and is currently engaged to musician Travis Turpin.
In the wake of Paul’s death
While Paul Walker’s passing had been a tragedy, many felt compelled to add to the drama. This happened with a lawsuit brought against Porsche by both Paul’s daughter and his father, as well as a custody battle brought by Paul’s mother for Meadow, which came to public attention in 2014.
Since the late actor’s funeral, Meadow Rain Walker has taken over her father’s philanthropic work and raised a lot of money for charity in his honor. The theme song of ‘Fast 7’ titled ‘See You Again’ performed by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth was released in memory of Paul Walker.
