Vin Diesel opens up about special bond with Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow: ‘I would die for her’

Paul Walker died in a 2013 crash when Meadow Walker was 15, while godfather Vin Diesel remained close to her and walked her down the aisle in 2021
Vin Diesel reflected on his close bond with Meadow Walker, calling her 'such a blessing' (Getty Images)
Vin Diesel reflected on his close bond with Meadow Walker, calling her 'such a blessing' (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vin Diesel would do anything for family, and that includes his late 'Fast & Furious' costar Paul Walker’s daughter, Meadow Walker, as the actor recently reflected on their close bond.

Calling Meadow “such a blessing” and emphasizing how much her presence means to his family, Vin’s heartfelt remarks come as the final film in the main 'Fast & Furious' series, 'Fast Forever,' is officially set for a worldwide theatrical release on March 17, 2028.

Meadow Walker and Vin Diesel attend the
Meadow Walker and Vin Diesel attend the "Fast X" Premiere at Colosseo on May 12, 2023 in Rome, Italy (Elisabetta A Villa/Getty Images)

Vin Diesel opens up about his close bond with Meadow Walker and his children

“She’s the first one to ever call me on Father’s Day,” Vin told Entertainment Tonight at a recent event celebrating the action franchise’s 25th anniversary, adding, “She’s the first one to show up to all the kids’ birthdays.”

Vin, who shares Hania, Vincent, and Pauline with longtime partner Paloma Jimenez, added that he is grateful to have Meadow in his family’s life. Calling her “a true cousin to my angels,” the actor emphasized, “I would die for her.”

Reflecting on having Meadow beside him during the August 17 event, he shared, “It means everything,” explaining that he did not know if he could have come to the red carpet without her. “And Meadow adds a grace,” he added.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01:  Meadow Walker attends WSJ Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards at Museu
Meadow Walker attends WSJ Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards at Museum of Modern Art on November 01, 2021 in New York City (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Paul Walker died in a fatal car crash in 2013 at age 40, when Meadow, whom he shared with ex Rebecca Soteros, was 15. Vin, her godfather, has remained close to her over the years and walked her down the aisle when she married Louis Thornton-Allan in 2021.

Meadow also finalized her divorce from Thornton-Allan in August 2024, just months after filing in January 2024 and following their amicable separation announcement in December 2023. 

In this image released on April 27, 2022, Meadow Walker and Louis Thornton-Allan attend as Tiffany & Co. celebrates 2022 Tiffany Blue Book Collection, BOTANICA, in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.)
Meadow Walker and Louis Thornton-Allan attend as Tiffany & Co celebrates 2022 Tiffany Blue Book Collection, BOTANICA, in Miami Beach, Florida (Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co)

Vin Diesel and Meadow Walker reunite to honor Paul Walker at Cannes

Previously, Vin and Meadow reunited at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 13 alongside their 'Fast' family, including Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, for a midnight screening of the first 'Fast' movie marking the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

Introducing Meadow during his speech, Vin became emotional as he reflected on the brotherhood represented by Paul’s daughter. “The person who was not going to let me come alone here to represent that brotherhood was Meadow Walker,” he shared, adding, “I’m gonna go and shed a tear real quick.”

After the screening, Meadow delivered a speech with Vin’s help, describing the franchise’s cast as a “source of strength.” Vin then told her that Paul would be “so proud” of her as he wiped away tears, before the two embraced again to applause.

Meadow Walker Jordana Brewster Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez Neal H. Moritz 79th annual Cannes Film Festival 2026
Meadow Walker, Jordana Brewster, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Neal H Moritz attend the 'The Fast And The Furious' screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2026 in Cannes, France (JB Lacroix/FilmMagic)

Since Paul’s death, she has worked to keep his legacy alive as the founder of the Paul Walker Foundation and also appeared in 2023’s 'Fast X.'

On what would have been her father’s 50th birthday in 2023, she called him her “guardian angel,” thanking him for his “love, guidance, friendship, sunshine” and for teaching her to see beauty in the world.

Meanwhile, Vin has also shared his emotions about the franchise’s future, revealing that he read the script for the upcoming final installment, 'Fast Forever,' and that it left him in tears.

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