Paul Walker: Hollywood left stunned by death | CNN

Paul Walker: Hollywood left stunned by death

Breeanna Hare, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 9:37 AM EST, Sun December 1, 2013
Paul Walker, a star of the "Fast & Furious" movie franchise, died in a car crash on November 30, 2013. He was 40. Here's a look at his career through the years.
Paul Walker, a star of the "Fast & Furious" movie franchise, died in a car crash on November 30, 2013. He was 40. Here's a look at his career through the years.
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Walker with Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez and Ludacris in "Furious 7," which had mostly completed filming when Walker died. Many fans got emotional upon seeing Walker onscreen in the movie, which earned $143 million its first weekend.
Walker with Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez and Ludacris in "Furious 7," which had mostly completed filming when Walker died. Many fans got emotional upon seeing Walker onscreen in the movie, which earned $143 million its first weekend.
Universal Pictures
Walker's role as Brian O'Conner in the "Fast & Furious" franchise (here with Vin Diesel in the sixth film) helped make the actor a star.
Walker's role as Brian O'Conner in the "Fast & Furious" franchise (here with Vin Diesel in the sixth film) helped make the actor a star.
Universal Pictures
Walker and Jordana Brewster -- who played his love interest, Mia, in the films -- in "Fast 5."
Walker and Jordana Brewster -- who played his love interest, Mia, in the films -- in "Fast 5."
Universal Studios
Kevin Rankin and Walker appear in "Pawn Shop Chronicles," a 2013 film about a missing wedding ring that sets off a wild goose chase.
Kevin Rankin and Walker appear in "Pawn Shop Chronicles," a 2013 film about a missing wedding ring that sets off a wild goose chase.
Anchor Bay Films
Walker also had a starring role in the 2013 film "Hours," about a man trying to keep his daughter alive after Hurricane Katrina.
Walker also had a starring role in the 2013 film "Hours," about a man trying to keep his daughter alive after Hurricane Katrina.
Lionsgate
The actor was part of a band of thieves in the 2010 movie "Takers."
The actor was part of a band of thieves in the 2010 movie "Takers."
Screen Gems
Brooklynn Proulx and Walker in the 2008 film "The Lazarus Project."
Brooklynn Proulx and Walker in the 2008 film "The Lazarus Project."
Sony Pictures/Everett Collection
Walker, left, and Barry Pepper were U.S. Marines in the 2006 drama "Flags of Our Fathers."
Walker, left, and Barry Pepper were U.S. Marines in the 2006 drama "Flags of Our Fathers."
DreamWorks/Everett Collection
Walker appears in the 2005 action film "Into the Blue," which also starred Jessica Alba.
Walker appears in the 2005 action film "Into the Blue," which also starred Jessica Alba.
20th Century Fox
Tyrese Gibson took over for Diesel opposite Walker in 2003's "2 Fast 2 Furious."
Tyrese Gibson took over for Diesel opposite Walker in 2003's "2 Fast 2 Furious."
Universal/Everett Collection
Walker appeared in 2001's "The Fast and the Furious," the first movie in the franchise.
Walker appeared in 2001's "The Fast and the Furious," the first movie in the franchise.
universal studios
Walker, center, appeared in "Skulls" with Leslie Bibb and Joshua Jackson in 2000.
Walker, center, appeared in "Skulls" with Leslie Bibb and Joshua Jackson in 2000.
Universal/Everett Collection
Walker and Freddie Prinze Jr. co-starred in the popular 1999 teen film "She's All That."
Walker and Freddie Prinze Jr. co-starred in the popular 1999 teen film "She's All That."
Miramax/Everett Collection
Walker's first major role was opposite Reese Witherspoon in the 1998 film "Pleasantville."
Walker's first major role was opposite Reese Witherspoon in the 1998 film "Pleasantville."
new line cinema
Paul Walker: Life in the fast lane

Story highlights

Actor Paul Walker died in a car crash Saturday

Several in Hollywood were stunned by the news

Stars took to social media to express their grief

CNN  — 

Paul Walker’s sudden death has left many in Hollywood nearly too stunned to speak.

As the news of his death spread on Saturday, some celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Alyssa Milano, tweeted their disbelief.

Adored for his work in the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise, Walker was in the midst of filming a seventh installment at the time of his death. Two of his co-stars in the blockbuster series, Ludacris and Tyrese, expressed their grief on social media.

“I can’t believe I’m writing this,” singer/actor Tyrese shared on Instagram, along with a photo of himself with the late star. “My heart is hurting so bad no one can make me believe this is real Father God I pray that you send clarity over this cause I just don’t understand … My heart hurts it’s broken no one can convince me that this is real…. Prayer warriors please pray real hard for his only child, his daughter and family…”

Ludacris, meanwhile, remembered Walker for his “humble spirit” with a verse: “Wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark, we were like brothers & our birthdays are only 1 day apart, now You will forever hold a place in all of our hearts.”

The 40-year-old actor, who rose to fame in 2001’s “The Fast & The Furious” after appearing in ’90s hits “She’s All That” and “Varsity Blues,” died in a car accident. He’d been attending a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide.

Throughout the industry, several are mourning the loss of a great friend and, by their account, giving humanitarian:

Tellingly, Walker’s passing was felt throughout the entertainment world, as even those outside of acting took a moment to reflect on the sobering death.

Walker’s next film, “Hours,” is scheduled to be released on December 13.