I was stunned Saturday evening to learn of the death of actor (and BB&W favorite), Paul Walker, in a car accident. While he is most famous for his role in the Fast and Furious film franchise, I became acquainted with him (as an actor) in the late 90’s during a run of teenage films like Varsity Blues, The Skulls and She’s All That. He and actor Ryan Phillippe (who worked together in the Clint Eastwood film, Flags Of Our Fathers) are deeply cemented in memories of my teenage years. I cannot convey how sad I am.

Paul was in the middle of shooting the seventh Fast and Furious film, which was originally scheduled for release in July 2014 but has now been postponed indefinitely. His next film, Hours, opens in a couple of weeks. He was interviewed recently from the set of Fast & Furious 7, during which he commented on his career arc and growth as an actor. Here’s what he shared about his role in Hours:

“What I’ve found recently is the heart, the soul, whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t differentiate: If you really live the experience making a movie, it’s the same as living it in real life, as crazy as it sounds,” Walker said. “My victory in that movie was my victory in real life.

You walk away with that, walking a little taller and a pop in your collar,” he added. “You learn a lot about yourself. It’s heroic in a different way. We’re pretty awesome when we’re tested. Call it the human spirit or whatever you want, I like celebrating our victories.”

He leaves behind a 15 year-old daughter, Meadow Walker. The driver of the car was also killed in the accident. May they both rest in peace.