Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson pen emotional notes on Paul Walker’s birthday: ‘The tears never go away, but they change’

On what would have been the late Paul Walker's 46th birthday, his Fast & Furious co-actors such as Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel paid tribute to him by sharing special messages.

The Rock, who became close friends with Walker on the sets of the Fast and Furious franchise, took to social media to express his feelings.

"I never post about my friend. It's a personal thing, but I prefer to keep our memories and bond private and quiet. But something about today compelled me as a moving reminder of how fragile life is for all of us. It's Paul's birthday and rightfully so, his legacy celebrated around the world," Johnson wrote alongside a photo.

"Our friendship was bonded over our daughters and the pride and protection we took being their fathers. And recently, I got a scare when I almost lost another friend on the road," Johnson said, in reference to Kevin Hart's recent car accident.

"All this stuff got me thinking about how beautiful, yet wildly unpredictable life is. We never know what's around the corner, so we gotta live as greatly as we can in the honour of our loved ones and ancestors who are no longer with us. Manuia le aso fanau, my friend," the Hobbs and Shaw star concluded the post.

In November 2013 Paul Walker died following a car accident in Santa Clarita, California, at the age of 40. The actor has a daughter, Meadow Walker, who is now 20-years-old.

Diesel on his Instagram wrote his message in the manner of a letter to Walker. He wrote, “So much to tell you... so much to share... as you know, we have been filming in Scotland. We threw a party for the crew last night in appreciation for all of their hard work. It was one of those moments that so often in the past we were together smiling and getting everyone drunk, especially Justin. Haha. Who by the way would make you so proud with what he is accomplishing with this film. Nathalie was there, in her loving spirit. Oh, and John Cena was there, who you would just love. His gratitude is palpable... and knowing you, you would just want him to win.”

Diesel continued, “This week the studio came to meet about the next chapter, your ears were ringing again. You would have gotten a kick out of the fact that we met in a chapel. It was profound... normally today I would be planning how to embarrass you with a birthday cake. Haha. Instead I reflect on how lucky I am to call you my brother. The tears never go away, but they change... from that of mourning to that of grace. We only hope to make you proud. Speaking of which, guess what message I woke up to... your daughter. Meadow sending me love on this day. Wow, she knows me so well. She has your heart. Happy birthday... it’s amazing, but somehow you continue to make the world a better place.”

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