Paul Walker Wanted to Be Full-Time Dad without Nannies Yet Chose Guardian for Child Just Hours before Death

“The Fast and the Furious” actor always had thoughts of his daughter racing through his mind. He loved her even though she had been away for some years. However, following his success, he planned to become a full-time dad and asked his mother for help. Sadly, Paul Walker never lived to actualize his plans fully.

Unfortunately, life did not begin at 40 for Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Conner in “The Fast and Furious” franchise. At age 40, the actor died, leaving an eternal legacy through his work and bloodline.

The film star became a staple following his roles in “The Young and the Restless” and “Varsity Blues.” However, before he shot to international stardom, featuring as O’Conner in 2001’s “The Fast and the Furious,” Walker became a father.

He had a short-term romance with Rebecca Soteros, also known as McBrain. The pair met in California in 1998 and soon became an item. Following their romance, they welcomed a daughter, Meadow.

Eventually, Walker and his ex-girlfriend split, but neither shared the reason for their breakup. But after their relationship ended, Soteros and Meadow moved to Hawaii, where she raised their daughter as a single parent.

It was not until 2011 that Meadow reunited with her dad in California and began to live with him. Soteros later followed after her ex’s death. Despite being known for being Walker’s ex and the mother of his only child, she opted for a private life while working as a primary school teacher.

Paul Walker Planned on Raising His Daughter as Her Mother Was an Addict

Although nothing is known about what transpired between the former couple, leading to their separation, a few years after they parted, Soteros was reportedly in the police net over addiction.

Besides remaining close to her dad’s friends, Meadow also honors his memory. She created a foundation in his honor and continues to post about him on social media.

The school teacher was arrested in 2003 for DUI in Orange County. The court found her guilty, and her sentencing was three-year probation. About a decade later, the script played itself again.

This time, Walker’s ex-lover was arrested in Hawaii. According to an insider, her drinking problem had been a bone of contention between her and the actor, they argued intensely for years, but it did not get any better.

In 2011, reports claimed that Meadow reached out to her dad and pleaded to allow her to move in with him; despite his busy schedule, Walker joyfully agreed.

Long before Meadow asked, the “Hours” star had been troubled about the situation and was overwhelmed following her decision to be with him, despite spending most of her life in Hawaii. He said:

“My heart was desperate for so many years with the situation with my daughter. She’s living in Hawaii, and she’s there and I’m running here. My daughter lives with me full time now and she’s the best partner I’ve ever had.”

Similce Diesel and Meadow Walker at “Fast & Furious: Spy Racers” World Premiere at Universal CityWalk on December 07, 2019 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

The father-of-one confessed that it was a first-time experience, which significantly changed him. Walker recalled how he spent his teenage years, adding:

“I’ve been so transient. I’ve been on my own since I was 16. I didn’t even have my own place until I was 32 years old. I literally lived out of bags for 16-plus years.”

Despite the overwhelming change in schedule, from seasonal parenting to having his daughter live with him full-time, Walker never walked away from his responsibilities.

Meadow Walker ,Renata Murga and Justin at the Colcci show during Sao Paulo Fashion Week Summer 2013/2014 on March 21, 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. | Source: Getty Images

In fact, the actor was so focused on fatherhood and trying to make up for the lost time that he turned down some offers. However, the “Fast and Furious” star kept up the pace and did not have a problem bonding with his mini-me.

Funnily enough, Meadow became his special adviser on some issues involving work. While reminiscing about his time in “Hours,” he admitted:

“My daughter was like ‘What’s the matter?’ And I told her what happened and she mellowed me out… She sits me down and she’s like ‘When does it go? What months? I like to travel in the summertime anyway.’ So I said ‘We should actually entertain this one?’ and we both sat down and read it. We’re thinking about it.”

Walker’s actions and words were complimentary. Indeed, he loved being a full-time dad, and his friend, Ronn Shikari, mentioned that the actor was a level-headed star that remained unshakable despite fame and fortune.

He prioritized relationships, including friendships and family. Meadow always came first, especially since he believed he had succeeded in his career; retiring was seemingly the best option. Shikari explained:

“He was a family man…he loved being with his daughter, she was his world.”

Another close pal, Vince Krause, shared this sentiment. Krause mentioned, “Paul was one of the best people I have ever known…it was very clear that his daughter was the most important thing in the world to him.”

Paul Walker Rejected Nannies but Trusted His Mother

Expectedly, with his busy schedule, Walker needed someone to watch over his daughter whenever he was away. However, he never wanted to fail his child, so the actor often left her with his mother, Cheryl.

However, the “Hours” star hired some nannies to keep up the job whenever Cheryl, a nurse at the time, was on duty. Eventually, he rejected all of them and looked within.

Walker turned to his mother. He asked her to quit her job and be a full-time, stay-at-home grandmother. Cheryl was saddled with caring for and nurturing Meadow, and other family members were aware.

Sadly, a few hours after this arrangement, Walker died in a fatal car accident. Still, it did not dissolve the plans he made with his mother. Following the tragedy, the retired nurse filed formal documents to become Meadow’s legal guardian.

Meadow Walker Is Now a Family Woman

After her father’s death, Meadow found comfort in Vin Diesel and his family. Diesel acted side by side with Walker for many years, and the men cemented their relationship offscreen and onscreen.

Meadow Walker at the WSJ. Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards sponsored by Samsung, Harry Winston, and Rémy Martin at MOMA on November 01, 2021 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In July 2021, Meadow, who decided to become a model, confirmed that she was engaged to her actor beau, Louis Thornton-Allan.

A few months later, the duo tied the knot, with Diesel acting as her father, walking her down the aisle. Jordana Brewster, another long-term star on “Fast and Furious,” was also present to support the then-22-year-old at her wedding.

Besides remaining close to her dad’s friends, Meadow also honors his memory. She created a foundation in his honor and continues to post about him on social media.

Although Walker never had the chance to spend more time with his child, he created eternal memories that continue to live on in his absence. Also, he made provisions for her to enjoy his successes via relationships and fortune.