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21st
While Meadow is celebrating her 21st birthday in Japan, Diesel had a special message for her. The action star posted a picture of the birthday girl with his own 4-year-old daughter, Paulie, who Diesel named after his friend.
Fondly known as "Uncle Vin," Diesel wrote a touching caption that represents their special relationship.
"I could say that I am so proud of the person you are becoming … but the truth is I have always been proud of you."
"Happy Birthday Meadow! I know it's your 21st and you wanted to go big in Japan, but the family has a cake waiting for you when you get home, so hurry. Love you kid. Uncle Vin."
Fans were moved by the actor's emotional Instagram post.
@vindiesel/Instagram
@vindiesel/Instagram
@vindiesel/Instagram
@vindiesel/Instagram
@vindiesel/Instagram
@vindiesel/Instagram
Meadow responded with thanks and said she was looking forward to seeing him and his "little angels," referring to Diesel's children—daughter Hania Riley, 11, son Vincent Sinclair, 9, and daughter Pauline, 4.
"Thank you so much. I can't wait to see you soon. And my little angels. Love you."
@vindiesel/Instagram
Her bond with Diesel's children is perfectly encapsulated in this August 29 Instagram photo she took with his eldest daughter, Hania Riley.
Meadow simply wrote:
"with my angel."
Walker was 40 when he died in a car crash along with his friend, Roger Rodas—who was driving the Porsche Carrera GT—after attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide, which helped the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
The vehicle was engulfed in flames after it struck a light pole in Santa Clarita, California. Police reported that speed was a factor.
Meadow was 15 at the time.
Upon news of his death, Variety called Walker a "highly sought-after leading man in action and indie dramas."
"A native of Glendale, Calif., Walker got his start as a youth in commercials and TV series ranging from 'Charles in Charge' to 'Who's the Boss' to 'The Young and the Restless.'"
"He was a protege of famed talent agent Ed Limato, and began to make his mark in features in the late 1990s with roles in 1998's 'Pleasantville' and 1999's 'Varsity Blues' before breaking out with the first 'Fast and the Furious' pic in 2001.
Walker was the star of six out of the seven Fast and the Furious films in the franchise.
Diesel continues to pay tribute to his late friend on social media.
On what would have been Walker's 46th birthday, September 12, Diesel wrote:
"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."
Happy 21st birthday, Meadow!
One of Walker's last films was Hours, available here. In it, Walker plays a new father who must remain behind and try to keep his prematurely born daughter alive after Hurricane Katrina knocks out the power in their New Orleans hospital.