All eyes were on Vin Diesel at his hand and foot printing ceremony in Hollywood, where he left his mark in cement outside the TCL Chinese Theatre. Vin, however, directed attention to one very special person – his late friend and "brother" Paul Walker.
Speaking in front of his fans, family and Fast & Furious 7 co-stars who were supporting him at the event on Wednesday, Vin said: "I don't feel his absence today, that's the irony, I feel he's here today."
The muscleman, who plays Dominic Toretto in the action series, went on to say that Paul would have given his seal of approval for their latest project.
© Photo: Getty ImagesVin Diesel said that his "brother" Paul Walker would have been proud of Furious 7
"The whole objective of doing Furious 7 was to make him proud," said Vin. "And something tells me he is going to be very proud. It makes me believe Paul is here with us today."
Paul passed away in November 2013 after dying in a car crash in California. He had recorded most of his scenes for the latest movie, but his lookalike brothers had to stand in for him for certain scenes following his death.
© Photo: Getty ImagesVin Diesel was supported by his Furious 7 co-stars in Hollywood
Supporting Vin on the day were his co-stars Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, who plays his on-screen love interest, among other cast members.
The man-of-the-moment also had his long-term girlfriend Paloma Jiménez and the couple's two eldest children in attendance. Wowing in an elegant white jumpsuit, it was hard to believe that the Mexican beauty had just given birth to her third child with Vin a few weeks ago.
Newborn baby Pauline, who was named after Vin's late friend Paul, was notably absent from the ceremony.
© Photo: RexVin Diesel and his girlfriend Paloma Jiménez welcomed baby Pauline – named after Paul Walker – last month
During the celebratory event, Vin laid his hands and feet in cement as well as signing and dating his masterpiece. His six-year-old daughter Hania and his son Vincent also left a fingerprint each in the mould.
While Vin admitted that he felt under pressure to impart some words of wisdom to the crowds before him, the 47-year-old delivered, relaying some advice his father gave him. "Teach a child confidence and you don't need to teach them anything else," he said.
