Walker gained international fame for playing Brian O'Conner, one of the lead protagonists in the street racing action film The Fast and the Furious, and would reprise the role in its additional sequels. He also branched out in various films such as Eight Below, Into the Blue, Joy Ride and Takers.
Outside of acting, Walker was the face of The Coty Prestige fragrance brand Davidoff Cool Water for Men and starred in the National Geographic Channel series, Expedition Great White. He also founded his own charity, Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), an organization providing relief efforts for areas affected by natural disasters.
Walker died in a single-car accident on November 30, 2013 alongside friend Roger Rodas. His films Hours and Brick Mansions were released posthumously and his final film Fast & Furious 7 is scheduled to be released on April 10, 2015.