Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, an actor and former wrestler, starred with the late Paul Walker in two films in recent years, Fast Five (2011) and Fast & Furious 6 (2013).

Johnson says he originally met Walker when both were in their twenties and just getting started in show business. Years later, after both being cast in Fast Five, the two men struck up a friendship. Johnson says the two became close because of long discussions about their daughters. The former wrestling star says that his friend’s first priority in life was his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow Rain Walker, who had recently moved in with her dad. He says Meadow was the first thing that came to his mind when he heard the news of Walker’s passing.

“Not surprisingly,” Johnson says, “when I got the news that he had passed away, the first words out of my mouth were, ‘He has a daughter.’ It’s very sad. We can’t help but to hope that their final time together was beautiful and strong and an amazing memory.”

In a tribute to his friend, Johnson told Entertainment Weekly on Monday that the two would talk about their hobbies and interests, but Paul always came back to his family. He related that family was Walker’s first priority and motivation to succeed as an actor.

In light of his charity work – which is what he was doing the day he died – Walker obviously had a huge heart for people in crisis. Johnson echoed this sentiment in his interview with EW, saying that the actor valued his career because of family, first, but secondly, because it “…allowed him the leverage to help people in need and in crisis.”

Along with the photo, Johnson posted on Instagram, “Losing a loved one jolts our hearts to the core… It also has a very special way of helping us move forward to live & love as greatly as possible. Hug our loved ones a little tighter. Pray a little stronger. Work a little harder. Smile a little bigger. Life goes on and memories are forever cherished… #PW.”

Main image courtesy therock via Instagram.