Fast and Furious 7: Paul Walker Death Still Raw, Vin Diesel Gives Emotional Tribute

Vin Diesel just became a father of three with the birth of his child last Monday, March 16, but the actor went straight from the hospital to the first California "Furious 7" screening on Wednesday, March 18, to honor his co-star and close friend, the late Paul Walker.

"I had to come from the hospital, and I had to introduce the first screening in California where the whole franchise started," Diesel told the audience.

The 47-year old was overcome with emotion as he spoke about making the latest movie, and he told fans how he and Walker, who he sometimes called Pablo, usually spent time together at the premieres of previous "Fast and Furious" films.

"As you know this was a very personal and important film to us, every time when I saw the movie at the premiere, Paul Walker and I would go off to the side, and he would always tell me, 'Vin, the best one's still in the can'. Well, I hope tonight, you'll let Pablo know that this, this is the best one for you guys," he said.

Diesel also reminded the audience that others have to wait a little to see the film, so it's important to keep the story line quiet and not spoil it for everyone else.

At one point, the actor's mood became somber.

"This was a labor of love. It was in some ways the hardest movie that I ever had to do because the relationships you see on film are so real, when the tragedy happened, I lost my best friend, I lost my brother," he continued.

"Tonight," said Diesel, before taking time to compose himself. The audience offered their support by telling Diesel that they love him, and one audience member shouted, "You've got family here Vin."

"Oh I love that, thanks for being my family," Diesel continued. "Thanks for always taking care of us, thanks for believing in us. You know what's most important in life …This is our gift to you, but more importantly, it's for my brother there."

"Furious 7" premieres on April 3.