In an interview with the Independent, Vin Diesel revealed he was using the role of Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise to cope with the death of actor Paul Walker.

Walker and Diesel appeared together in seven of the massively successful “Fast & Furious” movies since 2001, and the two actors had grown very close.

Walker tragically died in a car crash in 2013 during the filming of “Furious 7,” and much of the world mourned a reportedly kind human being and dazzling movie star.

Groot was a “therapeutic” experience for Diesel that let him grieve Walker properly. Instead of his typically tough or grizzled characters, Baby Groot was a change of pace for him.

The role inspired Diesel to be gentler and much more emotional than he had ever been before, which led him to appreciate life and honor Walker’s legacy more openly.

Diesel said, “This character celebrates life, in so many ways. It's the most innocent character I've ever played, clearly, which is why I've kind of been so silly.”

The blissfully relaxed Groot was refreshing for Diesel, adding, “I'm not talking about heavy issues that I'm usually talking about with the movies I make ... I get to have fun!”