CAPTAIN AMERICA actor Chris Evans has paid tribute to a genuine hero.
This week, the actor sent out a sweet video message to six-year-old Bridger Walker, a brave young boy who went viral after saving his younger sister from being attacked by a vicious dog.
In doing so, Bridger ended up being mauled by the dog which bit the boy several times on the head and face during the ensuing struggle.
He still managed to lead his sister to safety, taking her by the hand and guiding her away from the immediate danger.
The attack left him with several painful wounds around his face and eye, which required a total of 90 stitches in hospital.
News of his heroic actions soon found their way to social media, with Bridger garnering millions of fans all over the world in the process.
One of those fans happened to be Chris Evans, aka Captain America, who was eager to reach out to the brave young man.
Speaking in a message recorded especially for Bridger, Evans said: “I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about this over the last few days, but let me be the next one to tell you—pal, you’re a hero.”
Evans told Walker: “What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you.”
Bridger, 6 years old, saved his little sister from an attacking dog. He knew he would get hurt, but he did it anyway. He’s a hero.
So, we made this happen. One of the most fulfilling things, ever, huge thanks to Chris Evans.
Spread love. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PKxeHcyPyk— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) July 16, 2020
The Avengers star went on to tell Bridger he had arranged for Walker to be sent an authentic Captain America shield because, as Evans explained, “pal, you deserve it.”
“Keep being the man you are—we need people like you,” Evans added. “Hang in there. I know recovery might be tough, but based on what I’ve seen, I don’t think there’s much that can slow you down.”
A video shared online captured Bridger’s stunned reaction as he watched the video, while decked out in a Captain America costume.
Cap wasn’t the only superhero to get in touch either.
Spider-Man actor Tom Holland spoke directly to Bridger, telling him “you are so brave, mate, and we are all so proud of you and your little sister is so lucky to have you.”
Asking Bridger what movie he was watching, the young boy responded “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” to which Holland joked, “you’re even more of a hero now!”
He then gave Bridger an open invitation to visit the set of the third Spider-Man movie, telling him: “You’ll always be my guest.”
Thor actor Chris Hemsworth, meanwhile, described him as an “absolute inspiration” and said “your courage is beyond belief and we are all so impressed by you.”
“We’d be honoured to have you on the team mate, we love you and we’re sending you our support.”
Hulk star Mark Ruffalo also praised the boy’s “courage” and “heart”.
“Real courage isn’t dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow,” he said.
