Actor Joe Don Baker, best known for his action-packed roles in the renowned James Bond movies, passed away on May 7 aged 89.
His breakthrough came when he played Sheriff Buford Pusser in the unexpected 1973 box-office hit movie Walking Tall. He was also known for his mind-blowing ability to portray roles on both sides of the law, making his name a hallmark in the acting industry.
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More about Baker
Baker was born on February 12, 1936, in the small town of Groesbeck, Texas. He played football or North Texas State College and then served in the Army for two years.
After the Army, he moved to New York City to study acting at the Actor’s Studio, becoming a life member. Then, he started with small bits in movies and series until he attracted mainstream attention in 1972.
How he got noticed
It was his role as Steve McQueen, the younger, business-minded brother of an aging Arizona rodeo rider in Sam Peckinpah’s Junior Bonner in 1972 that shed the spotlight on Baker.
In 1973, he landed his most-known role as Sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall, which landed him his other adrenaline-filled roles.
His roles in the Bond movies
The 6-foot-3 iconic star professionally demonstrated how he was the two faces of one coin.
He played the role of the villainous Brad Whitaker, in The Living Daylights in 1987, and also the role of good CIA agent Jack Wade in the movies GoldenEye in 1995 and Tomorrow Never Dies, in 1997.
His family announced his death
The late actor’s death was shared in an obituary that stated:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Don, a noted member of the Performing Arts Community, who left us on 5/7/2025 at the age of 89.” They didn’t state a cause of death.
His family is mourning their loss
Baker was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 until their divorce in 1980. Their 11-year marriage produced no offsprings, as per the obituary.
“He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally,” the obituary added.
He may be gone but he will never be forgotten
His funeral is set to be held on Tuesday, May 20, at Utter McKinley Mortuary, Mission Hills, California at 10:00 AM.
“Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten,” the obituary concluded.
