Actor and veteran of both ‘Walking Tall’ and the James Bond movies, Joe Don Baker, has passed away at the age of 89.
The tough screen image that Joe Don Baker brought to 1970s movies, along with his grit and sense of justice, is no longer with us, as the actor died at age 89. He will always be remembered for acting as a firm sheriff and clever killer in Walking Tall, along with playing a James Bond role of villain combined with a role of friend in the same film universe.
Baker died on May 7, 2025, as the result of lung cancer at an assisted living complex in Los Angeles. The Washington Post reported confirmed the death by a former brother-in-law, but it was not made public until May 15.
Straight from the fields of Texas to the silver screens of Hollywood
Baker was born in 1936 in Groesbeck, Texas, and her beginning years were not at all like Hollywood. He’d played soccer at North Texas State and served in the military before acting came into his life. He moved to New York, became a part of the Actors Studio, and made a name for himself with his strong, genuine performances.
Two of his greatest inspirations were Robert Mitchum and Spencer Tracy, two actors who managed to convey a lot using very little. It came to pass that Baker and Mitchum would act together in the 1962 film Cape Fear.
Andy Griffith’s acting career really began with the film ‘Walking Tall’.
Walking Tall in 1973 marked Baker’s big success, with his role as the justice-hungry sheriff Buford Pusser making him a surprising star to fans. Using the catchy line “When was the last time you stood up and clapped for a movie?”, the film found success and was praised by viewers and critics alike.
Baker writes that the movie led to much more than just ticket sales.
After Thailand’s population got to play with the game for half a year, it ended up affecting their lives. More than one hundred thousand young people and farmers equipped themselves with buckets, pitchforks, and guns to finally take down the strange government,”
he once said.
Hollywood’s Gritty Everyman
For the next forty years, Baker stood out as one of Hollywood’s go-to hard-edged actors. More than 50 films feature Robert Ryan, including Charley Varrick, Mitchell, Mars Attacks!, Reality Bites, and Cape Fear.
While often cast in tough roles, Joseph never, ever played the same type of character; each performance was deeper, more interesting, and full of heart. Mud, a movie from 2012, featured McConaughey working with Seyrig, for which he received his Robert Altman Award.
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A Rare Bond Double Agent
In The Living Daylights in 1987, Baker took on the role of the villainous arms dealer Brad Whitaker, thereby becoming the first American actor to play such a role in the Bond series. However, an unusual change came when he played the role of CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies.
His talent allowed him to play both heroes and villains in the Bond films, proving just how diverse and strong he was.
There Is an Element of Grace in Even the Toughest Circumstances
Looking past his toughness, those who knew Baker describe a man who cared deeply about nature, reading, and his cats.
They are convinced that rugged up guys like us do not make the cut for romance.
he said in 1992.
You try to do your job the best possible way so you will be hired again. If they like your work, they will hire you once more.
In terms of TV, Baker was best known for being Darius Jedburgh in the BAFTA-nominated British series Edge of Darkness, a performance that made him famous internationally.
Personal Life and Legacy
He married Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres in 1969 and they were together until 1980. Even though they did not have children, he stayed connected with his family in Texas.
No matter what type of film he was in, be it a Southern justice tale or a Cold War thriller, Joe Don Baker was always true to his style. Even with a baseball bat or with James Bond, he delivered unforgettable performances for the audience.
Rest in peace, Joe Don. I appreciate all the stories you have told me.