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USA Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Joe Don Baker, actor known for 'James Bond,' 'Walking Tall' roles, dies at 89
Joe Don Baker, actor known for 'James Bond,' 'Walking Tall' roles, dies at 89 Joe Don Baker, a Hollywood veteran who first rose to fame as tough-talking Sheriff Buford Pusser in "Walking Tall," has died, his family announced. He was 89. The announcement of his May 7 death, published on by his family May 13, did not cite a cause. A Texas native and army veteran, Baker infused a real-life sense of southern toughness into his roles. Studying at the Actor's Studio in New York before traveling to Los Angeles to make it to the big screen, he guest spotted on a smattering of television shows before his big break came with "Walking Tall." The 1973 film, which chronicled the story of a Tennessee sheriff battling to save his hometown from corruption and vice, became an unexpected and overnight hit, propelling Baker to fame. At 37, his not-yet-noticed acting prowess was suddenly gaining wide acclaim as critics across the country lauded the breakout star of the low-budget, if not thrilling, watch. Baker went on to play a host of characters on either side of the law − both detectives and cops, as well as troubled ex-cons and mafia men. His roles were not limited to either side of the law enforcement equation, though. Across his almost 60 films, he portrayed several politicians as well as a star baseball player in Robert Redford's "The Natural." Before his retirement in 2012, he made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, famed not just for "Walking Tall" but also for "Charley Varrick," in which he played a mafioso, and "Mitchell," which saw him as a no-nonsense detective. Baker also starred in "Fletch" and became a "James Bond" regular, appearing in three 007 films. Baker, who married Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres in 1969 before the pair divorced 11 years later, has no children. "He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory. He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally," the obituary posted to reads. "As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us," it continued. "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."
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Joe Don Baker dies at 89 after decades as action star, known for Walking Tall and James Bond films
Joe Don Baker, the Texas-born actor best known for his rugged performances in Walking Tall and several James Bond films, has died at the age of 89. His family announced that he passed away on May 7. Baker rose to fame in the early 1970s, first gaining attention for his role alongside Steve McQueen in Junior Bonner (1972) and as a menacing mob hitman in Charley Varrick (1973). However, it was his portrayal of real-life sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall (1973) that cemented his place in cinema history. As Pusser, Baker depicted a relentless lawman who fought crime with a wooden club, resonating with audiences during the politically turbulent Watergate era. The film, made on a modest budget, became an unexpected box office success, grossing around $40 million — the equivalent of over $600 million today. Director Phil Karlson attributed its popularity to audiences' desire for a strong, moral figure to root for. Baker also made notable appearances in the James Bond franchise, playing the villainous arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987), and later returning as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). He was also recognized for his role as CIA agent Darius Jedburgh in the acclaimed BBC miniseries Edge of Darkness (1985), which earned him a BAFTA nomination. Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker studied business before pursuing acting. He trained at The Actors Studio in New York and appeared in Broadway productions before transitioning to film and television. Over his career, he starred in The Outfit (1973), The Natural (1984), Cape Fear (1991), Mars Attacks! (1996), and Mud (2012), among others. He also led the NBC series Eischied and made appearances in In the Heat of the Night and Fletch. Baker was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 until their divorce in 1980. He is survived by family members in Groesbeck, Texas. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday in Mission Hills, California.
