Latest news with #Legacy.com
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."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joe Don Baker, Actor Known for 'GoldenEye' and 'Cape Fear', Dies at 89
Joe Don Baker, who appeared in three James Bond movies and films like The Natural and Cape Fear, died at 89 on Wednesday, May 7 Baker's family announced his death in an obituary published on Tuesday, May 13; he was married for 11 years and had no children The actor "is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally," his obituary readsJoe Don Baker, a Hollywood actor whose career spanned nearly five decades on the screen, has died. He was 89. Baker's family announced his death in an obituary published on on Tuesday, May 13; Baker died on Wednesday, May 7, according to the obituary. A cause of death was not immediately provided. "Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity," one section of his obituary reads. "His intellectual curiosity made him a voracious reader, inspiring a great love of nature and animals, particularly cats. Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him." Baker was born on Feb. 12, 1936, and grew up in Texas. He graduated from North Texas State College in 1958 after receiving an athletic scholarship. After college, Baker served in the U.S. Army for two years and then moved to New York City, where he studied acting at the famed Actor's Studio and began performing on the stage, according to his obituary. Baker's onscreen career began in 1965, when he appeared on one episode of the television series Honey West; he first made an appearance in a feature film in 1967's classic Cool Hand Luke. Throughout his career, Baker notably appeared in three different James Bond movies — as a villain in 1987's The Living Daylights, opposite Timothy Dalton's Bond, and a CIA spy in 1995's GoldenEye and 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies, with Pierce Brosnan's 007 — in addition to movies like The Natural, Walking Tail and Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us," his obituary reads. "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." Baker had not acted for the screen since he appeared in Matthew McConaughey's 2012 movie Mud. During his career, he received one nomination at the BAFTA Awards in 1986 for his work in the miniseries Edge of Darkness. According to Baker's obituary, he was married for 11 years and does not have any children. His funeral service will be held in Mission Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m. local time. "He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory," Baker's obituary reads. "He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally." Read the original article on People
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Sopranos actor Charley Scalies dies aged 84 as The Wire star passes away after Alzheimer's battle
THE Sopranos actor Charley Scalies has died aged 84, after a battle with Alzheimer's. Charley, who also starred in The Wire, passed away at a Pennsylvania nursing home on Thursday, his family has revealed. 2 Charley Scalies, who played Coach Molinaro in The Sopranos, has died aged 84 2 He also starred as Thomas 'Horseface' Pakusa in The Wire in 2003 His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, revealed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. An obituary published on said the actor had "passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's". It added that he was "best known first and foremost as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend". "His wife, children, and grandchildren," it said, "will miss his stories but will keep him in their hearts forever." The actor from Philadelphia starred as Tony Soprano's high school football coach, Coach Molinaro, in the fifth series of the hit HBO show. In the critically-acclaimed episode, called The Test Dream, the character appears to Tony, played by James Gandolfini, in a dream - criticising the Mafia boss for wasting his potential on a life of crime. A year before landing the huge role, Charley had appeared in 12 episodes of HBO's The Wire as stevedore Thomas "Horseface" Pakusa. In a 2019 interview, Charley said of the role: "As with all the other characters I've been blessed to portray, Horseface lives inside of me. "I invite him out to play as needed." Charley also appeared in Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Angeline, five children and four grandchildren. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
American Military News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- American Military News
Sophie Nyweide, former child actor known for ‘Mammoth' and ‘An Invisible Sign,' dies at 24
Sophie Nyweide, a former child actor whose brief career in the late aughts to early 2010s included roles in films 'Mammoth,' 'Noah' and 'Bella,' has died. Nyweide died April 14 in her home state of Vermont, her family announced in a obituary published last week. 'Creative, athletic and wise beyond her years, Sophie accomplished so much in the time she danced upon earth,' her loved ones wrote. She was 24. The obituary described Nyweide as a welcoming person who saw people other than relatives as family. 'Her death has left a hole in all,' the obituary continued. 'Sadness, loss, heartbreak and even anger is present for those who loved her and now will have to continue on with her laughter, infectious passion and zest — without those amazing blue eyes that could look directly into one's soul.' The family's announcement did not disclose additional details about the actor's death, including a cause, but her loved ones implied that the actor had been taken advantage of, refused professional help and self-medicated to cope with undisclosed 'trauma and shame,' which led to her death. The Bennington Police Department said in a statement shared with The Times that it is investigating Nyweide's death as a 'possible unintentional overdose' and will conduct an investigation, including final autopsy and toxicology reports. Police and rescue personnel responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive female early April 14, according to the statement. Officials arrived to a 'wooded area along the banks of the Roaring Branch River' where first responders 'attempted life saving measures' on Nyweide, who was pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour later. The person who called 911 was present with Nyweide at the time of her death and is cooperating with investigators, the statement said. Investigators will reportedly consider a range of possible causes, including foul play. Nyweide was reportedly in the early stages of pregnancy when she died, according to several outlets citing her death certificate. Nyweide was born July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, and enjoyed a varied career that spanned from her screen debut in the 2006 film 'Bella' to a 2015 episode of ABC's beloved social experiment series 'What Would You Do?' Nyweide was inspired by her mother, actor Shelly Gibson ('All My Children,' 'Blood & Oil'), to pursue a career in Hollywood. By the time she was 11, Nyweide appeared in a handful of films including the 2009 multilingual and country-hopping film 'Mammoth.' In the film, directed by Lukas Moodysson, Nyweide appeared as the onsceen 8-year-old daughter of Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal. Nyweide also shared the screen with James Franco and Julianne Nicholson in the 2010 feature 'Shadows & Lies,' and appeared alongside Jessica Alba and Chris Messina as an elementary school student in 'An Invisible Sign.' Nyweide's credits also include films 'And Then Came Love,' 'Noah' and 'Margot at the Wedding,' TV series 'Law & Order' and shorts 'Mistakes Were Made' and 'Born Again.' 'She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else,' her family said in the obituary, adding productions were a 'safe place for her.' The obituary continued: 'She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone.' Before she became an actor, Nyweide took inspiration from her older brother and found a knack for snowboarding. She started competing in the sport at age 5, according to her obituary. 'A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain,' the obituary said. 'May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.' The family asks that donations be made in Nyweide's name to RAINN, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence. ___ © 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sophie Nyweide, former child actor known for 'Mammoth', dies at 24
Sophie Nyweide, a former child actor whose brief career in the late aughts to early 2010s included roles in films Mammoth , Noah and Bella , has died. Nyweide died April 14 in her home state of Vermont, her family announced in a obituary published last week. 'Creative, athletic and wise beyond her years, Sophie accomplished so much in the time she danced upon earth,' her loved ones wrote. She was 24. The obituary described Nyweide as a welcoming person who saw people other than relatives as family. 'Her death has left a hole in all,' the obituary continued. 'Sadness, loss, heartbreak and even anger is present for those who loved her and now will have to continue on with her laughter, infectious passion and zest – without those amazing blue eyes that could look directly into one's soul.' The family's announcement did not disclose additional details about the actor's death, including a cause, but her loved ones implied that the actor had been taken advantage of, refused professional help and self-medicated to cope with undisclosed 'trauma and shame,' which led to her death. The Bennington Police Department said in a statement shared with The LA Times that it is investigating Nyweide's death as a 'possible unintentional overdose' and will conduct an investigation, including final autopsy and toxicology reports. Police and rescue personnel responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive female early April 14, according to the statement. Officials arrived to a 'wooded area along the banks of the Roaring Branch River' where first responders 'attempted life saving measures' on Nyweide, who was pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour later. The person who called 911 was present with Nyweide at the time of her death and is cooperating with investigators, the statement said. Investigators will reportedly consider a range of possible causes, including foul play. Nyweide was reportedly in the early stages of pregnancy when she died, according to several outlets citing her death certificate. Nyweide was born July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, and enjoyed a varied career that spanned from her screen debut in the 2006 film Bella to a 2015 episode of ABC's beloved social experiment series What Would You Do? Nyweide was inspired by her mother, actor Shelly Gibson ( All My Children , Blood & Oil ), to pursue a career in Hollywood. By the time she was 11, Nyweide appeared in a handful of films including the 2009 multilingual and country-hopping film Mammoth . In the film, directed by Lukas Moodysson, Nyweide appeared as the onsceen eight-year-old daughter of Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal. Nyweide also shared the screen with James Franco and Julianne Nicholson in the 2010 feature Shadows & Lies , and appeared alongside Jessica Alba and Chris Messina as an elementary school student in An Invisible Sign . Nyweide's credits also include films And Then Came Love , Noah and Margot At The Wedding , TV series Law & Order and shorts Mistakes Were Made and Born Again . 'She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else,' her family said in the obituary, adding productions were a 'safe place for her.' The obituary continued: 'She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone.' Before she became an actor, Nyweide took inspiration from her older brother and found a knack for snowboarding. She started competing in the sport at age five, according to her obituary. 'A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain,' the obituary said. 'May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.' The family asks that donations be made in Nyweide's name to RAINN, an organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence. – Los Angeles Times. Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/ email sam@ befrienders centres in malaysia).
