Joe Don Baker, actor from 'Walking Tall' and Bond films, dies at 89
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actor Joe Don Baker, best known for his roles in the James Bond films and 'Walking Tall', died at 89 on May 7.
Baker, who began his career on Broadway and appeared in nearly 60 films, was remembered for his warmth and impact on those around him by his family.
Joe Don Baker remembered as a ‘beacon of kindness'
Joe Baker's family paid tribute to the late actor in an obituary published on May 13, describing him as someone who left a deep impression on everyone who knew him.
“Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity,” the family wrote.
“Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the obituary added.
“As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us. 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.
Joe Don Baker's early life and career
Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Joe Don Baker was the only child of Doyle Charles Baker and Edna McDonald Baker.
After his mother died in 1946, he was raised by his aunt. He played football in high school and had no early interest in acting. But a small role in a college play changed the course of his life.
After graduating from North Texas State College in 1958 and serving two years in the Army, he moved to New York, eventually joining the prestigious Actors Studio.
“I listened,” he said in a 1986 video interview. “I did a scene with a girl and she did most of the talking, so I listened. Come to find out, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you act is listen,” Baker said, as per New York Times.
He made his Broadway debut in 1963 in 'Marathon ’33' and had his first uncredited film role in 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967).
His breakout came as Steve McQueen’s brother in 'Junior Bonner' (1972), leading to his iconic role as a crusading sheriff in 'Walking Tall' (1973), a surprise box office hit.
He later starred in crime dramas like 'Charley Varrick' and 'The Outfit'.
Joe Don Baker made history playing both villain and ally in James Bond films
Joe Don Baker made history in the James Bond franchise by playing both a villain and an ally across three films.
We are really sad to hear of the passing of Joe Don Baker at the age of 89. The Texan actor played villain Brad Whitaker in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and CIA agent Jack Wade in GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES. pic.twitter.com/Fop4Kb1IGd
— James Bond (@007) May 15, 2025
He was cast as arms dealer Brad Whitaker in 'The Living Daylights' (1987) after producers saw his performance in 'Edge of Darkness'.
In a rare franchise switch, he returned in 'GoldenEye' (1995) as CIA agent Jack Wade, reprising the role in 'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997).
Sad to hear the news of Joe Don Baker’s passing.
— DoubleOKevin (@KevBot_007) May 15, 2025
Even though he played a villain in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, I’ll always remember him as Wade from GOLDENEYE & TOMORROW NEVER DIES.
Charming, down-to-earth, always there when you needed him. #JamesBond ⚪️⚪️⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/sXT2LSArpx
His final film appearance was in 2012’s 'Mud', starring Matthew McConaughey, where he played a vengeful father.
His marriage to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres ended in divorce in 1980 after 11 years. Baker had no surviving immediate family. He retired from acting in 2012.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, in Mission Hills, California. Even as no close relatives survive, he's being mourned by a "small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally," as per the obituary.
