Joe Don Baker, star of 'Walking Tall' and James Bond films, dies at age 89

Joe Don Baker, a well-known character actor celebrated for his roles in action movies, Westerns, and the James Bond series, died at the age of 89, according to Variety. His death occurred on May 7, and he leaves behind a close group of friends and relatives in his hometown of Groesbeck, Texas. Baker was born on February 12, 1936, and after finishing high school and college in Texas, he served in the U.S. Army for two years.

He then moved to New York City to pursue acting, starting on stage before moving to television and film. His career began with a small part in the 1965 Western "Iron Horse" and an uncredited appearance in the 1967 film "Cool Hand Luke." Baker’s breakthrough came with the 1973 movie "Walking Tall," where he played Buford Pusser, a tough sheriff who fights crime in his community. Over the years, he appeared in three James Bond films-"The Living Daylights," "GoldenEye," and "Tomorrow Never Dies"-and starred in other notable movies like "The Natural," "Fletch," and Martin Scorsese’s "Cape Fear."

He retired from acting in 2012 after a long and varied career, with his last film being "Mud" in 2012. Variety also notes that Baker was married once but did not have children, and his funeral is set for May 20 in Mission Hills, California.

According to The New York Times, Baker’s role as a determined sheriff in "Walking Tall" made him a star after years of smaller character parts. The film, released during the era of gritty action movies like "Dirty Harry," told the story of a man returning to his Tennessee hometown to find it overrun by crime. "Walking Tall" became a surprise hit, praised for its authenticity and strong acting. Critics noted the film’s rough style but admired Baker’s performance, saying he brought the stature of a classic hero to the screen.

The movie’s success helped Baker land a wide range of roles in both film and television, showing his ability to play both tough and complex characters. The New York Times highlights that Baker’s career was marked by his versatility and his ability to bring depth to every role he played. His family confirmed his passing, though they did not share the cause or location of his death. The Times also points out that Baker’s work left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike, cementing his place in Hollywood history.

The Hollywood Reporter mentions that Baker, a tall and rugged Texan, was known for playing both lawmen and criminals, showing his range as an actor. He first gained attention in "Junior Bonner" in 1972 and then played a memorable villain in "Charley Varrick" in 1973. In the James Bond franchise, he appeared as both a villain and a hero, playing arms dealer Brad Whitaker in "The Living Daylights" and CIA agent Jack Wade in "GoldenEye" and "Tomorrow Never Dies." In "Walking Tall," Baker’s portrayal of Buford Pusser was based on a real-life sheriff who fought against crime and corruption.

The film’s story of justice and standing up to wrongdoing struck a chord with audiences in the 1970s, a time when many felt frustrated with political scandals. "Walking Tall" was a huge box office success, earning about $40 million from a small budget, which would be worth much more today. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Baker’s strong presence and ability to play powerful characters made him a favorite among fans and filmmakers. His legacy continues through his memorable performances and the impact he had on American cinema.

Sources:

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/joe-don-baker-dead-dies-walking-tall-1236399180/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/movies/joe-don-baker-dead.html

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/joe-don-baker-dead-walking-tall-1236217866/