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Joe Don Baker, known for his three lead roles: “Walking Tall” James Bond The movie is dead. He was 89 years old.
Baker passed away on May 7th Obituary shared by his family on tuesday. The cause of death was not announced.
“Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity,” the obituary read. “His intellectual curiosity made him a greedy reader, and inspired a great love for nature and animals, especially cats. Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on those lucky enough to know him.”
“Walking Thor” star Joe Don Baker passed away at the age of 89. (Everett Collection)
Born on February 12, 1936, Baker spent his childhood in Grossbeck, Texas, attended North Texas State University. After graduating with a degree in business administration, he worked in the US Army for two years before moving to New York to pursue an acting career.
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According to his obituary, Baker studied in the actor studio and began his career in theater before moving to Los Angeles. He made his on-screen debut in an episode of the 1965 crime drama Honey West, and his first foray into the film appeared in 1967’s “Cool Handle Travel.”
Baker continued to appear in dozens of TV shows. And the movie About his almost five years of career. He is best known for his role in the 1973 hit crime thriller Walking Tall, starring Sheriff Buford Pusser. He also appeared as a character actor in three different James Bond films, including 1995’s “Goldeneye” and 1987’s “The Living Daylights,” starring Pierce Brosnan from 1997’s “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
Baker is portrayed in Pierce Brosnan in 1997’s “Goldeneye.” (United Artist/Everett Collection)
The actor played other notable roles in the remakes of “Mitchell,” “Charlie Barrick,” “The Natural,” “Fletch,” “Mars Attacks!”, “Reality Bites,” and Martin Scorsese’s “The Cape Fear.”
On the small screen, Baker starred as the prestigious NYPD detective in the crime thriller series “I Shade,” and appeared on shows such as “Gun’s Moke,” “Lancer,” “Edge of Darkness,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “The Heat of the Night.”
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Baker has appeared in dozens of films and television shows in his nearly five-year career. (CBS VIA)
Baker earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the British miniseries Edge of Darkness. The actor finally appeared on screen in 2012’s “Mud.” Matthew McConaugheebefore retiring that year.
According to his obituary, Baker was married for 11 years but had no children. His obituary stated that the actor “survived by his relationship with Groesbeck in his hometown. He cherishes his memory forever. He is mourned by a circle of small but very close friends who will miss him forever.”
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The actor retired in 2012. (via Jim Smeal/Ron Galella collection)
Baker’s funeral will be held next Tuesday in Mission Hills, California.
“When we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold on to the memories and love he shared with us. He may no longer be with us, but his spirit is always lingering and the light that guides him into the life he touched. “You will miss us all wholeheartedly, but you will never forget.”
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