Joe Don Baker, the rugged actor renowned for his portrayal of Sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall and his unique dual roles in the James Bond franchise, passed away on May 7, 2025, in Los Angeles due to lung cancer. He was 89.
Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker’s early life included a stint in the U.S. Army and studies at the Actors Studio in New York. His breakout role came in 1973 with Walking Tall, where he portrayed the real-life Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser, a performance that catapulted him to fame.
Baker’s versatility shone through in his varied roles across film and television. He appeared in over 50 films, including notable titles like Charley Varrick, Cape Fear, and Mars Attacks!. In the James Bond universe, he uniquely played both antagonist and ally—first as arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987), and later as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).
Beyond his film career, Baker earned critical acclaim for his role as CIA agent Darius Jedburgh in the BBC miniseries Edge of Darkness (1985), which garnered him a BAFTA nomination. His final screen appearance was in the 2012 film Mud.
Known off-screen for his intellectual curiosity and love of nature and animals, particularly cats, Baker was described by his family as a “beacon of kindness and generosity.” He was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 to 1980 and had no children.
A funeral service is scheduled at Utter McKinley Mortuary in Mission Hills, California. Baker’s legacy endures through his memorable performances and the indelible mark he left on both the screen and those who knew him personally.