Joe Don Baker, the veteran actor best known for his role in Walking Tall and appearances in multiple James Bond films, has died at the age of 89. News of his passing was confirmed by his family on May 13, 2025. Over the course of nearly five decades, Baker became a familiar face in both film and television, earning recognition for his tough, commanding screen presence. Joe Don Baker’s death news has left the world mourning the loss of a beloved star.
Here’s what we know so far about Joe Don Baker’s death.
Joe Don Baker cause of death explained
Joe Don Baker, known for his breakout role in Walking Tall and appearances in three James Bond films, died on May 7, 2025. He was 89.
His family confirmed the news but did not disclose the cause or place of death. A funeral service is scheduled for May 20 in Mission Hills, California.
Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker served two years in the U.S. Army before studying acting at the Actor’s Studio in New York City. He began his screen career in the 1960s with appearances on television, including Honey West and Iron Horse, and had an early film credit in Cool Hand Luke (1967).
His breakthrough came in 1973 as Buford Pusser, a sheriff fighting corruption, in Walking Tall. The box office success launched him into a series of tough-guy roles. Baker went on to star in Junior Bonner, The Natural (1984), Fletch (1985), and Cape Fear (1991). He also appeared in Reality Bites and Mars Attacks!
Baker played rogue Soviet General Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987) and later portrayed CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). On television, he had roles in Eischied, Edge of Darkness, and In the Heat of the Night.
His final film role was in Mud (2012), which won the Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards. He was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres for 11 years and had no children. His family stated, “Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched.”
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
