For decades, Joe Don Baker brought a rugged intensity to the screen that audiences couldn’t ignore.
Yet few actors have managed to leave a mark as both a villain and a hero in one of the most famous film franchises in history. His passing at 89 marks the end of an era for fans of Walking Tall, James Bond, and a career spanning nearly five decades.
Joe Don Baker, the legendary American actor best known for portraying real-life Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 1973 classic Walking Tall, passed away at 89.
His family confirmed his death on May 7; no cause of death was released. Baker became a cultural icon through his portrayal of Pusser, wielding a wooden club to mete out justice—a role that made Walking Tall a box-office hit.
Born in 1936 in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker was raised by his aunt after his mother passed away when he was 12. He attended North Texas State College on a sports scholarship, graduating in 1958, before serving two years in the U.S. Army. Later, he trained at New York’s Actors Studio and launched his career on stage and television, appearing in popular series including Bonanza and Gunsmoke. His film debut was an uncredited role in Cool Hand Luke (1967).
Baker gained recognition in Westerns like Guns of the Magnificent Seven and Wild Rovers, but his breakout role came with Walking Tall. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable versatility, appearing in Charley Varrick, Mitchell, The Natural, Fletch, and Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear.
In the James Bond franchise, Baker achieved the rare distinction of playing both a villain and a supporting ally—first as arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights, then as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies. On television, he earned acclaim and award nominations for his work in Edge of Darkness and George Wallace.
In later years, Baker appeared in Mars Attacks!, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Mud, before retiring from acting in 2012.
Conclusion
Joe Don Baker leaves behind a legacy defined by intensity, versatility, and unforgettable characters. From the relentless Sheriff Buford Pusser to his unique roles in the James Bond universe, his contributions to film and television will be remembered fondly. Though he has passed at 89, his performances continue to resonate, a testament to a career marked by dedication, skill, and a screen presence that could never be ignored.