Joe Don Baker, best known for roles in Walking Tall and three James Bond films, passed away on May 7, 2025, at age 89. Born in Groesbeck, Texas, he was a college football player and U.S. Army veteran before launching his acting career in New York.
Baker portrayed both a Bond villain (The Living Daylights, 1987) and ally (GoldenEye, 1995; Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997). He appeared in 57 films, earning acclaim for roles in Mitchell, Charlie Varrick, George Wallace, and Mud.
A life member of the Actor’s Studio, Baker also starred in numerous TV series and received several award nominations, including a BAFTA nod. Though he never had children, he is survived by relatives in Groesbeck and close friends.
A funeral service will be held on May 20 at Utter McKinley Mortuary in Mission Hills, California.
