Hollywood film actor Joe Don Baker died at the age of 89 on May 7, his family confirmed.
The star played two different roles in three separate James Bond films playing both a good and a bad guy.
The actor was in 1987’s The Living Daylights, 1995’s Goldeneye and 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies.
‘As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us,’ his family’s statement began.
‘Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched.
‘Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten,’ his obituary read.
Joe Don Baker died at the age of 89 on May 7, his family confirmed. Seen in The Siege at Ruby Ridge from 1996
Born February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker played football for North Texas State College and, after graduating in 1959, served two-years in the Army.
After the Army he moved to New York City to study acting at the famed Actor’s Studio.
Baker acted in three different Bond films.
He was the villain Brad Whitaker in 1987’s The Living Daylights which starred Timothy Dalton in the titular role.
He then switched to the good guys side, playing CIA agent Jack Wade in both 1995’s GoldenEye.
Next came 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies which starred Pierce Brosnan as the iconic spy.
He was the villain Brad Whitaker in 1987’s The Living Daylights which starred Timothy Dalton in the titular role
He then switched to the good guys side, playing CIA agent Jack Wade in 1995’s GoldenEye. Seen with Brosnan and Izabella Scorupco
Baker is one of only three actors to portray both a Bond ally and a villain.
He got his start on Broadway in 1963’s Marathon ’33 and 1964’s Blues For Mister Charlie.
Baker then moved to Los Angeles and launched a TV and film career, appearing in Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible and The Streets of San Francisco, among others.
Early film roles include Cool Hand Luke.
Despite his three Bond roles, his most recognizable role is that of the sheriff in 1973’s Walking Tall.
His obituary focused on his career.
‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Don, a noted member of the Performing Arts Community, who left us on 5/7/2025 at the age of 89.
Seen here with Michael Douglas, left in Ada At 6AM in 1970
Baker as Frank Kearney, a hit man for a narcotics ring, in the Mission: Impossible episode: The Miracle in 1971
Seen with Elizabeth Hartman in the 1973 film Walking Tall
With Robert Duvall, left, and Barbara Hershey, right, in The Natural in 1984
Baker with Allen Covert in Strange Wilderness in 2008
‘Born on February 12, 1936, Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity. His intellectual curiosity made him a voracious reader, inspiring a great love of nature and animals, particularly cats. Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
‘Joe Don spent his early years in Groesbeck, Texas, where he attended Groesbeck High School and excelled in Football and Basketball. His athletic skills led him to secure a scholarship at North Texas State College, where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1994 he received the Distinguished Alumni award from his College, now renamed University of North Texas.’
Following a two year period of service in the U.S. Army, Joe Don moved to New York City, where he studied at the Actor’s Studio becoming a life member.
Baker during The Dukes of Hazzard Los Angeles premiere in 2005
‘During this time, he gained valuable acting experience performing in the lively NY Theater scene. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, where his acting career gradually took off. Starting with small television parts, he eventually progressed to major acting roles as leading man and later in life as a character actor. During his long career, until his retirement in 2012 he performed in 57 movies, starring in “Walking Tall”, “Mitchell” and more. Additionally, he landed co-starring roles and supporting parts in other mayor projects, including “Charlie Varrick” and three “Bond” films.
‘His film acting accolades include winning the Robert Altman Award for his role on “Mud” and nominations for the for the miniseries “George Wallace”.
‘He performed in numerous television productions, including a starring role in the popular series “Eischied” and an outstanding performance on the acclaimed British television production of “Edge of Darkness”, which earned him a Best Actor nomination from the British Academy of Television.
‘Joe Don’s 11 year marriage produced no offspring. He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory. He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally.’
A funeral service to honor Joe Don’s life will be held on May 20, 2025, at Utter McKinley Mortuary, Mission Hills, California at 10:00 AM.
‘Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories, celebrating the extraordinary life he led,’ the obit said.
