Posted on 05/15/2025 10:27:02 AM PDT by fidelis
WASHINGTON — Actor Joe Don Baker, who starred as the rugged Sheriff Buford Pusser in the box office hit "Walking Tall," has died at the age of 89, his family announced.
In an obituary posted online, Baker's family remembered him as "a beacon of kindness and generosity."
"Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him," the obituary reads.
Baker first became a well-known public figure in 1972, when he starred in Sam Peckinpah's "Junior Bonner," followed by a role the next year as a mob hitman in "Charley Varrick."
But his biggest claim to fame was as the former professional wrestler turned lawman Buford Pusser in 1973's Walking Tall.
He also played in a number of James Bond flicks. First, Baker was the villainous arms dealer Brad Whitaker in 1987's "The Living Daylights," starring against Timothy Dolton as 007. He swapped sides to play CIA agent Jack Wade in 1995 and 1997 for "GoldenEye" and "Tomorrow Never Dies" alongside Pierce Brosnan.
Baker, who was born in Groesbeck, Texas, graduated from North Texas State College (now named the University of North Texas), obtaining a bachelor's degree in business administration.,
But after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Baker swapped careers, studying acting in New York before moving to L.A. for his acting career.
Before retiring in 2012, Baker had roles in 57 films.
He was married from 1969 to 1980, but had no children.
"He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory," his obituary reads. "He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally."
ping
His memory will live as long as there are MST3k fans...
“I’m not against a little drink, a little fun... But the law of the land shouldn’t be for sale.” Buford Pusser, Walking Tall
“a beacon of kindness and generosity” good guys and gals cheer.
“You guys watch Joe Don Baker movies?”
-Mike, MST3K
I enjoyed him in his roles.
I am glad he had a long life.
May he have set his soul on Heaven.
Some very great roles back in the day.
Came across as a very likeable fellow.
What an underrated movie that was. That movie is the first thing I think of when I hear the name Joe Don Baker and vice versa. It was of nice to see "Scorpio" get his again, too.
My favorite line from Charlie Varick was: in the industrial hardware store, the proprietor asked him, “may I ask what you’re going to use that dynamite for?” Charlie answered, “You certainly may”, then walked out.
Joe Don Baker is Mittens. He’s a cop!
Tom Tully: “How much money we talking about?”
Walter Matthau: “A lot.”
Tom Tully: “A whole lot?”
Walter Matthau: “A wole lot.”
He was in “Cool Hand Luke”
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