Joe Don Baker facts for kids

Joe Don Baker (born February 12, 1936 – died May 7, 2025) was an American actor. He was well-known for playing strong, "tough guy" characters. These roles included both heroes and villains.

He became an action star with roles in Western movies like Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969) and Wild Rovers (1971). His big break came when he played the real-life Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser in the movie Walking Tall (1973).

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Joe Don Baker had many successful roles. He played a detective in Mitchell (1975), a famous baseball player in The Natural (1984), and a police chief in the comedy Fletch (1985). He also appeared in three James Bond films. He was a villain, Brad Whitaker, in The Living Daylights (1987). Later, he played a friendly CIA agent, Jack Wade, in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

He was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for his role as CIA agent Darius Jedburgh in the TV show Edge of Darkness (1985). He was also nominated for a Satellite Award for playing Alabama governor Big Jim Folsom in the TV movie George Wallace (1997).

Early Life and Education

Joe Don Baker was born in Groesbeck, Texas. His parents were Edna and Doyle Charles Baker. After his mother passed away when he was 12, his aunt Anna Thompson raised him.

He was a talented athlete at Groesbeck High School, playing both basketball and football. He even co-captained the football team. He went to North Texas State College on a sports scholarship. He earned a degree in business in 1958.

After college, he served in the United States Army for two years. Then, he moved to New York City to study acting at the Actors Studio.

Acting Career

Starting Out in Acting

Joe Don Baker began his acting career on stage in New York City. He appeared in a play called Marathon '33 in 1963. He also had small roles in movies, including an uncredited part in Cool Hand Luke (1967).

He appeared in many TV shows, often as a guest star. Some of these shows included The Big Valley and Mod Squad. His strong build and Texas accent made him a good fit for Westerns. He appeared in shows like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. He also had supporting roles in movies like Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969). His film career really took off after he played Steve McQueen's younger brother in Junior Bonner (1972).

Walking Tall and Becoming a Star

In 1973, Joe Don Baker became a big star with the movie Walking Tall. In this film, he played sheriff Buford Pusser, a real-life person who fought crime in his town. The movie was a huge success and made over $23 million. Critics praised his performance.

Later that year, he also starred in Charley Varrick and The Outfit. These roles helped make him known for playing tough characters.

In 1984, he played the "Whammer," a baseball player inspired by Babe Ruth, in the movie The Natural. The next year, in 1985, he was Chief Jerry Karlin in the comedy Fletch. In the UK, he played a CIA agent in the TV show Edge of Darkness, which earned him an award nomination.

In 1991, he worked with director Martin Scorsese in the movie Cape Fear. He played a private detective hired to protect a family.

Joe Don Baker also filled in for actor Carroll O'Connor on the TV series In the Heat of the Night. He played Captain Tom Dugan, a retired police captain. Later in his career, he appeared in movies like Joe Dirt, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Mud (2012), which was his last film role.

James Bond Movies

Joe Don Baker was part of the famous James Bond film series. In 1987, he played the bad guy, Brad Whitaker, in The Living Daylights. This movie starred Timothy Dalton as James Bond.

He returned to the Bond series in 1995 and 1997, but as a different character. He played Jack Wade, a CIA agent who helped James Bond. He appeared in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies, both starring Pierce Brosnan as Bond.

Later Years and Passing

Joe Don Baker passed away from lung cancer on May 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old. He was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Selected Filmography

Selected Television Roles

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Joe Don Baker para niños