James Bond actor Joe Don Baker dead at 89
Actor Joe Don Baker, who appeared in several James Bond movies, has died aged 89.
The American’s death has been confirmed by his family, who revealed that Baker passed away on May 7th. They refrained from detailing his cause of death.
The late actor’s obituary reads: “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.”
It continues: “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.”
Following his college graduation, Baker served a two-year stint in the US Army before moving to New York City to embark on his acting career.
Baker’s first role was an uncredited appearance in 1967’s Cool Hand Luke, but he grew his reputation and started to land supporting roles in films such as Guns of the Magnificent Seven and Wild Rovers. His ascent to leading man status was confirmed in 1973 in Walking Tall.
Other notable career highlights include a role in the Chevy Chase comedy Fletch, as well as playing a private investigator in Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear.
He also had a storied history with the James Bond franchise. Baker portrayed Brad Whittaker in The Living Daylights before returning to the film series as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.