“Walking Tall” And “James Bond” Actor Dies At 89
Hollywood has bid farewell to one of its last remaining tough guys. Joe Don Baker, the actor hailing from Texas, who epitomized rugged American resilience, passed away on May 7 at the age of 89.
Renowned for his iconic portrayal of Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 1973 blockbuster Walking Tall, Baker established a legacy grounded in small-town principles, unwavering justice, and straightforward masculinity — the very ideals that Hollywood once represented before shifting leftward.
Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker’s upbringing mirrored that of many American boys of his era — engaging in football and basketball, laboring diligently, and serving his nation. He secured a scholarship to North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas), where he pursued a business degree and became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Following his college years, Baker proudly served in the U.S. Army, a facet of his life seldom acknowledged in contemporary Hollywood.
Subsequently, he pursued the American Dream, relocating to New York to hone his acting skills at the prestigious Actor’s Studio before moving to Los Angeles, where he steadily earned roles in television and film — not through identity politics or TikTok trends, but through sheer talent and determination.
Baker’s defining role emerged in Walking Tall, a narrative centered on a small-town sheriff confronting organized crime and political corruption wielding a 2×4 — a raw portrayal of justice that resonates even more today as cities governed by Democrats falter under lenient crime policies.
His presence on screen transcended mere acting — it conveyed a powerful message. Law, order, and bravery remain significant.
Over a career that spanned several decades, Baker featured in 57 films before his retirement in 2012. He shared the screen with legends such as Steve McQueen in Junior Bonner (1972) and made notable appearances in various James Bond films — initially as arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights (1987), and later as CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).
Despite mingling with Hollywood’s elite, Baker maintained his humble demeanor. His obituary described him as “a beacon of kindness and generosity,” with a passion for reading, nature, and animals — especially cats. However, he did not allow this to diminish his assertiveness.
In a 2020 interview with The Hard Times, Baker dismissed the notion that his Bond co-stars could physically overpower him. When asked if he could take on Pierce Brosnan and Alan Cumming in a fight, Baker humorously responded, “Please. I could take on both of those church boys with one hand.”
This is quintessential Joe Don — unapologetically masculine in a time that seeks to shame such traits.
Although his marriage from 1969 to 1980 did not result in any children, Baker is survived by family members in his hometown of Groesbeck and a close-knit group of friends. His legacy will endure through the films he created — and the principles he embodied.
In a society yearning for genuine heroes, Joe Don Baker was truly authentic. He lived as a man, acted as a patriot, and always remembered his roots.
Rest in peace, Joe Don. You stood tall, and America is grateful for you.