Joe Don Baker, American actor known for his roles in Walking Tall, Framed, The Natural, and James Bond, has passed away. The news of his death was confirmed this Thursday by his family through an obituary, which states that the funeral will be held next week.
What did Joe Don Baker die of?
According to the obituary shared by the family on Legacy, the actor passed away on May 7, though his death was only just revealed publicly. So far, the family has not disclosed the cause of death. Baker’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, May 20, at Utter McKinley Mortuary in Mission Hills, California, at 10:00 a.m.
“Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories, celebrating the extraordinary life he led,” reads the announcement.
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How old was Joe Don Baker?
The legendary actor was 89 years old at the time of his passing.
Joe Don Baker’s Net Worth
As of this year, Joe Don Baker’s net worth was estimated at $2 million, accumulated over decades of work in film and television.
Who was Joe Don Baker?
Joe Don Baker was a prominent American actor widely recognized for his film and television roles, especially in the action and crime genres. Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, he was known for playing tough, authoritative characters—such as lawmen, detectives, or criminals.
His acting career began in 1963 on the Broadway stage, shortly after serving in the United States Army. He later honed his craft at the renowned Actors Studio in New York. His first appearance on the big screen was in Cool Hand Luke (1967), but his breakout role came in 1972 with Junior Bonner, in which he played the brother of Steve McQueen’s character.
Throughout his career, Baker was recognized for his talent with several nominations and awards. In 1986, he was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor for his role in Edge of Darkness. Later, his performance in the TV movie George Wallace earned him nominations for both the CableACE Award and the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 2014, the film Mud, in which he played a key role, won the Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Regarding his personal life, Joe Don Baker married María Dolores Rivero-Torres on December 25, 1969. The marriage lasted a little over a decade and ended in divorce in 1980. The couple had no children. Despite maintaining a private personal life, Baker left a lasting mark on both film and television, solidifying his status as a true icon of American entertainment.
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Best Films of Joe Don Baker
Throughout his career, Joe appeared in numerous films. Some of his most iconic include:
- Walking Tall (1973): Baker received widespread acclaim for his role as Buford Pusser, a fearless sheriff who takes on organized crime in Tennessee. The film’s success not only catapulted him to fame but also made him a hallmark of 1970s action cinema.
- Charley Varrick and The Outfit (both 1973): These crime films featured Baker in the roles of thugs and criminals, reinforcing his presence in 1970s crime cinema and showcasing his ability to portray intense, darker characters.
- GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997): Decades later, he returned to international screens as CIA agent Jack Wade in two James Bond films alongside Pierce Brosnan. His character brought charm and experience to the 007 universe.
