Actor Known for ‘Walking Tall’ and James Bond Role Passes Away at 89
Joe Don Baker, the acclaimed American actor best known for his unforgettable portrayal of real-life Tennessee lawman Buford Pusser in the 1973 cult classic Walking Tall, has passed away at the age of 89. His family confirmed his death on May 7, 2025, according to Deadline. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, fans and film historians are mourning the loss of a true Hollywood tough guy whose career spanned over four decades. Joe Don Baker: The Face of American Grit Born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Joe Don Baker embodied the rugged, no-nonsense spirit of the American South. After losing his mother at the age of 12, he was raised by his aunt. Despite early hardships, Baker excelled in academics and athletics, earning a sports scholarship to North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas). He graduated in 1958 with a degree in business administration. Following a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Baker set his sights on acting. He moved to New York City and honed his craft at the prestigious Actors Studio—an incubator for some of America’s greatest talents, including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Marlon Brando. Walking Tall… CONTINUE READING…