Screen Icon Joe Don Baker of ‘Walking Tall’ Fame Passes Away at 89, Leaving a Legacy of Grit and Heart in Hollywood
Los Angeles — Joe Don Baker, a staple of American cinema recognized for his commanding presence in “Walking Tall” and roles in the James Bond saga, passed away due to complications from lung cancer at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles on May 7, 2025. He was 89. Born in Groesbeck, Texas, on February 12, 1936, Baker’s rugged demeanor and commanding voice made him a natural fit for roles that spanned the moral spectrum …