Veteran Hollywood actor Joe Don Baker has died at the age of 89.
The actor, best known for his roles in “Walking Tall” and three James Bond films, died May 7, according to an obituary shared by his family.
“Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity,” the obituary read. “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.”
A cause of death was not given in the obituary.
Baker made several appearances on television shows like “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” and “Mod Squad” before getting his big break in the 1973 vigilante action film “Walking Tall.” He rose to fame after playing the role of Sheriff Buford Pusser, a Tennessee sheriff fighting to save his hometown from violence and corruption.
The Texas native and army veteran went on to appear in three different James Bond films including “The Living Daylights” (1987), “GoldenEye” (1995) and “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997).
“He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally,” the obituary read.
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