Hollywood veteran Joe Don Baker has been the first sheriff Buford Pusser to speak tough on “Walking Tall,” his family announced. He was 89 years old.
The May 7 death announcement published on Legacy.com by the family on May 13th did not cite the cause.
Baker, a Texas native and an Army veteran, injected his role with a realistic sense of southern toughness. Studying before reaching the big screen to travel to Los Angeles in the New York actor’s studio, I found a TV show moment before his big break came on “Walking Tall.”
The 1973 film documented the story of a Tennessee sheriff fighting to save his hometown from corruption and evil, making it an unexpected night hit, driving Baker to fame.
At the age of 37, his unhappy acting skills suddenly and widely praised as critics across the country praised a low-budget breakout star, if not thrilling. Baker continued to play many characters on both sides of the law – both detectives and policemen, as well as troubled former Cons and Mafia men.
However, his role was not limited to either side of the law enforcement equation. In his nearly 60 films, he portrayed several politicians, as well as the star baseball player in Robert Redford’s “The Natural.”
Before retiring in 2012, he made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. This was not only known for “Walking Thor”, but also for “Charlie Barrick” and “Mitchell,” where he played Mafioso, and considered him a nonsense detective. Baker also appeared in “Flech,” becoming a regular on “James Bond,” and appeared in three 007 films.
Baker, who married Maria Dolores Libero Torres in 1969 before the pair divorced 11 years later, has no children.
“He survived by his hometown Grossbeck relationship, which cherishes his memory forever. He mourns at a small circle of friends who will forever miss him,” reads an obituary posted on Legacy.com.
“When we say goodbye to Joe Don, we embrace the memories and love he shared with us,” it continued. “He may no longer be with us, but his spirit is always lingering, the light of guidance in the life he touched. Rest in peace, Joe Don.
