Hollywood film actor Joe Don Baker died at the age of 89 on May 7, his family confirmed.
The star played two different roles in three separate James Bond films playing both a good and a bad guy.
The actor was in 1987’s The Living Daylights, 1995’s Goldeneye and 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies.
‘As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us,’ his family’s statement began.
‘Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched.
‘Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten,’ his obituary read.
Joe Don Baker died at the age of 89 on May 7, his family confirmed. Seen in The Siege at Ruby Ridge from 1996
Born February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, Baker played football for North Texas State College and, after graduating in 1959, served two-years in the Army.
After the Army he moved to New York City to study acting at the famed Actor’s Studio.
Baker acted in three different Bond films.
He was the villain Brad Whitaker in 1987’s The Living Daylights which starred Timothy Dalton in the titular role.
He then switched to the good guys side, playing CIA agent Jack Wade in both 1995’s GoldenEye.
Next came 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies which starred Pierce Brosnan as the iconic spy.
He was the villain Brad Whitaker in 1987’s The Living Daylights which starred Timothy Dalton in the titular role
He then switched to the good guys side, playing CIA agent Jack Wade in both 1995’s GoldenEye
Baker is one of only three actors to portray both a Bond ally and a villain.
He got his start on Broadway in 1963’s Marathon ’33 and 1964’s Blues For Mister Charlie.
Baker then moved to Los Angeles and launched a TV and film career, appearing in Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible and The Streets of San Francisco, among others.
Early film roles include Cool Hand Luke.
Despite his three Bond roles, his most recognizable role is that of the sheriff in 1973’s Walking Tall.
Baker as Frank Kearney, a hit man for a narcotics ring, in the Mission: Impossible episode: The Miracle in 1971
