'Walking Tall' star Joe Don Baker dies at 89
Share this @internewscast.com

GROESBECK, Texas (KWKT) – Actor Joe Don Baker has died at age 89.

Baker, originally from Groesbeck, Texas, died on May 7, according to his obituary, which did not specify a cause of death.

Born on February 12, 1936, Baker attended Groesbeck High School, where he played both football and basketball. Baker’s athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to North Texas State College where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and studied business administration. He went on to graduate in 1958.

The school, now named University of North Texas, recognized Baker in 1994 with a Distinguished Alumni award.

Baker served in the U.S. Army for two years before moving to New York City, where he pursued a career in acting. He gained valuable experience working in the city’s theater scene, and became a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.

Joe Don Baker during “The Dukes of Hazzard” Los Angeles Premiere – Red Carpet at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in 2005. (Getty Images)

It was after a move out west to Los Angeles that Baker’s acting career gained momentum, according to the obituary, with small television parts leading to starring roles.

Baker, who performed in 57 movies, is well known for his roles in “Walking Tall,” “Mitchell” and more. He also landed co-starring roles and supporting parts in other mayor projects, including “Charlie Varrick” and three James Bond films.

According to Baker’s IMDb page, in 2014 he won the Robert Altman Award for his role in “Mud.” He was also nominated for a Golden Satellite Award for his work on the miniseries “George Wallace.”

His television appearances include a starring role in the popular series “Eischied,” and a performance on the acclaimed British television production of “Edge of Darkness” that earned him a Best Actor nomination from the British Academy of Television.

The obit says that Baker did not have any children during an 11-year marriage, and is survived “by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory. He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally.”

A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 at Utter McKinley Mortuary in Mission Hills, California at 10 a.m. The obituary reads: “Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories, celebrating the extraordinary life he led.”

If you would like to plant trees Baker’s memory, you can go here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Study Reveals Drinking Sugar Could Be More Harmful Than Eating It

PROVO, Utah (KTVX) — Drinking your sugar may be worse for you…

White House Condemns LA Protests Over Raids as ‘Insurrection’ Unfolds

The White House slammed protests in Los Angeles on Saturday after some…

Trump and Newsom Exchange Criticisms During California Demonstrations

() President Trump has rebuked California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s criticism of the…

Tearful Testimony From Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Former Girlfriend During Trial

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Israeli Troops in Gaza Kill Six Palestinians During Aid Efforts, Report Health Officials

Local health authorities reported that Israeli military forces killed six Palestinians near…

Footage Captures Newborn Dolphin’s First Breath at Chicago Zoo with Assistance from Mother’s Companion

CHICAGO – Early Saturday morning, a bottlenose dolphin at a Chicago zoo…

Owner and Lost Dog Reunite After 6-Year Separation: ‘I Could Hardly Believe It’

CLEVELAND (WJW) — It was supposed to be a fresh start. In…

Colombian Opposition Leader Miguel Uribe Injured in Bogota Shooting

BOGOTA — Colombian Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot Saturday in Bogota,…

Simone Biles Criticizes Conservative Activist’s ‘Sore Loser’ Remarks on Trans Athletes

(The Hill) — On Friday night, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles found herself…

Al-Qaida Leader in Yemen Issues Threats to Trump, Musk, and Others

DUBAI – Al-Qaida’s Yemen branch leader has issued threats to U.S. President…

Thousands Gather in the Nation’s Capital for World Pride Parade Despite Cloudy Skies

WASHINGTON – Initially overcast skies and light rain turned into a bright…

Famed Millikin University Graduate Set for Induction into Black College Football Hall of Fame

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A distinguished former student of Millikin University will…