American actor Joe Don Baker, known for his unique distinction of playing two different roles in the James Bond franchise, has died at the age of 89, his family has announced.
Baker passed away on May 7, 2025, with the news only being made public today.
The Texan actor achieved the rare feat of appearing in three Bond films, first as villain Brad Whitaker in 1987’s The Living Daylights before returning as CIA agent Jack Wade in two Pierce Brosnan-led films.
In a heartfelt statement, Baker’s family described him as “a beacon of kindness and generosity” who “touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him”.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
In The Living Daylights, Baker portrayed arms dealer Brad Whitaker, a crazed villain opposite Timothy Dalton’s James Bond in what would be his first appearance in the 007 franchise.
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Eight years later, Baker returned to the Bond world in a completely different role, playing CIA agent Jack Wade in GoldenEye (1995), this time as an ally to Pierce Brosnan’s Bond.
He reprised the role of Wade in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, making him one of the few actors to play both a villain and a good guy in the iconic film series.
This versatility showcased Baker’s range as an actor, allowing him to leave a lasting impression on Bond fans across multiple eras of the franchise.
In their tribute, Baker’s family highlighted his intellectual curiosity, describing him as “a voracious reader” whose interests inspired “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,” the statement continued.
The family’s message concluded with a touching farewell: “As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us. 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.”
Following the announcement, fans took to social media to pay tribute to the actor, with many praising his memorable performances.
Baker was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 until their separation in 1980. The couple had no children together.
Beyond his Bond roles, Baker enjoyed a career spanning nearly five decades, beginning in the mid-1960s with his first uncredited film appearance in 1967.
He gained prominence playing Sheriff Buford Pusser in Walking Tall and earned a Bafta TV Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 1985 BBC drama Edge of Darkness.
His filmography included notable appearances in Charley Varrick, The Natural, Fletch, Cape Fear and Mars Attacks!.
Baker’s final screen appearance came in Jeff Nichols’s 2012 drama Mud, starring Matthew McConaughey. A funeral is reportedly due to be held later this month in California.
