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Joe Don BakerAmerican film actor
Date of Birth: 12.02.1936
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Joe Don Baker
- Breakthrough Roles
- Notable Roles
- Success and Recognition
- James Bond Series
- Later Career
Biography of Joe Don Baker
Early Life and CareerJoe Don Baker, an American actor, was born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas. He was born to Edna (née McDonald) and Doyle Charles Baker.
Breakthrough Roles
Joe's acting career began with his involvement in the 1967 film adaptation of "Cool Hand Luke." However, his real breakthrough came when he was cast in the film "Junior Bonner," directed by Sam Peckinpah. Later, in 1973, Joe appeared in the film "Walking Tall" directed by Phil Karlson, and two years later, in the movie "Framed."
Notable Roles
Joe Don Baker is best known for several standout roles. These include his portrayal of a hitman in the film "Charley Varrick," the role of Sheriff Buford Pusser in "Walking Tall," and the villain character Brad Whitaker in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights." Continuing with the Bond theme, Joe also played CIA agent Jack Wade in the films "GoldenEye" and "Tomorrow Never Dies."
Success and Recognition
In 1973, Joe achieved one of his most successful projects with the role of Molly, a sadistic killer, in the film "Charley Varrick." His performance earned him recognition and fame. Meanwhile, Walter Matthau, who played the lead role of Varrick, received a British Academy Award.
James Bond Series
In 1987, Joe Don Baker was cast as Brad Whitaker in the James Bond series film "The Living Daylights," with Timothy Dalton portraying the secret agent Bond. He returned to the series in 1995 and 1997, this time playing a different character, CIA agent Jack Wade, in the films "GoldenEye" and "Tomorrow Never Dies," with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Thus, Baker became one of the two actors (out of the entire cast ever working in the Bond series) to play both an ally and a villain with whom Agent 007 had to battle. The other actor to achieve this was Charles Gray, who portrayed Henderson in "You Only Live Twice" and Blofeld in "Diamonds Are Forever."
Later Career
In 2009, Joe Don Baker participated in a new project called "Cleaner," where he played a war veteran. The film also starred Benjamin Bratt as Williams Banks.
