Who was Joe Don Baker's wife? Family details explored as tribute pours in for star's death at 89

Texan actor and Walking Tall star Joe Don Baker passed away on May 7, 2025, as confirmed by his family members. According to news outlets and obituaries, Baker is survived by his relatives in Groesbeck. Born in 1936, little is known about Baker's personal life and connections. He was reportedly married to Maria Dolores Rivero Torres from 1969 till their divorce in 1980. It is unclear if the couple shared children, but no official information is available.

Joe Don Baker last appeared in a supporting role in 2012, in Mud. More recently, he was reportedly associated with the Performing Arts Community. He acted in approximately 60 movies, including three supporting roles in James Bond movies. According to Naijanews, he appeared as an arms dealer in The Living Daylight and as an ally CIA agent in GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies.

Tributes pour in for Joe Don Baker as he passes away on May 7, 2025

While Joe Don Baker passed away on May 7, fans and followers came to know of the news only recently. Fans started a thread on a subreddit, r/movies, remembering the actor and his iconic dialogues. One user (@DelGriffiths) acknowledged that he was among the "rare actors" to play a "villain and an ally" in James Bond movies.

Another fan recalled his role in Cape Fear starring Robert De Niro. Still another noted that the actor didn't receive "the fame he deserved." According to a fan (@Angry_Foamy), the actor has also been mentioned in Quentin Tarantino's book. They added,

"Q speaks fondly of Joe and his performances regularly throughout the book."

Fans also took to X to remember the actor. One user (@Raneshook) wrote,

"Woke up to the sad news of tough guy movie legend #JoeDonBaker's passing last week. If there was ever an actor who embodied that realistic working-class American badass archetype, Baker was the one. Rest easy, and go 'head on, good sir!"

Trending

Joe Don Baker had his breakthrough role in Walking Tall. However, fans remember him for his other eccentric roles in the Michell and the James Bond series. Many fans described him as a "legend" and remember his multiple performances.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback