Recently it was the 85th birthday of Joe Don Baker, who for our interest has the distinction of playing Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights 1987 and Jack Wade in GoldenEye 1995 and Tomorrow Never Dies 1997, so two distinct roles in the Bond franchise. Born in Groesbeck, Texas and graduating from what is now the University of North Texas with a business degree, he came to acting late at the age of 28 after military service and studying at the Actors Studio, New York City. Given his stature at 6’3” he started with small roles, including Cool Hand Luke 1967 and appeared in many western series of the 60s-70s - Bonanza & Gunsmoke & The Big Valley & The High Chapparal. Made progress as Slater in Guns of the Magnificent Seven 1969, then as the brother of Steve McQueen in Peckinpah’s Junior Bonner 1972, but Walking Tall 1973 really made his mark as Sheriff Buford Pusser cleaning up Selmer, SW Tennessee, although he achieved a BAFTA nomination in Edge of Darkness 1985. Now retired, he lives in Woodland Hills, California. We would like to play a match in his honour and hope you will accept. If the numbers or ratings do not suit, then please make contact.
Equaliser769
