What Is Joe Don Baker's Net Worth?
Joe Don Baker is an American actor with a net worth of $3 million. He is known for starring in westerns and as Chief of Detectives Earl Eischied on NBC's crime drama "Eischied" (1979–1980). With over 80 acting credits, Baker’s notable films include "Walking Tall" (1973), "Framed" (1975), "The Natural" (1984), "Fletch" (1985), "Cape Fear" (1991), "Reality Bites" (1994), "Congo" (1995), "Mars Attacks!" (1996), "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005), and "Mud" (2012). On TV, he appeared in series like "Lancer" (1968–1970) and "In the Heat of the Night" (1989). He played Brad Whitaker in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights" (1987) and portrayed Jack Wade in "GoldenEye" (1995) and "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997). Baker also performed on Broadway in "Marathon '33" (1963–1964) and "Blues for Mister Charlie" (1964).
Early Life
Joe Don Baker was born on February 12, 1936, in Groesbeck, Texas, to Edna McDonald and Doyle Charles Baker. He graduated from North Texas State College with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1958. Before pursuing acting, Baker served in the U.S. Army. In 1994, he received the University of North Texas' Distinguished Alumni Award.
Career
Baker began his acting career in the early '60s with Broadway productions of "Marathon '33" and "Blues for Mister Charlie." He debuted on TV in a 1965 episode of "Honey West," and appeared in various shows like "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "The F.B.I.," and "Mission: Impossible." His film debut came with an uncredited role in "Cool Hand Luke" (1967). In 1973, he starred as Sheriff Buford Pusser in "Walking Tall," a box-office hit. Throughout the '70s, he appeared in films such as "Charley Varrick" (1973), "Golden Needles" (1974), and "Mitchell" (1975).
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From 1979 to 1980, Baker starred as Chief of Detectives Earl Eischied in "Eischied." During the '80s, his credits included "The Natural," "Fletch," and the James Bond films "The Living Daylights," "GoldenEye," and "Tomorrow Never Dies." His role in "The Living Daylights" (1987) was noteworthy, with the film grossing $191.2 million. The '90s saw him in films like "Reality Bites," "Congo," and "Mars Attacks!" He portrayed Senator Joseph McCarthy in "Citizen Cohn" (1992) and received acclaim for his role in the miniseries "George Wallace" (1997). His recent roles include "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005) and "Mud" (2012).
Personal Life
Joe Don Baker married Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres on Christmas Day in 1969. They divorced in 1980.
Awards and Nominations
In 1986, Baker was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor for "Edge of Darkness." He received a CableACE Award nomination and a Satellite Award nomination for his role in "George Wallace." "Mud" won the Robert Altman Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2014.
