James Bond star who appeared in three iconic 007 films dies aged 89
His family left a touching tribute to the lifelong actor
Georgie English,
A FAMOUS James Bond star who played two separate roles in the iconic franchise has died at the age of 89.
Joe Don Baker was best known for playing a top CIA agent alongside Pierce Brosnan in two blockbuster Bond films.
Joe Don Baker as Frank Kearney in a Mission: Impossible episode.
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Joe Don Baker has passed away at the age of 89Credit: Getty
Joe Don Baker as Jack Wade in GoldenEye.
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Baker starred as CIA agent Jack Wade in two James Bond filmsCredit: Getty
Joe Don Baker at the premiere of *The Dukes of Hazzard*.
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The US acting legend in 2005 at the premiere for The Dukes of HazzardCredit: Getty
A touching statement from his family read: "His intellectual curiosity made him a voracious reader, inspiring 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 actor first played a Bond villain in 1987 flick The Living Daylights.
He took on the role of Brad Whitaker, who was a crazed arms dealer.
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After impressing on screen, Baker was asked to return to the franchise in 1995's GoldenEye.
The Pierce Brosnan thriller saw Baker play a good guy this time around as he was CIA agent Jack Wade.
In 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies he returned to the role in his third Bond flick.
The family statement ended with them praising the actor for creating so many memories throughout his life.
It added: "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.
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"Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten."
He is survived by relatives in his native Groesbeck, Texas.
He never had any children but was married to Maria Dolores Rivero-Torres from 1969 to 1980.
Before finding Bond fame in the late 80s, Baker also starred in BBC show Edge Of Darkness in 1985 which earned him a BAFTA nomination.
His career spanned almost 50 years with his first gig coming in 1965 on the TV show Honey West.
In 2012 he played his final fictional character in the film Mud.
A funeral is due to be held later this month in California.
LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 10: Pictured from left is Joe Don Baker (as Mongo Nash), Charles Cioffi (as Mike Nash) in the made for television movie, MONGO'S BACK IN TOWN. Broadcast December 10, 1971. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
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Baker as Mongo Nash in 1971's Mongo's Back In TownCredit: Getty
Headshot of Joe Don Baker.
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His career spanned almost 50 years
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