Hollywood has lost one of their own. Actor Joe Don Baker died at age 89 on May 7, per his obituary. The star was perhaps best known for his role as Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 1973 action/thriller “Walking Tall.

Baker, whose acting career lasted nearly five decades, "was a beacon of kindness and generosity," his obituary readsJoe Don Baker, who appeared in three James Bond movies and films like The Natural and Cape Fear,

His performance as a crusading Southern sheriff made him a star after a decade under the radar in character parts. He went on to play a wide range of roles.