Joe Don Baker, who rose to fame after his film "Walking Tall" became an overnight success in 1973, has died at 89.

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.

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,