There have been many iconic James Bond villains over the years, as well as some memorable allies who have helped out 007, but one actor memorably played both a villain and an ally of Bond. The search continues to find the right actor to play the next James Bond, following the end of Daniel Craig’s time in the iconic role. However, with such a long-running franchise, it is perhaps not surprising that there have been some actors who have appeared in more than one role throughout the series.

Actor Joe Don Baker recently pᴀssed away, leaving behind an amazing career that included standout roles in Walking Tall, Charley Varrick, and Cape Fear. However, he holds an impressive legacy within the James Bond franchise as he not only starred as a main villain, but was also one of the rare ally characters of 007 who had a recurring role in the movies. While Baker is not the only actor to play two roles in the franchise, he is perhaps the most significant example, standing out in both roles.

Joe Don Baker’s Two James Bond Roles Explained

Baker Worked With Two Different Bond Actors

After already starring in several pulpy thrillers in the 1970s, Joe Don Baker joined the James Bond franchise for the first time in the first movie with Timothy Dalton as 007. Baker played Brad Whitaker, an American arms dealer in The Living Daylights. Whitaker is a blowhard who dresses as a military general despite the fact that his own military career was a failure. He is an eccentric villain, using miniatures to reenact famous battles in history, feeling he knows how the defeated forces could have prevailed. He also idolizes “great military commanders” like Napoleon Bonaparte and Genghis Khan.

While Dalton’s Bond kills Whitaker in the climax of The Living Daylights, there was more to come from Baker in the Bond franchise. He next helped another new actor step into the legendary role as Baker joined Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond movie, GoldenEye. This time around, Baker played CIA agent Jack Wade, a rather laidback hero who helps Bond investigate the mysterious figure known as Janus (who turns out to be Sean Bean’s villainous Alec Trevelyan).

Wade joined the likes of Felix Leiter and Bill Tanner as a Bond ally who appeared in a recurring capacity in the franchise when he returned as Jack Wade in Tomorrow Never Dies, once again opposite Brosnan. This time around, Jack only appears in one scene, helping Bond sneak into China to prove that the villainous Elliot Carver was responsible for sinking a British frigate.

Which Of Joe Don Baker’s Bond Roles Was Better

Jack Wade Was The Best Use Of Baker’s Talents

While it is fun seeing Joe Don Baker play two very different roles in the James Bond franchise, his role as Jack Wade is certainly the most memorable of the two. Brad Whitaker is one of the more forgettable Bond villains, despite Baker’s performance elevating the character. He is made to be more of a joke than an actual threat, so it is hard to take him too seriously. His cartoonish nature feels out of place in Timothy Dalton’s more serious take on 007. As one of two main villains, he also doesn’t get a lot of time to shine.

By comparison, Jack is a very entertaining character who could easily have been a more prominent character in Pierce Brosnan’s era of Bond. He is a terrific contrast to Bond, taking the world of international espionage a lot less seriously. In contrast to Bond’s dashing tuxedos, Jack underdresses in Hawaiian shirts and bucket hats. Best of all, he doesn’t take Bond as seriously as other characters do, affectionately calling him “Jimbo” whenever they meet.

While Jack is clearly an effective CIA agent, he also brings a great sense of humor to the movie. When he and Bond first meet in GoldenEye, Bond makes Jack show him an identifying tattoo so that he knows he has the right man, leading Jack to reluctantly show off a rose tattoo on his ʙuттocks with the name “Muffy”, which leads to a running joke about Jack’s various ex-wives. When Jack is helping Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies, he jokingly explains that the CIA has “no interest in seeing World War III – unless we start it.”

The sad pᴀssing of Baker unfortunately means that he will not get a chance to appear in any other James Bond movies. However, the actor made his mark on the franchise in two roles, with Jack Wade being a perfect role for him to show off his humor and charm, which made him such an entertaining actor to watch.

James Bond

Created by

Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli

First Film

Dr. No

Latest Film

No Time to Die

Upcoming Films

James Bond 26

Summary

The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.

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