Charles Napier
Biography
Charles Lewis Napier (April 12, 1936 – October 5, 2011) was a prolific American actor known for his many supporting and occasional leading roles in television and film. Born near Scottsville, Kentucky, Napier served in the U.S. Army before pursuing higher education, earning a degree in art from Western Kentucky University. He initially worked as a sports coach and art teacher before dedicating himself to acting.
Napier gained early attention after starring in several low-budget films by director Russ Meyer, including his debut in Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1969). He became well-known for his portrayal of tough, authoritative characters such as police officers, soldiers, and villains often with a rugged or corrupt edge. Among his memorable roles are the short-tempered country singer Tucker McElroy in The Blues Brothers (1980), CIA officer Marshall Murdock in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), and multiple collaborations with director Jonathan Demme in films like The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Philadelphia (1993).
He also had notable appearances in television, including roles in The A-Team, The Oregon Trail, Star Trek: The Original Series, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Napier was appreciated for his strong voice, steely gaze, and distinct broad chin, which made him a standout character actor.
Napier passed away in 2011 in Bakersfield, California, due to thrombosis at the age of 75. He also published a book about his life titled Square Jaw and Big Heart
Acting (115 movies)
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
The Blues Brothers
1980
Rambo: First Blood Part II
1985
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997
Dinocroc
2004
Hollywood Rated 'R'
1997
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
1970
Supervixens
1975
Cherry, Harry & Raquel!
1969
Center of the Web
1992
Something Wild
1986
One-Eyed Monster
2008
Body Count
1986
Body Bags
1993
Life Blood
2009
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
2002
The Incredible Hulk Returns
1988
Deep Space
1988
The Hunter's Moon
1999
Alien from the Deep
1989
Raw Justice
1994
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
The Outlaws
1984
Miami Blues
1990
Alien Species
1998
Last Embrace
1979
Second Chances
1998
The Grifters
1990
Expert Witness
1996
Ernest Goes to Jail
1990
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
2009
Jury Duty
1995
One Man Force
1989
Wacko
1982
Citizens Band
1977
Future Zone
1990
Moonfire
1973
Hit List
1989
Eyes of the Beholder
1992
Suits on the Loose
2005
Armstrong
1998
Under Surveillance
1991
Max Is Missing
1995
Felony
1994
The Last Match
1990
After the Condor
1991
Never Look Back
2000
Macon County Jail
1997
Instant Justice
1986
Black Crescent Moon
2008
Lonely Hearts
1991
Treacherous Crossing
1992
Pirates of the Plain
1999
Body Shot
1994
Married to the Mob
1988
The Night Stalker
1986
Cop Target
1990
Philadelphia
1993
Frogtown II
1992
Fatal Pursuit
1995
Mean Tricks
1992
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
2000
Silk Degrees
1994
The Kid & I
2005
The Flying Misfits
1976
The Cartier Affair
1984
Skeeter
1993
Savage Land
1994
Soldier's Fortune
1991
Original Gangstas
1996
Indio 2 - The Revolt
1991
Silent Fury
1994
The Manchurian Candidate
2004
Thunder and Lightning
1977
Killer Instinct
1992
Gridlock
1980
Ripper Man
1995
Bush Shrink
1988
Your Name Here
2008
China Lake
1983
To Die, to Sleep
1994
The Big Tease
1999
Cypress Edge
1999
The House Near the Prado
1969
Hard Justice
1995
Lima: Breaking the Silence
1999
Steel
1997
Kidnapped
1988
Ballistic
1995
Dragonfight
1990
Maniac Cop 2
1990
The Seven Minutes
1971
Swing Shift
1984
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
1996
Very Mean Men
2000
Melvin and Howard
1980
Twisted Fate
1995
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999
Jailbreakers
1994
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