Charles Napier

Known for ActingBorn 1936-04-12Died 2011-10-05Scottsville, Kentucky, USA

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 HeartRead more

Movies & web series

George & Leo

Max Is Missing

Ransom for Alice!

The Hanging of Jake Ellis

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

Justice League Unlimited

The Silence of the Lambs

Love and Kisses

Archer

The Batman

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels

No Small Ways

Monk

Rebel Highway

Under Surveillance

The Simpsons

Bush Shrink

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Cold Case

Roswell

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Second Chances

Star Trek

Philadelphia

The Practice

Superman: The Animated Series

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

The Blues Brothers

Silent Fury

God, the Devil and Bob

Murder, She Wrote

The Rockford Files

Knight Rider

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Men in Black: The Series

The A-Team

Tales of the Gold Monkey

Gridlock

Hogan's Heroes

The Critic

Mission: Impossible

The 4400

The Flying Misfits

Lords of Dogtown

Night Court

The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest

Diagnosis: Murder

Starsky & Hutch