Charles Napier
Acting
Born April 12, 1936 · Scottsville, 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 Heart
Films (118)
Shadowheart
2009
Life Blood
2009
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
2009
One-Eyed Monster
2008
Black Crescent Moon
2008
Your Name Here
2008
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels
2007
Annapolis
2006
The Kid & I
2005
Suits on the Loose
2005
Fielder's Choice
2005
Lords of Dogtown
2005
The Manchurian Candidate
2004
Dinocroc
2004
The Thief & the Stripper
2002
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
2002
Down 'n Dirty
2001
Extreme Honor
2001
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
2000
Very Mean Men
2000
Never Look Back
2000
The Big Tease
1999
Pirates of the Plain
1999
The Hunter's Moon
1999
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999
Lima: Breaking the Silence
1999
Cypress Edge
1999
Beloved
1998
Second Chances
1998
Armstrong
1998
Alien Species
1998
Centurion Force
1998
No Small Ways
1997
Steel
1997
Hollywood Rated 'R'
1997
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997
Macon County Jail
1997
Riot
1996
The Cable Guy
1996
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
1996
Original Gangstas
1996
Expert Witness
1996
Billy Lone Bear
1996
Hard Justice
1995
Max Is Missing
1995
Jury Duty
1995
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
Ballistic
1995
Fatal Pursuit
1995
Ripper Man
1995
Twisted Fate
1995
Felony
1994
Savage Land
1994
Jailbreakers
1994
Silk Degrees
1994
Raw Justice
1994
To Die, to Sleep
1994
Body Shot
1994
Silent Fury
1994
Philadelphia
1993
Skeeter
1993
Body Bags
1993
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
Killer Instinct
1992
Frogtown II
1992
Mean Tricks
1992
Center of the Web
1992
Treacherous Crossing
1992
Eyes of the Beholder
1992
Lonely Hearts
1991
Soldier's Fortune
1991
After the Condor
1991
Indio 2 - The Revolt
1991
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
Under Surveillance
1991
The Grifters
1990
Future Zone
1990
Maniac Cop 2
1990
Dragonfight
1990
Miami Blues
1990
Ernest Goes to Jail
1990
The Last Match
1990
Cop Target
1990
Alien from the Deep
1989
One Man Force
1989
Hit List
1989
Married to the Mob
1988
Kidnapped
1988
The Incredible Hulk Returns
1988
Deep Space
1988
Bush Shrink
1988
Something Wild
1986
Body Count
1986
Instant Justice
1986
The Night Stalker
1986
Rambo: First Blood Part II
1985
The Cartier Affair
1984
The Outlaws
1984
Swing Shift
1984
China Lake
1983
Wacko
1982
Gridlock
1980
Melvin and Howard
1980
The Blues Brothers
1980
Last Embrace
1979
Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus
1978
Thunder and Lightning
1977
Ransom for Alice!
1977
Citizens Band
1977
The Flying Misfits
1976
Supervixens
1975
Moonfire
1973
The Seven Minutes
1971
Love and Kisses
1971
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
1970
Cherry, Harry & Raquel!
1969
The House Near the Prado
1969
The Hanging of Jake Ellis
1969