Charles Napier
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
182 acting credits
Acting · 182
The Simpsons
1989
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
2000
Monk
2002
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
1993
Dallas
1978
Murder, She Wrote
1984
Mannix
1967
Diagnosis: Murder
1993
Star Trek
1966
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1993
The A-Team
1983
Cold Case
2003
The Practice
1997
Mission: Impossible
1966
Knight Rider
1982
Archer
2009
Night Court
1984
L.A. Law
1986
The Rockford Files
1974
Hogan's Heroes
1965
Coach
1989
Party of Five
1994
Simon & Simon
1981
Renegade
1992
The Incredible Hulk
1977
Pacific Blue
1996
Superman: The Animated Series
1996
Hercules
1998
Starsky & Hutch
1975
Walker, Texas Ranger
1993
The 4400
2004
The Batman
2004
The Rookies
1972
Kojak
1973
Justice League Unlimited
2004
CHiPs
1977
Baretta
1975
Roswell
1999
The Streets of San Francisco
1972
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
2000
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
2004
Squidbillies
2005
The Mod Squad
1968
The Legend of Tarzan
2001
The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest
1996
Son of the Beach
2000
Rambo: First Blood Part II
1985
B. J. and the Bear
1979
The Critic
1994
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
2002
Baa Baa Black Sheep
1976
Men in Black: The Series
1997
Street Hawk
1985
Rebel Highway
1994
The Golden Palace
1992
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997
George & Leo
1997
Tales of the Gold Monkey
1982
The Blues Brothers
1980
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999
Blacke's Magic
1986
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
Philadelphia
1993
Delvecchio
1976
God, the Devil and Bob
2000
The Oregon Trail
1977
Supervixens
1975
Paradise
1988
The Blue and the Gray
1982
Outlaws
1986
The Cable Guy
1996
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
1970
Lords of Dogtown
2005
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
2000
The Manchurian Candidate
2004
Married to the Mob
1988
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
Annapolis
2006
Steel
1997
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
2009
Something Wild
1986
The Grifters
1990
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
Body Bags
1993
Beloved
1998
The Magician
1999
Suits on the Loose
2005
The Incredible Hulk Returns
1988
Ernest Goes to Jail
1990
Jury Duty
1995
Maniac Cop 2
1990
Miami Blues
1990
Skeeter
1993
Raw Justice
1994
Felony
1996
Swing Shift
1984
Wacko
1982
Original Gangstas
1996
Deep Space
1988
Citizens Band
1977
Gridlock
1980
Gun Shy
1983
The Seven Minutes
1971
Last Embrace
1979
Dinocroc
2004
Hard Justice
1995
The Outlaws
1984
Ballistic
1995
The Flying Misfits
1976
The Big Tease
1999
Shadowheart
2009
Melvin and Howard
1980
Riot
1996
One-Eyed Monster
2008
Under Surveillance
1991
Fielder's Choice
2005
Alien from the Deep
1989
Thunder and Lightning
1977
Second Chances
1998
One Man Force
1989
The Hunter's Moon
1999
Cypress Edge
1999
Silent Fury
1994
Savage Land
1994
The Kid & I
2005
Armstrong
1998
Pirates of the Plain
1999
Hit List
1989
Ripper Man
1995
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels
2007
Life Blood
2009
Jailbreakers
1994
Body Shot
1994
The Night Stalker
1987
Dragonfight
1990
Future Zone
1990
Frogtown II
1992
Ransom for Alice!
1977
Your Name Here
2008
Silk Degrees
1994
Fatal Pursuit
1995
Extreme Honor
2001
China Lake
1983
Lonely Hearts
1991
Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus
1978
Black Crescent Moon
2008
Center of the Web
1992
The Last Match
1990
Kidnapped
1988
Very Mean Men
2000
Twisted Fate
1995
Never Look Back
2000
Hollywood Rated 'R'
1997
Macon County Jail
1997
Alien Species
1998
Eyes of the Beholder
1992
Treacherous Crossing
1992
Soldier's Fortune
1991
Body Count
1986
Bush Shrink
1988
Mean Tricks
1992
To Die, to Sleep
1994
The Cartier Affair
1984
Cherry, Harry & Raquel!
1969
Indio 2 - The Revolt
1991
Lima: Breaking the Silence
1999
Instant Justice
1986
Cop Target
1990
Down 'n Dirty
2001
The Thief & the Stripper
2002
Killer Instinct
1992
Centurion Force
1998
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
1996
After the Condor
1991
Moonfire
1973
Max Is Missing
1995
The Hanging of Jake Ellis
1969
No Small Ways
1997
The House Near the Prado
1969
Billy Lone Bear
1996
Expert Witness
1996
Love and Kisses
1971