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
Acting
2009
Dr. Speltz (voice)
2009
Sheriff Sanders
2009
Sherrif Tillman
2009
Dick Lewiston
2008
Chuck
2007
Seargent Guard
2006
Unknown
2005
Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss
2005
Sheriff (voice)
2005
Unknown
2005
General Wilkins
2005
Taco Bob
2005
Nudie
2004
Seargent Guard
2004
Kilgore Steed (voice)
2004
General Hardcastle (voice)
2004
General Sloan
2004
Josiah
2004
Sheriff Harper
2003
Hal Chaney (2008)
2002
2002
Sheriff Bates
2002
Roy (voice)
2001
Ian McTeague (voice)
2001
Commanding Officer #1
2000
Warren Matthews
2000
Wild Bill Cooley (voice)
2000
Four Star General
2000
Detective Bailey
2000
Sheriff Dawkins
2000
Unknown
2000
Rev. Nat Potterson (voice)
1999
Sen. Warren Crockett
1999
J.T. Conover
1999
Hal Carver
1999
1999
1999
Unknown
1998
Angry Carny (uncredited)
1998
Craig Hardy
1998
(voice)
1998
Robert Zorkin
1998
Sheriff Nate Culver
1997
Chief Zed (voice)
1997
Unknown
1997
Col. David
1997
Commander Gilmour
1997
Judge Abraham Betts
1997
Sheriff Dempsey
1996
Agent Devaney
1996
General Hardcastle (voice)
1996
Hinkle (voice)
1996
Arresting Officer
1996
Mayor
1996
Tyrone Justice
1995
Warden Pike
1995
Jed
1995
1995
Underwood
1995
Harry
1995
Herbert
1994
Detective Duke
1994
Cole
1994
Video Guy
1994
Charlie, the Horse Connection
1994
Schultz
1994
Mayor David Stiles
1994
Father
1994
Leon
1994
Duke Phillips (voice)
1994
Unknown
1993
Judge Garnett
1993
Johnny McNamara
1993
Ernie Buckle
1993
Sailin' Whalen
1993
Manager
1993
Warden Kyle
1993
Interrogator
1993
Gen. Rex Denning
1992
John Doogan
1992
Capt. Delano
1992
Col. Nelson Brackett
1992
Sgt. Douglas Raines
1992
Mr. Smith #1
1992
Agent Williams
1991
Robby Ross
1991
Unknown
1991
IMC President
1991
Lt. Boyle
1991
1990
Gloucester Hebbing
1990
Mickland
1990
Lew Brady
1990
Sergeant Bill Henderson
1990
Warden
1990
American Consul
1990
John Granger
1989
Warden (voice)
1989
Grant Conner (voice)
1989
Officer Krackney (voice)
1989
Colonel Kovacks
1989
Dante
1989
Tom Mitchum
1989
Buzz Durkin
1988
Sheriff Cochran
1988
Angela's Hairdresser
1988
Lt. O'Bryan
1988
Mike Fouche
1988
Det. Ian McLemore
1986
Unknown
1986
Irate Chef
1986
Charlie, the Sheriff
1986
Maj. Davis
1986
Detective John Foley
1986
Sgt. J.J. Striker
1986
Unknown
1985
Marshall Murdock
1985
John Slade
1984
Morgan Carroll
1984
Hank Sutter
1984
Denver Martin
1984
Moon Willis
1984
Mitchell Bowers
1983
Donnelly
1983
Burt Cross
1983
Col. Briggs
1982
Major Harrison
1982
Chief O'Hara
1982
Carney (uncredited)
1982
Unknown
1981
Unknown
1980
Ventura
1980
Tucker McElroy
1979
Dave Quittle
1979
Unknown
1978
Carl Daggett
1977
Hulk (voice)
1977
1977
John Blake
1977
Luther Sprague
1977
Klane
1977
Jim Bob
1977
Chrome Angel
1976
Maj. Red Buell
1976
Red Buell
1976
Alt
1975
John Brown Harris
1975
Sheriff Joe Tyce
1975
Harry Sledge
1975
Unknown
1974
Mitch Donner
1974
Sheriff Billy Webster
1973
Marty Vaughan
1973
Robert W. Morgan
1972
Norderman
1972
Unknown
1971
Officer Iverson
1970
1969
1968
Broker (uncredited)
1967
Police Officer (uncredited)
1966
Roland (uncredited)
1966
1966
First Guard (uncredited)
1966
Adam
1965
Partisan Messenger (uncredited)
Production
Infos
Charles Napier
Male
4/12/1936
10/5/2011
Chuck Napier