Person
Charles Napier
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…
IMDbKnown for
Popular titles
Photos
More stills of Charles Napier
Biography
A closer look
Read full 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
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
-
2009
Archer
TV show Dr. Speltz (voice)
-
2009
Shadowheart
Movie Sheriff Sanders
-
2009
Life Blood
Movie Sherrif Tillman
-
2009
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Movie Dick Lewiston
-
2008
One-Eyed Monster
Movie Mohtz
-
2008
Black Crescent Moon
Movie Father Woods
-
2008
Your Name Here
Movie Chuck
- 2007
-
2006
Annapolis
Movie
-
2005
The Kid & I
Movie Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss
-
2005
Squidbillies
TV show
-
2005
Suits on the Loose
Movie General Wilkins
-
2005
Fielder's Choice
Movie Taco Bob
-
2005
Lords of Dogtown
Movie Nudie
-
2004
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
TV show Seargent Guard
-
2004
The Batman
TV show Kilgore Steed (voice)
More credits
-
2004
Justice League Unlimited
TV show General Hardcastle (voice)
-
2004
The Manchurian Candidate
Movie General Sloan
-
2004
The 4400
TV show Josiah
-
2004
Dinocroc
Movie Sheriff Harper
-
2003
Cold Case
TV show Hal Chaney (2008)
-
2002
The Thief & the Stripper
Movie Face
-
2002
Monk
TV show Sheriff Bates
-
2002
We Get to Win This Time
Movie Self
-
2002
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Movie Roy (voice)
-
2001
Down 'n Dirty
Movie Capt. Jerry Teller
-
2001
The Legend of Tarzan
TV show Ian McTeague (voice)
-
2001
Extreme Honor
Movie Commanding Officer #1
-
2000
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
TV show Warren Matthews
-
2000
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
TV show Wild Bill Cooley (voice)
-
2000
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
Movie Four Star General
-
2000
Very Mean Men
Movie Detective Bailey
-
2000
Never Look Back
Movie Sheriff Dawkins
-
2000
Son of the Beach
TV show
-
2000
God, the Devil and Bob
TV show Rev. Nat Potterson (voice)
-
1999
The Big Tease
Movie Sen. Warren Crockett
-
1999
Pirates of the Plain
Movie Grandpa
-
1999
The Hunter's Moon
Movie J.T. Conover
-
1999
Roswell
TV show Hal Carver
-
1999
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Movie Gen. Hawk
