Charles Napier
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
Known For
Lt. Boyle
The Silence of the Lambs
Tucker McElroy
The Blues Brothers
Marshall Murdock
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Commander Gilmour
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Sheriff Harper
Dinocroc
Self
Les deniers du culte
Baxter
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Harry Sledge
Supervixens
Harry
Cherry, Harry & Raquel!
Agent Williams
Center of the Web
Irate Chef
Something Wild
Mohtz
One-Eyed Monster
Charlie, the Sheriff
Camping del terrore
Manager
Body Bags
Sherrif Tillman
Sunset Vampires
Roy (voice)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Mike Fouche
The Incredible Hulk Returns
Det. Ian McLemore
Deep Space
J.T. Conover
The Hunter's Moon
Colonel Kovacks
Alien degli abissi
Mayor David Stiles
Raw Justice
Jack
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
Captain Striker
The Outlaws
Sergeant Bill Henderson
Miami Blues
Sheriff Nate Culver
Alien Species
Dave Quittle
Last Embrace
Craig Hardy
Second Chances
Gloucester Hebbing
The Grifters
Expert Witness
Warden
Ernest Goes to Jail
Dick Lewiston
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Love and Kisses
Jed
Jury Duty
Dante
One Man Force
Chief O'Hara
Wacko
Chrome Angel
Citizens Band
Mickland
Future Zone
Robert W. Morgan
Moonfire
Tom Mitchum
Hit List
Det. Wilson
Eyes of the Beholder
General Wilkins
Suits on the Loose
Robert Zorkin
Armstrong
Troy
Under Surveillance
Becker
Max Is Missing
Detective Duke
Felony
American Consul
The Last Match
Sulle tracce del condor
Sheriff Dawkins
Never Look Back
Sheriff Dempsey
Macon County Jail
Maj. Davis
Instant Justice
Father Woods
Black Crescent Moon
Robby Ross
Lonely Hearts
Treacherous Crossing
Grandpa
Pirates of the Plain
Leon
Body Shot
Angela's Hairdresser
Married to the Mob
Sgt. J.J. Striker
The Night Stalker
John Granger
Cop Target
Judge Garnett
Philadelphia
Capt. Delano
Frogtown II
Herbert
Fatal Pursuit
Brian Hornsby
Hornsby e Rodriguez - Sfida criminale
Four Star General
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
Schultz
Silk Degrees
Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss
The Kid & I
Maj. Red Buell
The Flying Misfits
Morgan Carroll
The Cartier Affair
Ernie Buckle
Skeeter
Cole
Savage Land
Col. Blair
Soldier's Fortune
Mayor
Original Gangstas
IMC President
Indio 2 - La rivolta
Silent Fury
General Sloan
The Manchurian Candidate
Jim Bob
Thunder and Lightning
John Doogan
Killer Instinct
Sonny
Gridlock
Harry
Ripper Man
Kingsley
Bush Shrink
Chuck
Your Name Here
Donnelly
China Lake
Father
To Die, to Sleep
Sen. Warren Crockett
The Big Tease
Detective O'Reilly
Cypress Edge
The House Near the Prado
Warden Pike
Hard Justice
Padre
Lima: Breaking the Silence
Col. David
Steel
Lt. O'Bryan
Kidnapped
Underwood
Ballistic
Moochow
Dragonfight
Lew Brady
Maniac Cop 2
Officer Iverson
The Seven Minutes
Moon Willis
Swing Shift
Interrogator
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Adam
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
Detective Bailey
Very Mean Men
Ventura
Melvin and Howard
Nolan Gobal
Twisted Fate
Gen. Hawk
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Charlie, the Horse Connection
Jailbreakers
Agent Devaney
Riot
Angry Carny (uncredited)
Beloved
Arresting Officer
The Cable Guy
Dunlap
Centurion Force
Capt. Jerry Teller
Down 'n Dirty
Sheriff Sanders
Shadowheart
Billy Lone Bear
Jake Ellis
The Hanging of Jake Ellis
Seargent Guard
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels
Big Bob Johnson
Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus
Pete Phelan
Ransom for Alice!
Taco Bob
Fielder's Choice
Face
The Thief & the Stripper
Annapolis
Nudie
Lords of Dogtown
Commanding Officer #1
Extreme Honor
No Small Ways
Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Known Credits
118
Gender
Male
Birthday
1936-04-12
Place of Birth
Scottsville, Kentucky, USA
Also Known As
Chuck Napier