Charles Napier
1936-2011
Known for The Silence of the Lambs, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Philadelphia.
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
Movie Credits
Deep Space (1988)
The Night Stalker (1986)
China Lake (1983)
One-Eyed Monster (2008)
Dinocroc (2004)
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995)
Hard Justice (1995)
The Last Match (1990)
Black Crescent Moon (2008)
Macon County Jail (1997)
Soldier's Fortune (1991)
Cop Target (1990)
One Man Force (1989)
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Supervixens (1975)
Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1969)
Armstrong (1998)
Riot (1996)
To Die, to Sleep (1994)
Cypress Edge (1999)
Eyes of the Beholder (1992)
Frogtown II (1992)
Future Zone (1990)
Miami Blues (1990)
Alien from the Deep (1989)
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
Last Embrace (1979)
Citizens Band (1977)
The Big Tease (1999)
Jury Duty (1995)
Center of the Web (1992)
Killer Instinct (1992)
Indio 2 - The Revolt (1991)
Life Blood (2009)
Suits on the Loose (2005)
Down 'n Dirty (2000)
Lima: Breaking the Silence (1999)
Raw Justice (1994)
Dragonfight (1990)
Steel (1997)
Philadelphia (1993)
Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
The Cartier Affair (1984)
Shadowheart (2009)
The Hunter's Moon (1999)
Body Shot (1994)
Thunder and Lightning (1977)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Second Chances (1998)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Maniac Cop 2 (1990)
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009)
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Original Gangstas (1996)
Body Count (1986)
Wacko (1982)
Annapolis (2006)
Jailbreakers (1994)
Something Wild (1986)
The Seven Minutes (1971)
Swing Shift (1984)
Extreme Honor (2001)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Melvin and Howard (1980)
The Grifters (1990)
Married to the Mob (1988)
Body Bags (1993)
The Cable Guy (1996)
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
Lords of Dogtown (2005)
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Beloved (1998)
