Charles Napier profile
Actor profile

Charles Napier

12th April 1936 Scottsville, Kentucky, USA Acting

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

116 Movies 76 TV Shows 196 Credits
Filmography

Movies & TV Shows

The Kid & I poster
The Kid & I 2nd December 2005 as Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss
Beloved poster
Beloved 16th October 1998 as Angry Carny (uncredited)
Steel poster
Steel 15th August 1997 as Col. David
Riot poster
Riot 1st December 1996 as Agent Devaney
Jailbreakers poster
Jailbreakers 9th September 1994 as Charlie, the Horse Connection
Skeeter poster
Skeeter 1st October 1993 as Ernie Buckle
Wacko poster
Wacko 12th November 1982 as Chief O'Hara
Moonfire poster
Moonfire 1st January 1973 as Robert W. Morgan
Archer poster
Archer 17th September 2009 as Dr. Speltz (voice)
The Batman poster
The Batman 11th September 2004 as Kilgore Steed (voice)
Cold Case poster
Cold Case 28th September 2003 as Hal Chaney (2008)
Monk poster
Monk 12th July 2002 as Sheriff Bates
Roswell poster
Roswell 6th October 1999 as Hal Carver
The Critic poster
The Critic 26th January 1994 as Duke Phillips (voice)
Renegade poster
Renegade 19th September 1992 as Col. Nelson Brackett
Renegade poster
Renegade 19th September 1992 as Sgt. Douglas Raines
Coach poster
Coach 28th February 1989 as Buzz Durkin
Paradise poster
Paradise 27th October 1988 as Sheriff Cochran
Outlaws poster
Outlaws 28th December 1986 as Wolf Lucas
L.A. Law poster
L.A. Law 15th September 1986 as Detective John Foley
Dallas poster
Dallas 2nd April 1978 as Carl Daggett
CHiPs poster
CHiPs 15th September 1977 as Klane
Kojak poster
Kojak 24th October 1973 as Marty Vaughan
Mannix poster
Mannix 16th September 1967 as Police Officer (uncredited)