Charles Napier
Born April 12, 1936 (Age: 89)
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Scottsville, Kentucky, USA
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
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
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Filmography
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
2009
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as Dick Lewiston
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Age: 73
Annapolis
2006
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as
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Age: 69
Suits on the Loose
2005
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as General Wilkins
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Age: 69
Lords of Dogtown
2005
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as Nudie
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Age: 69
The Manchurian Candidate
2004
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as General Sloan
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Age: 68
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
2002
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as Roy (voice)
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Age: 66
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
2000
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as Four Star General
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Age: 64
Very Mean Men
2000
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as Detective Bailey
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Age: 64
Never Look Back
2000
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as Sheriff Dawkins
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Age: 63
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
1999
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as Gen. Hawk
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Age: 63
Beloved
1998
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as Angry Carny (uncredited)
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Age: 62
Centurion Force
1998
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as Dunlap
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Age: 61
No Image
No Small Ways
1997
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as
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Age: 61
Steel
1997
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as Col. David
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Age: 61
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997
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as Commander Gilmour
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Age: 61
The Cable Guy
1996
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as Arresting Officer
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Age: 60
Original Gangstas
1996
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as Mayor
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Age: 60
Expert Witness
1996
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as
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Age: 59
Billy Lone Bear
1996
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as
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Age: 59
Jury Duty
1995
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as Jed
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Age: 59
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
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as Jack
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Age: 58
Philadelphia
1993
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as Judge Garnett
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Age: 57
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
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as Interrogator
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Age: 56
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
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as Lt. Boyle
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Age: 54
The Grifters
1990
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as Gloucester Hebbing
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Age: 54
Miami Blues
1990
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as Sergeant Bill Henderson
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Age: 54
Ernest Goes to Jail
1990
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as Warden
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Age: 53
Married to the Mob
1988
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as Angela's Hairdresser
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Age: 52
Something Wild
1986
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as Irate Chef
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Age: 50
Rambo: First Blood Part II
1985
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as Marshall Murdock
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Age: 49
The Blues Brothers
1980
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as Tucker McElroy
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Age: 44
Citizens Band
1977
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as Chrome Angel
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Age: 41
Supervixens
1975
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as Harry Sledge
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Age: 38
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
1970
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as Baxter
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Age: 34
The House Near the Prado
1969
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as
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Age: 32
No Image
The Hanging of Jake Ellis
1969
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as Jake Ellis
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Age: 32