Charles Napier
Birthday: 1936-04-12 | Place of Birth: Scottsville, Kentucky, USACharles 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
Acting
Role
as Sheriff Sanders
as Sherrif Tillman
as Father Woods
as Mohtz
as General Wilkins
as Taco Bob
as Sheriff Harper
as Grandpa
as Face
as Roy (voice)
as Capt. Jerry Teller
as Sheriff Dawkins
as Detective O'Reilly
as J.T. Conover
as Padre
as Sen. Warren Crockett
as Craig Hardy
as Robert Zorkin
as Sheriff Nate Culver
as Agent Devaney
as Chief Zed (voice)
as Col. David
