Charles Napier

Died at 89

born April 12, 1936

male73 suggestions0 votes

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

The Silence of the Lambs

Philadelphia

Rambo: First Blood Part II

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Top Casting Suggestions

Charles Napier has been suggested to play 73 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.

Charles Napier

What if Hulk fought Godzilla?

myFiction

What if Hulk fought Godzilla?

Charles Napier

Ford Pines

Gravity Falls (1980's)

Ford Pines

Charles Napier

Mr. Earle

Batman Begins (1985)

Mr. Earle

Charles Napier

Celebrity #27

Resurrect a Celebrity

Celebrity #27

Charles Napier

Colonel Nathan Hardy

Zack Snyder's DCEU Trilogy (1983-1991)

Colonel Nathan Hardy

Charles Napier

Herman Munster

Licorice Pizza (1988)

Herman Munster

Charles Napier

General Sam Lane

My Immortal Superman Story

General Sam Lane

Charles Napier

The Highway Patrolman

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1988)

The Highway Patrolman

Charles Napier

Hannibal

Deceased Actors by Franchise

Hannibal

Charles Napier

Commander Walters

Sonic The Hedgehog trilogy (1980-1984)

Commander Walters

Charles Napier

Markham

The Fast and the Furious Franchise (1981-1999)

Markham

Charles Napier

Mr. Earle

Batman Begins (1970's)

Mr. Earle

Charles Napier

Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart

What If Doctor Who Was American?

Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart

Charles Napier

William Earle

Batman Begins (1985)

William Earle

Charles Napier

General Sam Lane

Superman Genesis

General Sam Lane

Charles Napier

Best Stallone's Villain/Rival

Best & Worst of Sylvester Stallone's Filmography

Best Stallone's Villain/Rival

Charles Napier

Greatest B-Movie Character Actor

The Greatest 90's B-Movie Action Star

Greatest B-Movie Character Actor

Charles Napier

Sheriff

Dan Vs. (1980s)

Sheriff

Charles Napier

Best Celebrity Voice Actor

Best & Worst of Cartoons

Best Celebrity Voice Actor

Charles Napier

Captain Randal Jones

The Reaper of New-York (1978)

Captain Randal Jones

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Charles Napier

Known for

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