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Charles Napier

Charles Napier

Acting April 12, 1936 Scottsville, Kentucky, USA
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

Movies

Riot
5.6
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Agent Devaney
Riot
1996
Hard Justice
6.0
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Warden Pike
Hard Justice
1995
The Outlaws
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Captain Striker
The Outlaws
1984

TV Shows

Mission: Impossible
7.6
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First Guard (uncredited)
Mission: Impossible
1966
Mission: Impossible
7.6
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Thug
Mission: Impossible
1966
Mission: Impossible
7.6
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Roland (uncredited)
Mission: Impossible
1966
The A-Team
7.5
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Burt Cross
The A-Team
1983
The A-Team
7.5
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Col. Briggs
The A-Team
1983
The Batman
8.0
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Kilgore Steed (voice)
The Batman
2004
CHiPs
6.8
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Klane
CHiPs
1977
Paradise
6.0
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Sheriff Cochran
Paradise
1988

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