Charles Napier
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
Men in Black: The Series
as Chief Zed (voice)
Age 61 (now 75)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
as Roy (voice)
Age 66 (now 75)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
as Commander Gilmour
Age 61 (now 75)
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
as Dick Lewiston
Age 73 (now 75)
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels
as Seargent Guard
Age 71 (now 75)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
as Roy (voice)
Age 66 (now 75)
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
as Four Star General
Age 64 (now 75)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
as Gen. Hawk
Age 63 (now 75)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
as Commander Gilmour
Age 61 (now 75)
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
as Adam
Age 60 (now 75)
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
as Interrogator
Age 56 (now 75)
Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus
as Big Bob Johnson
Age 42 (now 75)
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Associate Producer
Age 34 (now 75)
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
as Seargent Guard
Age 68 (now 75)
Justice League Unlimited
as General Hardcastle (voice)
Age 68 (now 75)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
as Warren Matthews
Age 64 (now 75)
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
as Wild Bill Cooley (voice)
Age 64 (now 75)
God, the Devil and Bob
as Rev. Nat Potterson (voice)
Age 63 (now 75)
Men in Black: The Series
as Chief Zed (voice)
Age 61 (now 75)
Superman: The Animated Series
as General Hardcastle (voice)
Age 60 (now 75)
The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest
as Hinkle (voice)
Age 60 (now 75)
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
as Sailin' Whalen
Age 57 (now 75)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
as Gen. Rex Denning
Age 56 (now 75)
The Streets of San Francisco
as Norderman
Age 36 (now 75)
Gathering insights...
Also Known As
Chuck Napier
IMDB
nm0621008