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Born: April 12, 1936 – Died: October 5, 2011
Charles Napier , an iconic character actor known for his roles as tough guys and military figures, was born in the small community of Mt. Union, Kentucky, to Linus Pitts Napier, a tobacco farmer and postman, and his wife, Sara. His early life in Allen County, Kentucky, laid the foundation for a career that spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Early Life and Career
Napier's journey into acting was as unconventional as some of the characters he portrayed. After graduating from public school in Scottsville, he enlisted in the Army in 1954, rising to the rank of E-5 (Sgt.) while serving with the 511th Airborne Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division. This military background would later influence his on-screen roles.
Napier's film debut came in Russ Meyer's movies, where he often played edgy and intense characters. His portrayal of Harry Sledge in "Supervixens" and other roles under Meyer's direction showcased his range as an actor, setting the stage for a varied and successful career. Napier's breakthrough came with his role as Tucker McElroy in "The Blues Brothers" (1980), a role that capitalized on his rugged demeanor and commanding presence.
He continued to make a significant impact in films such as "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985) as Murdock and as Lt. Boyle in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991). His work in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997) as Commander Gilmour further demonstrated his versatility.
Off the screen, Napier's life was as vibrant as his career. He was married to Delores 'Dee' Wilson, with whom he had two children, including Hunter Napier.
Napier's legacy in Hollywood is marked by his ability to bring authenticity to each role, whether as a menacing antagonist or a gruff authority figure. His distinctive voice and physicality made him a memorable presence in any project he undertook. In an industry where typecasting is common, Napier managed to turn this into an asset, becoming one of the most recognizable 'tough guys' in film and television. His career is a testament to his talent and an example of how diverse roles can create a lasting impression in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Archer (TV Series) | Dr. Speltz (voice) |
| 2009 | Rise and Fall of Tuck Johnson (TV Series) | Harry Rammer (2009) |
| 2009 | Life Blood (Video) | Sherrif Tillman |
| 2009 | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard | Dick Lewiston |
| 2009 | Shadowheart | Sheriff Sanders |
| 2008 | One-Eyed Monster | Mohtz |
| 2008 | Cold Case (TV Series) | Hal Chaney '08 |
| 2008 | Black Crescent Moon | Father Woods |
| 2008 | Your Name Here | Chuck |
| 2007 | Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV Series) | Bert's Dad |
| 2007 | Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (TV Series) | Seargent Guard |
| 2005–2006 | Squidbillies (TV Series) | Sheriff (voice) |
| 2006 | Annapolis | Supt. Carter |
| 2006 | Monk (TV Series) | Sheriff Bates |
| 2005 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (TV Series) | Warren Matthews |
| 2005 | The Kid & I | Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss (uncredited) |
| 2005 | The Batman (TV Series) | Kilgore Steed (voice) |
| 2005 | Quake 4 (Video Game) | Harper (voice) |
| 2005 | Suits on the Loose | General Wilkins |
| 2005 | Fielder's Choice (TV Movie) | Taco Bob |
| 2005 | The 4400 (TV Series) | Rev. Josiah |
| 2005 | Lords of Dogtown | Nudie |
| 2001–2005 | The Simpsons (TV Series) | Officer Krackney | Warden | Grant Conner (voice) |
| 2004 | Justice League Unlimited (TV Series) | General Hardcastle (voice) |
| 2004 | *The Manchurian Candidate* | General Sloan |
| 2004 | Dinocroc | Sheriff Harper |
| 2003 | Trash (TV Movie) | Man |
| 2003 | The Mummy (TV Series) | Jack O'Connell (voice) |
| 2002 | Son of the Beach (TV Series) | Charles Foster Brooks |
| 2002 | Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron | Roy (voice) |
| 2001 | Return to Castle Wolfenstein (Video Game) | Murphy (voice, uncredited) |
| 2001 | Extreme Honor | Commanding Officer #1 |
| 2001 | The Legend of Tarzan (TV Series) | Ian McTeague (voice) |
| 1997–2001 | Men in Black: The Series (TV Series) | Zed | Chief Zed (voice) |
| 2001 | The Practice (TV Series) | Judge Abraham Betts |
| 2001 | Diagnosis Murder (TV Series) | Johnny McNamara |
| 2001 | Forgive Me Father | Frank Ransom |
| 2000 | Never Look Back | Sheriff Dawkins |
| 2000 | Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV Series) | Wild Bill Cooley (voice) |
| 2000 | Down 'n Dirty | Capt. Jerry Teller |
| 2000 | The Thief & the Stripper | Face |
| 2000 | Roswell (TV Series) | Hal Carver |
| 2000 | Nutty Professor II: The Klumps | Four Star General |
| 2000 | God, the Devil and Bob (TV Series) | Rev. Nat Potterson (voice) |
| 2000 | Very Mean Men | Detective Bailey |
| 2000 | The Elvis and Jack Nicklaus Mysteries (TV Series) | Clayton Phillips (voice) |
| 1997–2000 | Superman: The Animated Series (TV Series) | General Hardcastle (voice) |
| 1999 | The Magician (TV Series) | (voice) |
| 1999 | Walker, Texas Ranger (TV Series) | Warden Kyle |
| 1999 | Pirates of the Plain | Grandpa |
| 1999 | The Big Tease | Sen. Warren Crockett |
| 1999 | Los gringos (Short) | The Gringo |
| 1999 | Cypress Edge | Detective O'Reilly |
| 1999 | Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me | Gen. Hawk |
| 1999 | The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries (TV Series) | Colonel Ambore (voice) |
| 1999 | The Hunter's Moon (Video) | J.T. Conover |
| 1999 | Lima: Breaking the Silence | Padre |
| 1998 | Centurion Force | Unknown |
| 1998 | Rugrats (TV Series) | Captain (voice) |
| 1997–1998 | Jumanji (TV Series) | Capt. Ishmael Squint | Capt. Ishmael Squnt |
| 1998 | Beloved | Angry Carny (uncredited) |
| 1998 | Hercules (TV Series) | (voice) |
| 1998 | Second Chances | Craig Hardy |
| 1998 | Armstrong | Robert Zorkin |
| 1998 | Party of Five (TV Series) | Video Guy |
| 1997 | No Small Ways | Redbug |
| 1997 | Macon County Jail | Sheriff Dempsey |
| 1997 | George & Leo (TV Series) | Dutch |
| 1997 | Steel | Col. David |
| 1997 | Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery | Commander Gilmour |
| 1996 | The River Bridge (Video) | Chuck |
| 1996 | Limp Fangs (Video) | Adam |
| 1996 | Billy Lone Bear (Video) | Unknown |
| 1996 | Expert Witness | Bonn |
| 1996 | Alien Species | Sheriff Nate Culver |
| 1996 | The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (TV Series) | Hinkle (voice) |
| 1996 | Riot | Agent Devaney |
| 1996 | Pacific Blue (TV Series) | Tyrone Justice |
| 1996 | The Cable Guy | Arresting Officer |
| 1996 | Original Gangstas | Mayor |
| 1996 | Spycraft: The Great Game (Video Game) | Frank Milkovsky |
| 1995 | Fatal Choice | Nolan Gobal |
| 1995 | Fatal Pursuit | Herbert |
| 1995 | Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) | Gen. Rex Denning |
| 1995 | Hudson Street (TV Series) | Max Lester | Lone Star Sheriff |
| 1995 | Max Is Missing (TV Movie) | Becker |
| 1995 | Hard Justice (Video) | Warden Pike |
| 1994–1995 | The Critic (TV Series) | Duke Phillips | Judge Garnett (voice) |
| 1995 | Jury Duty | Jed |
| 1995 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV Series) | Sailin' Whalen |
| 1986–1995 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Denver Martin | Hank Sutter |
| 1995 | 3 Ninjas: Knuckle Up | Jack |
| 1995 | Ripper Man | Harry |
| 1995 | Ballistic | Underwood |
| 1994 | Silent Fury | Unknown |
| 1994 | Felony | Detective Duke |
| 1994 | Savage Land | Cole |
| 1994 | Rebel Highway (TV Series) | Charlie, the Horse Connection |
| 1994 | Silk Degrees | Schultz |
| 1994 | To Die, to Sleep | Father |
| 1994 | Coach (TV Series) | Buzz Durkin |
| 1994 | Raw Justice | Mayor David Stiles |
| 1994 | Body Shot | Leon |
| 1993 | Philadelphia | Judge Garnett |
| 1993 | Renegade (TV Series) | Sgt. Douglas Raines | Col. Nelson Brackett |
| 1993 | Skeeter | Ernie Buckle |
| 1993 | Body Bags (TV Movie) | Baseball Team Manager (segment "Eye") |
| 1993 | *Loaded Weapon 1* | Interrogator |
| 1992 | Frogtown II | Captain Delano |
| 1992 | The Golden Palace (TV Series) | Mr. Smith #1 |
| 1992 | Eyes of the Beholder | Det. Wilson |
| 1992 | Mean Tricks | Brian Hornsby |
| 1992 | Center of the Web | Agent Williams |
| 1992 | Treacherous Crossing (TV Movie) | Captain |
| 1991 | Under Surveillance | Troy |
| 1991 | Killer Instinct | John Doogan |
| 1991 | Lonely Hearts | Robby Ross |
| 1991 | Soldier's Fortune | Col. Blair |
| 1991 | Indio 2 - La rivolta | IMC President |
| 1991 | L.A. Law (TV Series) | Detective John Foley |
| 1991 | The Last Match | American Consul |
| 1991 | *The Silence of the Lambs* | Lt. Boyle |
| 1990 | Dragonfight | Moochow |
| 1990 | Cop Target | John Granger |
| 1990 | After the Condor | Denis |
| 1990 | The Grifters | Gloucester Hebbing |
| 1990 | Maniac Cop 2 | Lew Brady |
| 1990 | Future Zone | Mickland |
| 1990 | Miami Blues | Sgt. Bill Henderson |
| 1990 | Ernest Goes to Jail | Warden |
| 1989 | Paradise (TV Series) | Sheriff Cochran |
| 1989 | One Man Force | Dante |
| 1989 | Alien from the Deep | Col. Kovacks |
| 1989 | War and Remembrance (TV Mini Series) | Lt. Gen. Walter Bedell Smith |
| 1989 | Hit List | Tom Mitchum |
| 1988 | Bush Shrink | Kingsley |
| 1988 | Married to the Mob | Angela's Hairdresser |
| 1988 | The Incredible Hulk Returns (TV Movie) | Mike Fouche |
| 1988 | Deep Space | Ian McLemore |
| 1987 | Kidnapped | Lt. O'Bryan |
| 1986–1987 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Wolf Lucas |
| 1986 | Something Wild | Irate Chef |
| 1986 | Body Count | Charlie, the Sheriff |
| 1986 | Instant Justice | Maj. Davis |
| 1986 | The Night Stalker | Sgt. J.J. Striker |
| 1986 | Blacke's Magic (TV Series) | Nick Rhodes |
| 1985 | Rambo: First Blood Part II | Murdock |
| 1985 | Street Hawk (TV Series) | John Slade |
| 1984 | The Cartier Affair (TV Movie) | Morgan Carroll |
| 1983–1984 | The A-Team (TV Series) | Army Col. Briggs | Burt Cross |
| 1984 | The Outlaws (TV Movie) | Captain Striker |
| 1984 | Whiz Kids (TV Series) | Douglas Blackthorne |
| 1984 | Night Court (TV Series) | Mitchell Bowers |
| 1984 | Swing Shift | Moon Willis |
| 1984 | In Search of a Golden Sky | T. J. Rivers |
| 1981–1983 | The Dukes of Hazzard (TV Series) | Pete | Digger |
| 1983 | China Lake (Short) | Donnelly |
| 1983 | Gun Shy (TV Series) | Carlton |
| 1982–1983 | Dallas (TV Series) | Carl Daggett |
| 1983 | Tales of the Gold Monkey (TV Series) | Tex Henderson |
| 1982 | CHiPs (TV Series) | Klane |
| 1982 | The Blue and the Gray (TV Mini Series) | Maj. Harrison |
| 1982 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Gibson |
| 1982 | Knight Rider (TV Series) | Carney (uncredited) |
| 1982 | Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (TV Series) | Marshal |
| 1982 | Wacko | Chief O'Hara |
| 1979–1982 | The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) | Hulk | Bert | John Blake |
| 1982 | Strike Force (TV Series) | Torrence |
| 1981 | Private Benjamin (TV Series) | Trustmore |
| 1981 | Ramblin'Man (TV Series) | Red Asher |
| 1981 | Walking Tall (TV Series) | Vernon Larkin |
| 1979–1981 | B.J. and the Bear (TV Series) | Hammer |
| 1980 | Gridlock (TV Movie) | Sonny |
| 1980 | Melvin and Howard | Ventura |
| 1980 | The Blues Brothers | Tucker McElroy |
| 1979 | Last Embrace | Dave Quittle |
| 1978 | Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus (TV Movie) | Big Bob Johnson |
| 1975–1978 | Starsky and Hutch (TV Series) | Sheriff Joe Tyce | John Brown Harris |
| 1977–1978 | The Oregon Trail (TV Series) | Luther Sprague |
| 1977 | Thunder and Lightning | Jim Bob |
| 1977 | Ransom for Alice! (TV Movie) | Pete Phelan |
| 1977 | Citizens Band | Chrome Angel |
| 1975–1977 | The Rockford Files (TV Series) | Mitch Donner | Sheriff Billy Webster |
| 1976 | Alien Attack (TV Movie) | Shuttle Captain (uncredited) |
| 1976 | Delvecchio (TV Series) | Alt |
| 1976 | Black Sheep Squadron (TV Series) | Maj. Red Buell |
| 1975 | The Rookies (TV Series) | Phil |
| 1975 | Baretta (TV Series) | Whitey |
| 1975 | The Streets of San Francisco (TV Series) | Norderman |
| 1975 | Kojak (TV Series) | Marty Vaughan |
| 1975 | Supervixens | Harry Sledge |
| 1972 | Mod Squad (TV Series) | Broker (uncredited) |
| 1968–1972 | Mission: Impossible (TV Series) | Roland | Thug | First Guard |
| 1971 | Love and Kisses | Unknown |
| 1971 | Tou tiao hao han | Soul Picker (English version, voice, uncredited) |
| 1971 | The Seven Minutes | Officer Iverson |
| 1970 | Moonfire | Robert W. Morgan |
| 1970 | Beyond the Valley of the Dolls | Baxter Wolfe |
| 1969 | Cherry, Harry & Raquel! | Harry |
| 1969 | The Hanging of Jake Ellis | Jake Ellis |
| 1969 | Star Trek (TV Series) | Adam |
| 1969 | The House Near the Prado | Unknown |
| 1969 | Hogan's Heroes (TV Series) | Partisan Messenger (uncredited) |
| 1968 | Mannix (TV Series) | Police Officer (uncredited) |
| 1968 | We, a Family | The Chauffeur |