Highest rated as cast or director
The Critic
1994 · 2 Seasons
The Incredible Hulk
1977 · 5 Seasons
Miami Blues
1990
Men in Black: The Series
1997 · 4 Seasons
Last Embrace
1979
Biography
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
Acted in 179
2000s
- 2009
Shadowheart
Sheriff Sanders
Life Blood
Sherrif Tillman
- 2008
One-Eyed Monster
Mohtz
Your Name Here
Chuck
- 2007
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field Trips, Permission Slips, Signs, and Weasels
Seargent Guard
- 2006
- 2005
The Kid & I
Eyepatch-wearing Two Spies boss
Suits on the Loose
General Wilkins
Fielder's Choice
Taco Bob
- 2004
Dinocroc
Sheriff Harper
- 2003
- 2002
The Thief & the Stripper
Face
- 2001
Extreme Honor
Commanding Officer #1
- 2000
Very Mean Men
Detective Bailey
Never Look Back
Sheriff Dawkins
God, the Devil and Bob
Rev. Nat Potterson (voice) · 4 episodes
1990s
- 1999
The Big Tease
Sen. Warren Crockett
Pirates of the Plain
Grandpa
Cypress Edge
Detective O'Reilly
- 1998
Second Chances
Craig Hardy
Centurion Force
Dunlap
- 1997
Macon County Jail
Sheriff Dempsey
- 1996
Riot
Agent Devaney
Limp Fangs: The Adventures of Count Malt Liquela
Adam
Original Gangstas
Mayor
Felony
Duke
Expert Witness
Movie
Billy Lone Bear
Movie
- 1995
Max Is Missing
Becker
Ballistic
Underwood
Fatal Pursuit
Herbert
Ripper Man
Harry
Twisted Fate
Nolan Gobal
- 1994
Savage Land
Cole
Jailbreakers
Charlie, the Horse Connection
Silk Degrees
Schultz
To Die, to Sleep
Father
Body Shot
Leon
Silent Fury
Movie
- 1993
Skeeter
Ernie Buckle
- 1992
Killer Instinct
John Doogan
Frogtown II
Capt. Delano
Mean Tricks
Brian Hornsby
Center of the Web
Agent Williams
Treacherous Crossing
Movie
Eyes of the Beholder
Det. Wilson
- 1991
Lonely Hearts
Robby Ross
Soldier's Fortune
Col. Blair
After the Condor
Movie
Under Surveillance
Troy
- 1990
Cop Target
John Granger
Dragonfight
Moochow
Ernest Goes to Jail
Warden
The Last Match
American Consul
1980s
- 1989
One Man Force
Dante
Hit List
Tom Mitchum
- 1988
Kidnapped
Lt. O'Bryan
Deep Space
Det. Ian McLemore
Bush Shrink
Kingsley
- 1986
Outlaws
Wolf Lucas · 12 episodes
Instant Justice
Maj. Davis
The Night Stalker
Sgt. J.J. Striker
Blacke's Magic
Jack Rhodes · 1 episode
- 1985
- 1984
The Outlaws
Captain Striker
Swing Shift
Moon Willis
- 1983
China Lake
Donnelly
Gun Shy
Carlton · 1 episode
- 1982
The Blue and the Gray
Major Harrison · 3 episodes
Wacko
Chief O'Hara
- 1981
- 1980
Gridlock
Sonny
Melvin and Howard
Ventura
1970s
- 1979
- 1978
- 1977
The Oregon Trail
Luther Sprague · 13 episodes
Thunder and Lightning
Jim Bob
Ransom for Alice!
Pete Phelan
Citizens Band
Chrome Angel
- 1976
The Flying Misfits
Maj. Red Buell
- 1975
- 1974
- 1973
- 1972
- 1971
The Seven Minutes
Officer Iverson
- 1970
1960s
- 1969
Cherry, Harry & Raquel!
Harry
The House Near the Prado
Movie
- 1968
- 1967
- 1966
- 1965
Produced 2
Appearances2
2000s
- 2002
We Get to Win This Time
Self
1990s
- 1997
Hollywood Rated 'R'
Self