Charles Napier

Charles Whitcomb Napier

Character Actor, Square-Jawed Tough Guy, Cult Film Star

Born Apr 12, 1936

Mt. Union, United States

Passed Away Oct 05, 2011 Bakersfield, United States

Lifespan 75 years old

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Notice / Correction

"You don't need a leading role to leave an unforgettable impression on the audience."

Archival Overview

Prolific, square-jawed American character actor with an unmistakable booming voice, famous for memorable roles in The Blues Brothers, Rambo: First Blood Part II, and The Silence of the Lambs.

Biographical Record

Charles Whitcomb Napier served in the 82nd Airborne Division before graduating from Western Kentucky University. He broke into films working with cult director Russ Meyer in works like 'Supervixens' (1975) before becoming one of Hollywood's most reliable tough-guy character actors.

Napier delivered iconic supporting performances as Tucker McElroy, lead singer of the Good Ol' Boys in 'The Blues Brothers' (1980), the duplicitous bureaucrat Murdock in 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' (1985), and the ill-fated Lieutenant Boyle in Jonathan Demme's Oscar-winning 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991).

Key Life Milestones

1980

Tucker McElroy in The Blues Brothers

Stole scenes as the country music bandleader chasing John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

1991

The Silence of the Lambs

Featured in Jonathan Demme's historic Best Picture winner as courthouse guard Lieutenant Boyle.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Bakersfield National Cemetery
Arvin, United States

                         GPS: 35.1953, -118.8475                    

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