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Charles Napier (1936-2011)

By Webmaster on October 6, 2011 / 1 min read

Charles Napier, the actor who appeared as Murdock, the intelligence officer commanding Rambo in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) died October 5, 2011.

Napier was a teacher before moving to Hollywood to become an actor. He made his film debut in Russ Meyer’s Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1970). Napier went on to play roles in several Meyer movies, including the homicidal Harry Sledge in Supervixens (1975).

Napier was a regular in Jonathan Demme-directed movies, including The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia. Some of Napier’s memorable roles include Murdock, the intelligence officer commanding Rambo in Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Tucker McElroy, lead singer and driver of the Winnebago for ‘The Good Ol’ Boys’ in The Blues Brothers (1980).

He appeared in two episodes of the 1980s hit TV series The A-Team once as Col. Briggs. He also co-starred in some episodes of The Rockford Files and played Hammer, Greg Evigan’s character’s arch-nemesis, in the short-lived series B. J. and the Bear in the 1970s.

He is well known among Star Trek fans for appearing on both Star Trek: The Original Series episode ‘The Way to Eden’ as musically inclined space hippie Adam, and the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode ‘Little Green Men’ as General Denning. He also appeared in the pilot episode of Knight Rider in 1982.

From 1997 through 2001, he provided the voice for Zed on Men in Black: The Series. He has also provided several guest voices for episodes of The Simpsons. He had a small role during the sixth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2008 as a barber who assaults and drives Larry David from his shop after David offends him.

Napier was 75 years old. He is survived by his three children. Please feel free to leave comments below.

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  • CraigFebruary 9, 2022

    He was also in an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard.

  • tableauJanuary 29, 2012

    nice post! i cant share this link : https://sylvesterstallone.com/charles-napier-1936-2011 am i doing it wrong ?

  • Wedding DiscoDecember 25, 2011

    It's sad. His screen presence was terrific.

  • Wedding DJNovember 13, 2011

    Eating corn on the cob with no .........!!

  • Luis Claudio CoelhoNovember 7, 2011

    Grande vilão de Rambo II!!! God bless you.

  • SalvatoreNovember 7, 2011

    Murdock... I.m coming to get you!!! bye Charles see you!!!

  • Ricky LiversNovember 4, 2011

    Rest in Peace Charles. You are immortalized on the silver screen. You will be truly missed and I'll see you soon, like in 10 Minutes when I pop in First Blood Part 2. Murdock, I coming for YOU!

  • Georgios PatsosOctober 27, 2011

    "give me somethig cold to drink!" Rest in peace, Murdoch. We will always remember you for this great role. Rest in peace, Charles.

  • adetokunboh x .aladejare mrOctober 26, 2011

    bye murdock(napier).your great work extended to us here in africa.many here can never forget you.the memory of you will always linger.may your gentle soul rest in peace,and may all that you left behind be sustained lovingly by God in Jesus name

  • danOctober 26, 2011

    "Your a damn good man Troutman. A damn good man...."

  • daveOctober 16, 2011

    MURDOCH I'M COMING T GET YOU! I don't quite thinks so now rambo do you lol

  • JonathanOctober 15, 2011

    I'm sad to hear of his passing. I remember seeing an interview with him where he stated that his desire was to land that one big role in acting.I hope that he finally realized that even if he didn't meet his personal desires as an actor, he was known by everyone because of the way he made a small part or character, important and memorable and you knew it was going to be good! He will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  • FeynmanOctober 12, 2011

    R.I.P Charles.Be happy.

  • MichaelOctober 12, 2011

    RIP Charles! You will be missed!

  • ChrisOctober 12, 2011

    Good bye and thanks so much, Master! (From Buenos Aires)

  • Theo BravoOctober 11, 2011

    Goodbye Murdock.

  • Bradane MurielOctober 9, 2011

    Good bye and thank you! Muriel. France

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