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The death of film and television star Charles Napier was announced today, of natural causes. He was a regular, and made his name in cult movie circles, in the work of Russ Meyer, with his big screen debut in Cherry, Harry and Raquel, followed by roles in the likes of Meyer's Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Supervixens. Although typecast to an extent as tough guys, often military men or villains or both, his appearance as a space hippy in an infamous Star Trek episode was one of his most memorable.
However, for much of his career both on TV and film he played the hardman in the likes of Jonathan Demme's work, starting with Handle with Care and including Melvin and Howard and The Silence of the Lambs, and also in movies such as The Blues Brothers (the leader of The Good Old Boys), Rambo: First Blood Part II (the American baddie), The Grifters, Miami Blues, Austin Powers, The Lords of Dogtown and a host of guest appearances on many famous shows. He also lent his voice to animation favourite The Critic. Unmistakable in features and delivery, Napier was a valuable addition to American entertainment for decades. |
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