Screen tough-guy Charles Napier dies at 75

by Cassam Looch

Hollywood character actor Charles Napier has died at the age of 75. The actor who appeared in 'Rambo: First Blood II', 'The Blues Brothers' and 'Silence of the Lambs' was famous for his distinctive square jaw and tough exterior.

Napier died on Wednesday at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital following a series of health problems in recent years. He is said to have collapsed at his home earlier in the week and was admitted to hospital where he was placed on life-support in the intensive care unit. The cause of death has not been given at this time.

In a career spanning over 40 years, Napier made a memorable appearance in the original 'Star Trek' series and continued working up until this year with a voice role on the popular animated series 'Archer'.

Born in the small town of Mt. Union, Kentucky in 1936, Napier excelled at high school basketball and then joined the army in 1954. He would later move to California, where he landed a part in 'Mission Impossible' in 1967.

He continued to work in TV throughout his life, but also made a string of successful film appearances. He was a regular star of shockmeister Russ Meyer's most popular films including 'Supervixens' and 'Cherry, Harry and Raquel'.

The actor fully acknowledged his distinctive appeal, with his autobiography coming out this year. It was charmingly titled: 'Square Jaw and Big Heart, The Life and Times of a Hollywood Actor'

He is survived by his two sons and a daughter.