About Frank Napier
Lived 1935 – 2002 (aged 67). Frank Napier was an American educator and superintendent (education), known for Lean on Me (film).
Frank Napier Jr. (August 8, 1935 was an American educator who served as superintendent of the Paterson School District in Paterson, New Jersey. In the 1980s, he received national recognition as superintendent through Joe Louis Clark, the notable and controversial former principal of Eastside High School. It was Napier who asked Clark to be the principal of Eastside High. Napier was portrayed by Robert Guillaume in the 1989 film, Lean on Me.
Biography Napier graduated from Paterson Central High School (since renamed as John F. Kennedy High School) in 1953.
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Important facts
People in Frank Napier's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Frank Napier?
American school superintendent (1935–2002)
When was Frank Napier born?
Frank Napier was born on 8 August 1935.
When did Frank Napier die?
Frank Napier died on 28 October 2002.
What was Frank Napier's occupation?
Frank Napier was an educator and superintendent (education).
What was Frank Napier known for?
Frank Napier was known for Lean on Me (film).
What nationality was Frank Napier?
Frank Napier was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frank Napier. https://biography.guide/frank-napier/
MLA: "Frank Napier." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frank-napier/.
Chicago: "Frank Napier." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frank-napier/.
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