Mel Novak, the iconic actor best known for his role in Game of Death alongside Bruce Lee, has passed away at the age of 90.
A seasoned veteran of martial arts films, Novak left a mark on Hollywood with his intense performances and commitment to performing his own stunts.
His career spanned decades, with notable roles in films such as the blaxploitation classic Black Belt Jones and action-packed Chuck Norris movies A Force of One and An Eye For An Eye.
The Final Goodbye
On Wednesday, Novak’s daughter, Nikol Conant, confirmed his death to TMZ.
She shared that her father passed away of natural causes at a care facility in Southern California, where he had been receiving care.
In her statement, Nikol revealed that Novak had endured physical pain in his later years due to injuries from his years of action-packed roles in Hollywood.
Remembering an Iconic Role
Novak’s role as the villainous hitman “Stick” in Game of Death remains his most famous performance.
Released in 1978, the film combined Bruce Lee’s existing footage with new material after Lee’s sudden death in 1973.
Novak’s portrayal of Stick, a character who always twiddled a matchstick between his teeth, became one of the standout moments in martial arts cinema history.
A Star Is Born from Adversity
Born Milan Mrdjenovich in small-town Pennsylvania to Serbian parents, Novak’s early dreams of becoming a professional baseball player were shattered after a shoulder injury derailed his career.
Despite this setback, Novak found a new passion in fitness, which led him to move to Los Angeles.
After a brief stint in modeling, Novak’s agent encouraged him to try acting, and it wasn’t long before he landed roles in popular TV shows and films.
Early Breaks and Famous Collaborations
His early breakthrough came when he appeared on the detective show Mannix, and soon after, he starred in the 1974 action film Black Belt Jones.
Directed by Robert Clouse, the movie was a hit in the blaxploitation genre, and Clouse brought Novak back for another major project, The Ultimate Warrior, where Novak fought against Yul Brynner.
This collaboration led to Novak’s pivotal role in Game of Death, which was released after Bruce Lee’s tragic death.
Working With Hollywood’s Finest
While Novak never had the chance to meet Bruce Lee, he did work alongside several Hollywood legends during his career.
He fondly recalled his time working with Steve McQueen on the 1980 western Tom Horn, praising McQueen’s down-to-earth attitude and magic on screen.
However, Novak had a more complicated relationship with Chuck Norris, who he worked with on two films in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Despite their professional collaborations, Novak later expressed his dissatisfaction with Norris, stating, “I am not a Chuck Norris fan.”
A Life Beyond Acting
Alongside his successful acting career, Novak was also an ordained minister.
He often used his platform for good, performing services such as the funeral for Tim Burton’s father and volunteering extensively on Skid Row and in prisons, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Novak credited his religious beliefs for helping him overcome the temptation of drugs following his career-ending injury, and he was known for only accepting roles that aligned with his moral compass.
A Shift to Comedy
In the 1990s, Novak shifted gears, working with acclaimed director Garry Marshall on comedies like Exit to Eden and Dear God.
Despite his history in action films, Novak proved his versatility in these comedic roles, alongside stars like Dan Aykroyd, Rosie O’Donnell, Greg Kinnear, and Laurie Metcalf.
Continued Work in His Final Years
Even in his later years, Novak remained active in the industry, with several projects still awaiting release, including the upcoming film Fight or Die.
His dedication to his craft and his enduring presence in Hollywood is a testament to the impact he made throughout his life.
Mel Novak may be gone, but his legacy in the world of action films and beyond will continue to inspire future generations.