Hollywood actor Mel Novak, who is best known for his role in the Bruce Lee film Game of Death, has died at the age of 90, his daughter confirmed with a statement
Screen icon Mel Novak has passed away at the grand age of 90, his daughter Nikol Conant confirmed. The actor, whose Hollywood career spanned decades, was famed for doing all his own stunts and fight scenes, which led to numerous injuries throughout his life.
Mel took his last breath on Wednesday morning in a Southern California care facility from natural causes, TMZ reports. His daughter disclosed that due to the physical demands of his action-packed roles, he suffered daily pain, especially in his later years. This follows another big death in Hollywood, after Xena and Hercules star Robert Trebor passed away last week.
His most iconic role was as the deadly sniper Stick in the legendary 1978 Bruce Lee movie Game of Death, where he was known for the matchstick perpetually placed in his mouth.
Throughout his acting journey, Mel was often seen portraying the ultimate bad guy. In a 2019 chat with Mirror US, he recounted his break into the industry.
“In LA, I landed a job with an insurance company as a bodily injury claims adjuster. It was there that I met a woman who arranged a meeting between me and her cousin, a modelling agent,” he reminisced, reports the Mirror.
He juggled modelling for runway shows and magazine ads while maintaining his day job as an adjuster, he said.
Mel also shared: “The modelling agent noticed how expressive I was during photo shoots and encouraged me to try acting. Not long after, I enrolled in acting school. I was bitten by the bug.”
Initially, he had signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball, but a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery left him injured for seven years, ending his sports aspirations at 19.
Fans of Mel Novak took to social media to share their condolences. “Farewell to Mel Novak, the star who battled alongside Bruce Lee. At 90, he transitions from the screen to the stars,” one fan posted on Twitter/X.
“His legacy? Always fight for your dreams, even if they include a few nunchucks. #MelNovak #GameOfDeath,” the same fan added.
Another user penned: “RIP to Actor, Mel Novak (Match-Stick) the Teaser Trailer version of “The Match-Stick Flame. ” condolences to his family and friends. I enjoyed hearing his experience working on Bruce Lee’s last film “Game of Death” and working with other legends, Steve McQueen and Chuck Norris.”
A third chimed in: “I edited a video for Mel Novak a few years ago. He was a really nice guy. Rest in peace..”
The Black Belt Jones actor is survived by his daughters, Nikol and Lea, his ex-wife Vera Novak, and his grandchildren.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
