Entertainment industry mourns the passing of iconic action star (90)
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The entertainment world has bid farewell to another remarkable talent in the industry.
Mel Novak, an actor who co-starred with action star Bruce Lee in Game Of Death, has passed away at 90 years old.
Novak's passing marked the end of a storied career that heavily influenced martial arts and action movies over the years.
Mel Novak's daughter, Nikol Conant, confirmed his passing.
Novak passed away at a board and care facility in Southern California.
She shared that Mel Novak endured physical pain daily as he bore the scars of injuries he sustained during his Hollywood career.
Later on, his family revealed that the cause of death was natural causes.
Born Milan Mrdjenovich to Serbian parents in Pennsylvania, Mel Novak previously aspired to a professional baseball career.
After signing a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a severe shoulder injury at 19 dashed his sports aspirations.
After spending seven years recovering, he redirected his ambitions towards acting,
This decision led him to Hollywood and into the hearts of action movie fans worldwide.
Mel Novak's journey in the film industry was as dynamic as the characters he portrayed.
He was famed for his dedication to his craft, performing all of his stunts in a series of martial arts movies that showcased his physical prowess.
His filmography included memorable roles in the blaxploitation film Black Belt Jones.
He also co-starred alongside Chuck Norris in classic films A Force Of One and An Eye For An Eye.
Game Of Death (1978) was one of Novak's most enduring works.
The film was a posthumous release for Bruce Lee as it combined new footage with scenes shot before Lee's untimely death in 1973.
Novak's portrayal of the villainous hitman Stick remains a highlight of his career.
Despite never meeting Bruce Lee, Mel Novak's work in Game Of Death solidified his place in martial arts cinema.
He often recounted his experiences working with other Hollywood legends, including Steve McQueen and Chuck Norris.
Beyond the silver screen, Novak was an ordained minister who dedicated his time to serving communities in Skid Row and prisons worldwide.
His faith played a significant role in his life, as it guided his choices on and off-set.
Watch Mel Novak's interview with Dr Angela Williamson here:
Source: KLCS TV/YouTube
He was selective about the roles he accepted, ensuring they aligned with his moral compass.
Novak would often refuse to play characters that compromised his values.
Novak also worked with comedy director Garry Marshall in the 1990s.
He appeared in films like Exit To Eden and Dear God.
His passion for acting never waned, and he continued to work on projects, including an upcoming film, Fight Or Die.
Mel Novak's legacy was one of resilience, talent, and commitment to his beliefs.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his community will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with his family and all who cherished his work.
May he rest in peace.
Mel Novak, an actor who co-starred with action star Bruce Lee in Game Of Death, has passed away at 90 years old.
Novak's passing marked the end of a storied career that heavily influenced martial arts and action movies over the years.
Mel Novak's daughter, Nikol Conant, confirmed his passing.
Novak passed away at a board and care facility in Southern California.
She shared that Mel Novak endured physical pain daily as he bore the scars of injuries he sustained during his Hollywood career.
Later on, his family revealed that the cause of death was natural causes.
Mel Novak worked as an actor for over six decades. Image Credit: Legacy
Born Milan Mrdjenovich to Serbian parents in Pennsylvania, Mel Novak previously aspired to a professional baseball career.
After signing a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a severe shoulder injury at 19 dashed his sports aspirations.
After spending seven years recovering, he redirected his ambitions towards acting,
This decision led him to Hollywood and into the hearts of action movie fans worldwide.
Mel Novak's journey in the film industry was as dynamic as the characters he portrayed.
He was famed for his dedication to his craft, performing all of his stunts in a series of martial arts movies that showcased his physical prowess.
His filmography included memorable roles in the blaxploitation film Black Belt Jones.
He also co-starred alongside Chuck Norris in classic films A Force Of One and An Eye For An Eye.
Game Of Death (1978) was one of Novak's most enduring works.
The film was a posthumous release for Bruce Lee as it combined new footage with scenes shot before Lee's untimely death in 1973.
Novak's portrayal of the villainous hitman Stick remains a highlight of his career.
Despite never meeting Bruce Lee, Mel Novak's work in Game Of Death solidified his place in martial arts cinema.
He often recounted his experiences working with other Hollywood legends, including Steve McQueen and Chuck Norris.
Beyond the silver screen, Novak was an ordained minister who dedicated his time to serving communities in Skid Row and prisons worldwide.
His faith played a significant role in his life, as it guided his choices on and off-set.
Watch Mel Novak's interview with Dr Angela Williamson here:
Source: KLCS TV/YouTube
He was selective about the roles he accepted, ensuring they aligned with his moral compass.
Novak would often refuse to play characters that compromised his values.
Novak also worked with comedy director Garry Marshall in the 1990s.
He appeared in films like Exit To Eden and Dear God.
His passion for acting never waned, and he continued to work on projects, including an upcoming film, Fight Or Die.
Mel Novak's legacy was one of resilience, talent, and commitment to his beliefs.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his community will not be forgotten.
May he rest in peace.
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Condolences to his loved ones.
