Hollywood actor Mel Novak, 90, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday at a Southern California board and care facility.
Novak was best known for his starring role in Bruce Lee’s 1978 classic “Game of Death” and is being remembered as a talented star who famously performed his own stunts and fighting sequences. His daughter Nikol Conant confirmed his death from natural causes Thursday to TMZ. The actor, frequently cast in villainous roles, amassed dozens of credits over a career that spanned six decades.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 02: Actor Mel Novak is seen on April 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by GP/Star Max/GC Images)
The actor’s devotion to performing his own stunts and dangerous scene took a toll on his body. He suffered numerous injuries over the course of his career and battled daily pain in the last years of his life, his daughter said.
Novak appeared in a number of B-movies such as “Black Belt Jones,” “GiAnts” and “Arachnado.”
He also had roles in the Chuck Norris films “A Force of One” and “An Eye for an Eye.”
The actor’s obituary appears online courtesy of Legacy and includes details of his life beyond film and tender memories.
“Off-screen, he was an ordained minister who often reached out to those on the fringes of society,” his obituary read.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 09: Actor Mel Novak arrives for the Premiere Of CineRidge Entertainment’s “Samurai Cop 2” held at Laemmle NoHo 7 on October 9, 2015 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Fans have taken to social media to pay their final respects to the star. (RELATED: Medical Examiner Confirms Cause Of Death Of Friend Who Died In Comedian’s Home)
Novak is survived by Nikol and Lea, his daughters, his ex-wife Vera Novak and his grandchildren.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
