Remembering Mel Novak: A Life of Cinematic Villainy and Humanitarianism
Mel Novak, acclaimed for his captivating portrayals of villains in classic films, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for his standout performances as the sniper Stick in Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, the gangster Blue Eyes in Jim Kelly’s Black Belt Jones, and the informant Tony Montoya in Chuck Norris’ Eye for an Eye, Novak’s legacy in the film industry is irreplaceable.
Novak died of natural causes on Wednesday at a hospice facility in Granada Hills, as confirmed by his daughter Nikol Conant to The Hollywood Reporter.
Cinematic Career Highlights
Over a spanning career that lasted seven decades, Novak was not only a talented actor but also performed many of his own stunts. A notable example is in the 1975 film The Ultimate Warrior, where he experienced a particularly memorable death scene. “They covered me with peanut butter and sunflower seeds and then put 40 live rats on me,” he recounted in a 2018 interview. He humorously noted, “I had to hold my breath for a minute and a half as I was supposed to be dead. I could have used a stunt double at that point.” This level of dedication to his craft earned him respect from peers, including Yul Brynner, who praised him enthusiastically on set.
Remarkably, Novak claimed to have faced death onscreen over 25 times throughout his career, a testament to his dynamic presence in action and thriller films.
Defining Roles and Collaborations
In arguably his most iconic role, Novak played the sharpshooter Stick in Game of Death, which began production in 1972 yet was not released until 1978, five years posthumously for Lee. This film showcased Novak’s unique ability to embody ruthless characters effectively, while his collaborations with director Robert Clouse on four films cemented his status in martial arts cinema.
From his early days, Novak transitioned from sports to acting, having turned down numerous scholarships to play college football in favor of signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates—a career cut short by a rotator cuff injury. He ventured into acting with roles in various productions, including a Nazi in Which Way to the Front? (1970) and a hitman in a Mannix episode.
Throughout the 1970s, his career flourished with roles in Truck Turner (1974) and other notable films such as Cat in the Cage (1978) and A Force of One (1979), where he first collaborated with Chuck Norris. His versatility shone through as he played various characters—most notably as an assassin in Force: Five (1981) and a bodyguard in Tom Horn (1980) opposite Steve McQueen.
Legacy and Personal Life
Novak’s filmography continued well into the 21st century, appearing in projects such as Vampire Assassin (2005) and Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance (2015), where he brought back his signature matchstick prop in a fun homage to his earlier character. His memoir, titled Cross Heirs, is set for release in December, promising deeper insights into his life and career.
In addition to his film career, Novak was an ordained minister dedicated to helping others, which included working on Skid Row and assisting inmates at the Los Angeles County Jail for over 30 years. As he himself stated, “My acting career has enhanced my prison ministry… I am typecast as a villain in many films. This gives me identity with those behind bars.” This unique perspective allowed him to connect with those in need of guidance and support.
Survived by his daughter Lea and grandchildren Ali and Ryan, Novak’s legacy is tinged with personal loss, as his grandson Eli succumbed to cancer in 2024.
The film industry will remember Mel Novak not just as a quintessential villain but as a compassionate human being who used his platform for greater good.