Fans of ‘70s action cinema will have seen Mel Novak take on Bruce Lee in Game of Death, face off with Chuck Norris in A Force of One, and bring chaos to cult classics like Black Belt Jones. On Wednesday, April 9, the quintessential screen villain died — he was 90.
The actor’s daughter, Nikol Conant, confirmed the news to TMZ, sharing that Novak passed away at a board and care facility in Southern California of natural causes. According to Conant, her dad had been in daily pain for years due to injuries from his stunt-heavy roles, many of which involved doing his own fight scenes.
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It didn’t take long for the internet to react after word of Novak’s death got out.
Rest in peace Mel Novak—the nicest “bad guy” I’ve ever known. Generous with a heart of gold.
pic.twitter.com/svx6U8dBTQ
— Craig Heimbichner (@CraigHeimbichn1) April 10, 2025
“Another bright star fades from the Hollywood sky, you will be missed,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Oh no not Mel,” another said.
“Living for 90 years is impressive. RIP,” someone else added.
It wasn’t just fans paying tribute — actress Lee Benton shared a few words, too.
“One of my dearest friends who was like a brother MEL NOVAK passed away this morning,” the 72-year-old former model’s post read. “He was so proud of his daughters, grandchildren & grand-dogs.”
Benton also reflected on his decades of faith-based outreach, calling him a “bold warrior for Christ” who spent weekends preaching on Skid Row and in prisons around the world. “Fly high now with JESUS my brother… your work on earth is done,” she wrote.
Novak kept working into his later years, starring in films like Apex Predators, Ebola Rex, and Mega Ape.
In addition to Conant, Mel is survived by daughter, Lea Novak.
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