Mel Novak dead: Bruce Lee's co-star on Game of Death dies as his daughter shares cause of death

Hollywood legend Mel Novak has died, his daughter, Nikol Conant, has confirmed. Mel died at the age of 90 on Wednesday morning in a Southern California. The revered actor, who had a career that spanned several decades in Hollywood, was known for performing all his own stunts and fight scenes, leading to numerous injuries over the years.

He died in a care facility due to natural causes, according to TMZ. As a result of the physical toll from his on-screen exploits, he experienced daily pain, particularly in recent years, Nikol told the news outlet.

His most memorable role was as the sharpshooting sniper Stick, nicknamed for the matchstick he constantly had in his mouth, in the iconic 1978 Bruce Lee film Game of Death.

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Mel was often cast as the quintessential villain in many of his films throughout his career. In a 2019 interview, he shared how he broke into acting, reports .

"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," Mel revealed at the time.

"I worked as a model for several years, doing runway shows and magazine ads while still working as an adjuster," he added.

Mel also noted: "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."

He had initially signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball before a shoulder injury. The resultant surgery left him 'crippled' for seven years he said, which put an end to his sports hopes at the age of 19.

Mel Novak's fans took to /X to express their condolences. "Farewell to Mel Novak, the star who battled alongside Bruce Lee. At 90, he transitions from the screen to the stars," one user shared on the social media platform.

"His legacy? Always fight for your dreams, even if they include a few nunchucks. #MelNovak #GameOfDeath," the fan further posted.

Another user wrote: "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 added: "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 leaves behind his daughters, Nikol and Lea, his former wife Vera Novak, and grandchildren.

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