Anecdotes

As an ordained minister he performed funerals and memorial services for numerous celebrities such as Tim Burton's father and Chuck Connors's son Jeffrey.

Was an ordained minister and ministered to Skid Row residents and prison inmates.

Was a professional baseball player with The Pittsburgh Pirates in his youth, but his career was cut short by a massive rotator cuff injury.

Almost died in 1998 from peritonitis caused by an anti-inflammatory prescription medication.

Recipient of numerous entertainment,civic and humanitarian awards: The Golden Halo Award presented by The Southern California Motion Pictures Council, The Spirit Award presented by the Multicultural Motion Pictures Association, The Golden Mask award presented by The Hollywood Appreciation Society.

Has appeared with Chuck Norris in two films: A Force Of One (1979) and An Eye for An Eye (1981).

Inducted into The Martial Arts Master of Fame in 2015.

Best known by the public for his co-starring role as Stick in Bruce Lee's Le Jeu de la mort (1978).

Appeared in four films directed by Robert Clouse: La Ceinture noire (1974), New York ne répond plus (1975), Le Jeu de la mort (1978) and Force 5 (1981).

He was originally offered the role of Nicky LaBelle in an Eye for an Eye, which he turned down. The role eventually went to Stuart Pankin. He was then offered the more significant and memorable role of Tony Montoya in the film.

Was up for the role of Mikhail Rostov in the Chuck Norris action film Invasion U.S.A.

In July 2002 and 2015 he was a guest at Dragonfest in Burbank, California, along with Bai Ling, Michael Jai White, Martin Kove, Cynthia Rothrock, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Sasha Mitchell, Al Leong, Don The Dragon Wilson and Fred Williamson.

Has appeared in two films directed by Garry Marshall: Exit to Eden (1994) and Dear God (1996).

Was offered the lead role of Tim Ochopee in the cult classic Stanley (1972), but turned it down.

Was up for the role of Paul McAnn in the Charles Bronson cult classic 10 to Midnight (1983).

Appeared in two films with William Forsythe: Direct Hit (1994) and Check Point (2017).

Appeared in two 1978 releases with Colleen Camp: Game of Death and Cat in the Cage.

Frequently cast by filmmaker Dustin Ferguson.

Novak was usually cast as the classic villain in most of his films and he has dozens of credits under his belt.

The iconic actor whose career spanned decades in Hollywood suffered numerous injures during his time in the biz ... 'cause he was known for doing all of his own stunts and fighting scenes. But, he was in pain daily -- especially the past few years -- from the beatings he took in front of the camera.

Has two daughters, Nikol Conant and Lea.

Survived by his two daughters, Nikol and Lea, two grandchildren, Ali and Ryan, his grandson, Eli died 2024.