Shelly Novack

Scholastic football Novack was an all-league and special mention Junior College All-American at Santa Monica City College (class of 1963), and first-team All-American at Long Beach State in 1964 and 1965. Professional football In November 1965, Novack was drafted as a wide receiver by the American Football League (AFL) San Diego Chargers. He was the 135th pick in the 1966 AFL draft, but never played in a regular season game. After two seasons in San Diego, Novack met Universal Studios acting coach Vincent Chase while playing in a touch football league during the offseason. Chase invited Novack to a meeting at the studios, which led to Novack embarking on an acting career. ==Acting career==

In 1968, Novack made his screen debut in the Hallmark Hall of Fame television film A Punt, a Pass, and a Prayer. He went on to appear in guest roles on television shows such as Ironside, Police Story, The Streets of San Francisco, Quincy, M.E., The Virginian and The Love Boat. Novack was a regular on the Quinn Martin-produced TV shows The F.B.I. (1973–74) and Most Wanted. In addition to television, he performed in a few theatrical film releases, including Johnny Finney in 1969's Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here; and Rolling, the cockpit mechanic who assists in moving the stranded jet, in 1970's Airport. In 1977, Novack won the very first Toyota Grand Prix pro-celebrity race. ==Death==

On May 27, 1978, Novack died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California at age 34. He is interred in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. ==Screen appearances==