![Baack in the day, Melvin Van Peebles fought for recognition from Hollywood. Now his son, Mario, has made a sweet tribute to his father. Baack in the day, Melvin Van Peebles fought for recognition from Hollywood. Now his son, Mario, has made a sweet tribute to his father.](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/10/27/12/2192006/6/1200x0.jpg)
Baack in the day, Melvin Van Peebles fought for recognition from Hollywood. Now his son, Mario, has made a sweet tribute to his father.
![Melvin Van Peebles (still in great shape at 79 deals with NYC humidity with an open shirt) Opening night for 'Rain Pryor: Fried Stock Photo - Alamy Melvin Van Peebles (still in great shape at 79 deals with NYC humidity with an open shirt) Opening night for 'Rain Pryor: Fried Stock Photo - Alamy](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DMPJAN/melvin-van-peebles-still-in-great-shape-at-79-deals-with-nyc-humidity-DMPJAN.jpg)
Melvin Van Peebles (still in great shape at 79 deals with NYC humidity with an open shirt) Opening night for 'Rain Pryor: Fried Stock Photo - Alamy
![Melvin Van Peebles Dead: 'Watermelon Man,' 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' Director Was 89 – The Hollywood Reporter Melvin Van Peebles Dead: 'Watermelon Man,' 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' Director Was 89 – The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/melvin_van_peebles.jpg)