Gene LeBell
Known for ActingBorn 1932-10-09 — died 2022-08-09Los Angeles, California, USA
Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) is an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and former professional wrestler. Nicknamed "the Godfather of Grappling", LeBell is widely credited with popularizing grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books.
In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted LeBell to 10th Degree and in February 2005, he was promoted to 9th Dan in Traditional Judo by the USJJF.
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LeBell served as an inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Known for
Rush Hour
1998 · as Taxi Driver
Batman & Robin
1997 · as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Men in Black II
2002 · as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
1980 · as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Cellular
2004 · as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Spider-Man 2
2004 · as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Jackass: The Movie
2002 · as Self
Blood and Bone
2009 · as Attendant
Raging Bull
1980 · as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Rat Race
2001 · as Veteran with Gun
Man on the Moon
1999 · as Foxy Jackson Referee
The Golden Child
1986 · as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
Every Which Way but Loose
1978 · as Biker
Walking Tall
1973 · as 2nd Bouncer
Ed Wood
1994 · as Ring Announcer
The Jerk
1979 · as Con Man
Flesh & Blood
1979 · as 2nd Fat Guy
Americathon
1979 · as Referee