Gene LeBell
Biography
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.
LeBell served as an inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Filmography
- No poster
The Search for Count Dante
2020
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
as Self
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018
as The Boss
I Am Bruce Lee
2012
as Self
From Mexico With Love
2009
as Referee
Blood and Bone
2009
as Attendant
Redbelt
2008
as Old Stuntman
Bottoms Up
2006
as Milt
Cellular
2004
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Spider-Man 2
2004
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Jackass: The Movie
2002
as Self
Men in Black II
2002
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Rat Race
2001
as Veteran with Gun
Man on the Moon
1999
as Foxy Jackson Referee
Running Red
1999
as Mercier's Bodyguard
Hard Time
1998
as Eddie
Rush Hour
1998
as Taxi Driver
Double Tap
1997
as Wallace
Batman & Robin
1997
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
On the Edge of Innocence
1997
as Security Guard
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
1996
as NYC bouncer
Jury Duty
1995
as Security Guard (uncredited)
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
as Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
Ed Wood
1994
as Ring Announcer