Gene LeBell

Gene LeBell

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.

Crew

2006

2006

2005

Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Movie

Utility Stunts

2001

1999

End of Days
Movie

Utility Stunts

1997

1997

1997

Bean
Movie

Stunts

1997

1995

1995

1995

1994

1992

1991

1991

Hook
Movie

Stunts

1990

1990

1990

1990

1988

1988

1987

1987

1987

1985

1985

1985

1983

1982

1980

Magnum, P.I.
Tv

Stunt Double

1980

1978

The One and Only
Movie

Stunt Coordinator

1976

1976

1974

1974

1972

1968

1967

1965

Acting

2008

Redbelt
Movie

Old Stuntman

2004

Cellular
Movie

Driving Instructor (uncredited)

2004

Spider-Man 2
Movie

Train Passenger (uncredited)

2003

Reno 911!
Tv

Old Man on Scooter

2003

2002

Men in Black II
Movie

Subway Passenger (uncredited)

2001

Rat Race
Movie

Veteran with Gun

1999

Man on the Moon
Movie

Foxy Jackson Referee

1999

Running Red
Movie

Mercier's Bodyguard

1998

Rush Hour
Movie

Taxi Driver

1998

1997

1997

Batman & Robin
Movie

Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard

1995

Jury Duty
Movie

Security Guard (uncredited)

1995

3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
Movie

Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)

1994

Ed Wood
Movie

Ring Announcer

1994

Ring of Steel
Movie

MiB Bodyguard

1994

M.A.N.T.I.S.
Movie

Rioter (uncredited)

1993

The X-Files
Tv

Bartender

1992

Rapid Fire
Movie

Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)

1991

Eyes of an Angel
Movie

Pit Bull Handler

1990

Loose Cannons
Movie

Grimmer's Man

1989

1988

1986

The Golden Child
Movie

Drunken Biker (uncredited)

1986

1986

Bad Guys
Movie

Terrible Turk Mc Gurk

1985

1984

Micki & Maude
Movie

Wrestling Referee

1984

The Master
Tv

Brawler (uncredited)

1982

1981

Heartbeeps
Movie

Forklift Driver Robot

1981

1981

1980

Raging Bull
Movie

Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)

1980

Airplane!
Movie

Religious Zealot (uncredited)

1979

1979

Marciano
Movie

Ring Announcer

1979

Flesh & Blood
Tv

2nd Fat Guy

1979

1979

1978

Almost Summer
Movie

Football Coach

1978

I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Movie

Theatre Cop: Reese

1978

The One and Only
Movie

Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)

1976

1974

1974

Black Samson
Movie

Nappa's Gang

1973

1973

Cleopatra Jones
Movie

Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)

1973

1972

Blacula
Movie

Second Dracula Henchman

1972

1972

1970

The Challenge
Movie

Karate Instructor

1968

Land of the Giants
Tv

Mezron's Brother

1967

Ironside
Tv

Unknown

1964

The Munsters
Tv

Tarzan McGirk

1963

1961

Blue Hawaii
Movie

(uncredited)

Infos

Full Name
Gene LeBell
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
10/9/1932
Date of Death
8/9/2022
Also Known As

Gene Le Bell

Gene La Bell