Gene LeBell
Known for Acting
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
Rush Hour
1998
as Taxi Driver
Men in Black II
2002
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
1980
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Spider-Man 2
2004
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Batman & Robin
1997
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Raging Bull
1980
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Cellular
2004
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Jackass: The Movie
2002
as Self
Rat Race
2001
as Veteran with Gun
The Golden Child
1986
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
Ed Wood
1994
as Ring Announcer
Blue Hawaii
1961
as (uncredited)
The Big Brawl
1980
as Stroke
Flesh & Blood
1979
as 2nd Fat Guy
Rapid Fire
1992
as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
Every Which Way but Loose
1978
as Biker
Man on the Moon
1999
as Foxy Jackson Referee
Dead Heat
1988
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
1982
as Hood
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
as Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)