Gene LeBell
Known for Acting
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
Rush Hour
1998
as Taxi Driver
Spider-Man 2
2004
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
1980
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Men in Black II
2002
as Subway 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)
Rat Race
2001
as Veteran with Gun
Man on the Moon
1999
as Foxy Jackson Referee
Every Which Way but Loose
1978
as Biker
Ed Wood
1994
as Ring Announcer
Jackass: The Movie
2002
as Self
The Golden Child
1986
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
Americathon
1979
as Referee
Running Red
1999
as Mercier's Bodyguard
Dead Heat
1988
Redbelt
2008
as Old Stuntman
The Jerk
1979
as Con Man
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
1982
as Hood
Double Tap
1997
as Wallace