Gene LeBell

Acting

Born October 9, 1932 — Died August 9, 2022 Los 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. LeBell served as an inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Movies(67)

The Search for Count Dante

2020

The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes

Self

2019

Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece

The Boss

2018

I Am Bruce Lee

Self

2012

From Mexico With Love

Referee

2009

Redbelt

Old Stuntman

2008

Bottoms Up

Milt

2006

Cellular

Driving Instructor (uncredited)

2004

Spider-Man 2

Train Passenger (uncredited)

2004

Jackass: The Movie

Self

2002

Men in Black II

Subway Passenger (uncredited)

2002

Rat Race

Veteran with Gun

2001

Man on the Moon

Foxy Jackson Referee

1999

Running Red

Mercier's Bodyguard

1999

Hard Time

Eddie

1998

Rush Hour

Taxi Driver

1998

Double Tap

Wallace

1997

Batman & Robin

Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard

1997

On the Edge of Innocence

Security Guard

1997

Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal

NYC bouncer

1996

Jury Duty

Security Guard (uncredited)

1995

3 Ninjas Knuckle Up

Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)

1995

Ed Wood

Ring Announcer

1994

Ring of Steel

MiB Bodyguard

1994

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

Rioter (uncredited)

1994

Bloodfist IV: Die Trying

Burly

1992

Rapid Fire

Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)

1992

Eyes of an Angel

Pit Bull Handler

1991

Alligator 2: The Mutation

Referee

1991

Kickboxer 2: The Road Back

Referee

1991

Loose Cannons

Grimmer's Man

1990

Dead Heat

1988

Death Wish 4: The Crackdown

Cannery Guard

1987

Number One with a Bullet

Referee

1987

The Golden Child

Drunken Biker (uncredited)

1986

Welcome to 18

Motorcycle Cop

1986

Bad Guys

Terrible Turk Mc Gurk

1986

Micki & Maude

Wrestling Referee

1984

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid

Hood

1982

Heartbeeps

Forklift Driver Robot

1981

Smokey Bites the Dust

Turk

1981

Going Ape!

Faraday

1981

Raging Bull

Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)

1980

Foolin' Around

Paul

1980

The Big Brawl

Stroke

1980

Airplane!

Religious Zealot (uncredited)

1980

Goldie and the Boxer

Vinnie

1979

The Jerk

Con Man

1979

Marciano

Ring Announcer

1979

Flesh & Blood

2nd Fat Guy

1979

Americathon

Referee

1979

Every Which Way but Loose

Biker

1978

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan

Mean Bones' Manager

1978

Almost Summer

Football Coach

1978

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Theatre Cop: Reese

1978

The One and Only

Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)

1978

No Way Back

1976

Black Samson

Nappa's Gang

1974

Slaughter's Big Rip-Off

Leo (uncredited)

1973

Cleopatra Jones

Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)

1973

Walking Tall

2nd Bouncer

1973

Blacula

Second Dracula Henchman

1972

Melinda

Hood

1972

Hammer

Referee

1972

The Challenge

Karate Instructor

1970

Paradise, Hawaiian Style

1966

Blue Hawaii

(uncredited)

1961

Gene LeBell

TV Shows(30)

Movies(67)