Gene LeBell
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.
Born: October 9, 1932
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Known For
Filmography
as The Boss
as Self
as Referee
as Old Stuntman
as Carl
as Milt
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
as Old Man on Scooter
as Grandpa
as Self
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
as Veteran with Gun
as Referee
as Foxy Jackson Referee
as Mercier's Bodyguard
as Eddie
as Taxi Driver
as Referee
as Wallace
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
as Security Guard
as NYC bouncer
as Security Guard (uncredited)
as Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
as Ring Announcer
as MiB Bodyguard
as Rioter (uncredited)
as Bartender
as Burly
as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
as Pit Bull Handler
as Referee
as Referee
as Grimmer's Man
as Cannery Guard
as Larry
as Referee
as Black Ben
as Referee
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
as Archbishop
as Motorcycle Cop
as Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
as Murph
as Wrestling Referee
as Junior
as Hood
as James Wallace
as Forklift Driver Robot
as Union Guy
as Turk
as Faraday
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
as Paul
as Stroke
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
as Vinnie
as Con Man
as Ring Announcer
as 2nd Fat Guy
as Referee
as Biker
as Referee
as The Referee
as Mean Bones' Manager
as Football Coach
as Theatre Cop: Reese
as Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
as Self
as Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)
as Leo (uncredited)
as Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
as 2nd Bouncer
as Second Dracula Henchman
as Hood
as Referee
as Karate Instructor
as Mezron's Brother
as Barney
as Felix
as Tarzan McGirk
as Wrestler
as (uncredited)