Gene LeBell
Actor
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
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited) 2002
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver 1998
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard 1997
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited) 1980
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight) 1980
Ed Wood
as Ring Announcer 1994
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited) 2004
Man on the Moon
as Foxy Jackson Referee 1999
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun 2001
Jackass: The Movie
as Self 2002
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited) 1986
The Jerk
as Con Man 1979
Every Which Way but Loose
as Biker 1978
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
as Hood 1982
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
as Cannery Guard 1987
Redbelt
as Old Stuntman 2008