Gene LeBell

Gene LeBell

10/9/1932 – 8/9/2022Los 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.

Filmography (98 titles)

Movie

The Search for Count Dante

2020

The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes5.7Movie

The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes

Self · 2019

Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece3.9Movie

Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece

The Boss · 2018

I Am Bruce Lee7.6Movie

I Am Bruce Lee

Self · 2012

From Mexico With Love5.8Movie

From Mexico With Love

Referee · 2009

Blood and Bone7.4Movie

Blood and Bone

Attendant · 2009

Redbelt6.4Movie

Redbelt

Old Stuntman · 2008

The Sarah Silverman Program.6.2Show

The Sarah Silverman Program.

Carl · 2007

Bottoms Up3.1Movie

Bottoms Up

Milt · 2006

Cellular6.4Movie

Cellular

Driving Instructor (uncredited) · 2004

Spider-Man 27.3Movie

Spider-Man 2

Train Passenger (uncredited) · 2004

Reno 911!7.2Show

Reno 911!

Old Man on Scooter · 2003

Jackass: The Movie6.3Movie

Jackass: The Movie

Self · 2002

Men in Black II6.4Movie

Men in Black II

Subway Passenger (uncredited) · 2002

Rat Race6.3Movie

Rat Race

Veteran with Gun · 2001

Strong Medicine7.4Show

Strong Medicine

Referee · 2000

Man on the Moon7.2Movie

Man on the Moon

Foxy Jackson Referee · 1999

Running Red5.5Movie

Running Red

Mercier's Bodyguard · 1999

Hard Time5.9Movie

Hard Time

Eddie · 1998

Rush Hour7.1Movie

Rush Hour

Taxi Driver · 1998

That '70s Show7.9Show

That '70s Show

Referee · 1998

Double Tap5.4Movie

Double Tap

Wallace · 1997

Batman & Robin4.4Movie

Batman & Robin

Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard · 1997

On the Edge of Innocence5.7Movie

On the Edge of Innocence

Security Guard · 1997

Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal7.0Movie

Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal

NYC bouncer · 1996

Jury Duty4.4Movie

Jury Duty

Security Guard (uncredited) · 1995

3 Ninjas Knuckle Up5.1Movie

3 Ninjas Knuckle Up

Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited) · 1995

Ed Wood7.5Movie

Ed Wood

Ring Announcer · 1994

Ring of Steel5.1Movie

Ring of Steel

MiB Bodyguard · 1994

M.A.N.T.I.S.5.2Movie

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

Rioter (uncredited) · 1994