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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 serv…
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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.
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BODY OF WORK
Gene LeBell's Filmography
Select any movie to open its full Movies Mates details page.
No Poster
The Search for Count Dante
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
as Self
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
as The Boss
I Am Bruce Lee
as Self
From Mexico With Love
as Referee
Blood and Bone
as Attendant
Redbelt
as Old Stuntman
Bottoms Up
as Milt
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Jackass: The Movie
as Self
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
Man on the Moon
as Foxy Jackson Referee
Running Red
as Mercier's Bodyguard
Hard Time
as Eddie
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
Double Tap
as Wallace
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
On the Edge of Innocence
as Security Guard
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
as NYC bouncer
Jury Duty
as Security Guard (uncredited)
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
as Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
Ed Wood
as Ring Announcer
Ring of Steel
as MiB Bodyguard
M.A.N.T.I.S.
as Rioter (uncredited)
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying
as Burly
Rapid Fire
as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
Eyes of an Angel
as Pit Bull Handler
Alligator 2: The Mutation
as Referee
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back
as Referee
Loose Cannons
as Grimmer's Man
Dead Heat
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
as Cannery Guard
Number One with a Bullet
as Referee
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
Welcome to 18
as Motorcycle Cop
Bad Guys
as Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
Micki & Maude
as Wrestling Referee
City Heat
as Garage Soldier
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
as Hood
Heartbeeps
as Forklift Driver Robot
Smokey Bites the Dust
as Turk
Going Ape!
as Faraday
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Foolin' Around
as Paul
The Big Brawl
as Stroke
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Goldie and the Boxer
as Vinnie
The Jerk
as Con Man
Marciano
as Ring Announcer
Flesh & Blood
as 2nd Fat Guy
Americathon
as Referee
Every Which Way but Loose
as Biker
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
as Mean Bones' Manager
Almost Summer
as Football Coach
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
as Theatre Cop: Reese
The One and Only
as Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
No Way Back
Black Samson
as Nappa's Gang
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
as Leo (uncredited)
Cleopatra Jones
as Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
Walking Tall
as 2nd Bouncer
Blacula
as Second Dracula Henchman
Melinda
as Hood
Hammer
as Referee
The Challenge
as Karate Instructor
Paradise, Hawaiian Style
Blue Hawaii
as (uncredited)