Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Born

October 9, 1932

Died

August 9, 2022 (age 89)

Place of Birth

Los Angeles, California, USA

Also Known As

Gene Le Bell

Gene La Bell

IMDb

Gene LeBell

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

2020FilmThe Search for Count Dante 2019FilmThe Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyesas Self 2018FilmFury of the Fist and the Golden Fleeceas The Boss 2012FilmI Am Bruce Leeas Self 2009FilmFrom Mexico With Loveas Referee 2008FilmRedbeltas Old Stuntman 2007TVThe Sarah Silverman Program.as Carl 2006FilmBottoms Upas Milt 2004FilmCellularas Driving Instructor (uncredited)2004FilmSpider-Man 2as Train Passenger (uncredited)2003TVReno 911!as Old Man on Scooter 2002FilmJackass: The Movieas Self 2002FilmMen in Black IIas Subway Passenger (uncredited)2001FilmRat Raceas Veteran with Gun 2000TVStrong Medicineas Referee 1999FilmMan on the Moonas Foxy Jackson Referee 1999FilmRunning Redas Mercier's Bodyguard 1998FilmHard Timeas Eddie 1998FilmRush Houras Taxi Driver 1998TVThat '70s Showas Referee 1997FilmDouble Tapas Wallace 1997FilmBatman & Robinas Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard 1997FilmOn the Edge of Innocenceas Security Guard 1996FilmShaughnessy: The Iron Marshalas NYC bouncer 1995FilmJury Dutyas Security Guard (uncredited)1995Film3 Ninjas Knuckle Upas Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)1994FilmEd Woodas Ring Announcer 1994FilmRing of Steelas MiB Bodyguard 1994FilmM.A.N.T.I.S.as Rioter (uncredited)1993TVThe X-Filesas Bartender 1992FilmBloodfist IV: Die Tryingas Burly 1992FilmRapid Fireas Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)1992TVThe Human Factoras Referee 1991FilmEyes of an Angelas Pit Bull Handler 1991FilmAlligator 2: The Mutationas Referee 1991FilmKickboxer 2: The Road Backas Referee 1990FilmLoose Cannonsas Grimmer's Man 1989TVFamily Mattersas Referee 1988FilmDead Heat 1987FilmDeath Wish 4: The Crackdownas Cannery Guard 1987TVMarried... with Childrenas Larry 1987FilmNumber One with a Bulletas Referee 1986FilmThe Golden Childas Drunken Biker (uncredited)1986TVSledge Hammer!as Archbishop 1986FilmWelcome to 18as Motorcycle Cop 1986FilmBad Guysas Terrible Turk Mc Gurk 1985TVMacGyveras Murph 1984FilmMicki & Maudeas Wrestling Referee 1984TVThe Masteras Brawler (uncredited)1982TVKnight Rideras Junior 1982FilmDead Men Don't Wear Plaidas Hood 1982TVT. J. Hookeras James Wallace 1981FilmHeartbeepsas Forklift Driver Robot 1981TVFalcon Crestas Union Guy 1981TVSimon & Simon 1981FilmSmokey Bites the Dustas Turk 1981FilmGoing Ape!as Faraday 1980FilmRaging Bullas Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)1980FilmFoolin' Aroundas Paul 1980FilmThe Big Brawlas Stroke 1980FilmAirplane!as Religious Zealot (uncredited)1979FilmGoldie and the Boxeras Vinnie 1979FilmThe Jerkas Con Man 1979FilmMarcianoas Ring Announcer 1979FilmFlesh & Bloodas 2nd Fat Guy 1979TVHart to Hart 1979FilmAmericathonas Referee 1978FilmEvery Which Way but Looseas Biker 1978TVTaxias Referee 1978FilmThe Bad News Bears Go to Japanas Mean Bones' Manager 1978FilmAlmost Summeras Football Coach 1978FilmI Wanna Hold Your Handas Theatre Cop: Reese 1978FilmThe One and Onlyas Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)1977TVThe Incredible Hulk 1976TVQuincy, M.E.1976FilmNo Way Back 1975TVBaretta 1974TVDinah!as Self 1974FilmBlack Samsonas Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)1973FilmSlaughter's Big Rip-Offas Leo (uncredited)1973FilmCleopatra Jonesas Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)1973FilmWalking Tallas 2nd Bouncer 1972FilmBlaculaas Second Dracula Henchman 1972FilmMelindaas Hood 1972FilmHammeras Referee 1970FilmThe Challengeas Karate Instructor 1968TVLand of the Giantsas Mezron's Brother 1967TVIronside 1966TVThe Green Hornetas Barney 1966FilmParadise, Hawaiian Style 1965TVThe Wild Wild Westas Felix 1964TVThe Munstersas Tarzan McGirk 1963TVBurke's Lawas Wrestler 1962TVThe Beverly Hillbillies 1961FilmBlue Hawaiias (uncredited)