Gene LeBell profile
Actor profile

Gene LeBell

9th October 1932 Los Angeles, California, USA Acting

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.

68 Movies 33 TV Shows 103 Credits
Filmography

Movies & TV Shows

Redbelt poster
Redbelt 7th April 2008 as Old Stuntman
Cellular poster
Cellular 6th September 2004 as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Rat Race poster
Rat Race 17th August 2001 as Veteran with Gun
Jury Duty poster
Jury Duty 12th April 1995 as Security Guard (uncredited)
Ed Wood poster
Ed Wood 28th September 1994 as Ring Announcer
Rapid Fire poster
Rapid Fire 21st August 1992 as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
Bad Guys poster
Bad Guys 14th March 1986 as Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
Heartbeeps poster
Heartbeeps 18th December 1981 as Forklift Driver Robot
Raging Bull poster
Raging Bull 14th November 1980 as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Airplane! poster
Airplane! 27th June 1980 as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Marciano poster
Marciano 21st October 1979 as Ring Announcer
The One and Only poster
The One and Only 3rd February 1978 as Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
Blacula poster
Blacula 25th August 1972 as Second Dracula Henchman
Taxi poster
Taxi 12th September 1978 as Referee
Taxi poster
Taxi 12th September 1978 as The Referee