Known For
Acting
Birthday
October 9, 1932
Place of Birth
Los Angeles, California, USA
Also Known As
- Gene Le Bell
- Gene La Bell
- Gene LaBell
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.
Known For - Movies
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
Jackass: The Movie
as Self
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
