Gene LeBell
Known for department: Acting
Birthday: 1932-10-09 – 2022-08-09
Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
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
Jackass: The Movie
2002Self
Loose Cannons
1990Grimmer's Man
Smokey Bites the Dust
1981Turk
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
1996NYC bouncer
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
1978Mean Bones' Manager
Eyes of an Angel
1991Pit Bull Handler
From Mexico With Love
2009Referee
Running Red
1999Mercier's Bodyguard
Cleopatra Jones
1973Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
Hard Time
1998Eddie
Ring of Steel
1994MiB Bodyguard
Walking Tall
19732nd Bouncer
Heartbeeps
1981Forklift Driver Robot
No Way Back
1976
Dead Heat
1988
Airplane!
1980Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
1987Cannery Guard
Paradise, Hawaiian Style
1966
Batman & Robin
1997Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard