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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (46)
The Search for Count Dante
2020
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
as The Boss
2018
I Am Bruce Lee
as Self
2012
From Mexico With Love
as Referee
2009
Redbelt
as Old Stuntman
2008
Reno 911!: Miami
Stunts (Crew)
2007
Smokin' Aces
Stunts (Crew)
2006
Bottoms Up
as Milt
2006
Beerfest
Stunts (Crew)
2006
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Utility Stunts (Crew)
2005
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
2004
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
2004
Starsky & Hutch
Stunts (Crew)
2004
Bruce Almighty
Stunts (Crew)
2003
Jackass: The Movie
as Self
2002
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
2002
Deuces Wild
Stunts (Crew)
2002
The Last Castle
Stunts (Crew)
2001
Bandits
Stunts (Crew)
2001
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
2001
Dude, Where's My Car?
Stunts (Crew)
2000
The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave
Stunts (Crew)
2000
Man on the Moon
as Foxy Jackson Referee
1999
End of Days
Utility Stunts (Crew)
1999
The Hunter's Moon
Stunts (Crew)
1999
Mystery Men
Stunts (Crew)
1999
Running Red
as Mercier's Bodyguard
1999
Hard Time
as Eddie
1998
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
1998
U.S. Marshals
Stunts (Crew)
1998
As Good as It Gets
Stunts (Crew)
1997
L.A. Confidential
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Double Tap
as Wallace
1997
The Brave
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Bean
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
1997
Gone Fishin'
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Trial and Error
Stunts (Crew)
1997
On the Edge of Innocence
as Security Guard
1997
Liar Liar
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Judge and Jury
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Vegas Vacation
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Dante's Peak
Stunts (Crew)
1997
Jingle All the Way
Stunts (Crew)
1996
Independence Day
Stunts (Crew)
1996
