Gene LeBell
Acting
Born October 9, 1932 · Los Angeles, California, USA
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.
Films (67)
The Search for Count Dante
2020
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018
I Am Bruce Lee
2012
From Mexico With Love
2009
Redbelt
2008
Bottoms Up
2006
Cellular
2004
Spider-Man 2
2004
Jackass: The Movie
2002
Men in Black II
2002
Rat Race
2001
Man on the Moon
1999
Running Red
1999
Hard Time
1998
Rush Hour
1998
Double Tap
1997
Batman & Robin
1997
On the Edge of Innocence
1997
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
1996
Jury Duty
1995
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
Ed Wood
1994
Ring of Steel
1994
M.A.N.T.I.S.
1994
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying
1992
Rapid Fire
1992
Eyes of an Angel
1991
Alligator 2: The Mutation
1991
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back
1991
Loose Cannons
1990
Dead Heat
1988
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
1987
Number One with a Bullet
1987
The Golden Child
1986
Welcome to 18
1986
Bad Guys
1986
Micki & Maude
1984
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
1982
Heartbeeps
1981
Smokey Bites the Dust
1981
Going Ape!
1981
Raging Bull
1980
Foolin' Around
1980
The Big Brawl
1980
Airplane!
1980
Goldie and the Boxer
1979
The Jerk
1979
Marciano
1979
Flesh & Blood
1979
Americathon
1979
Every Which Way but Loose
1978
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
1978
Almost Summer
1978
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
1978
The One and Only
1978
No Way Back
1976
Black Samson
1974
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
1973
Cleopatra Jones
1973
Walking Tall
1973
Blacula
1972
Melinda
1972
Hammer
1972
The Challenge
1970
Paradise, Hawaiian Style
1966
Blue Hawaii
1961