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.

Filmografi

Men in Black II2002 · Subway Passenger (uncredited)Rush Hour1998 · Taxi DriverAirplane!1980 · Religious Zealot (uncredited)Spider-Man 22004 · Train Passenger (uncredited)Batman & Robin1997 · Arkham Asylum Property Room GuardRaging Bull1980 · Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)Cellular2004 · Driving Instructor (uncredited)Blood and Bone2009 · AttendantThe Golden Child1986 · Drunken Biker (uncredited)Rat Race2001 · Veteran with GunJackass: The Movie2002 · SelfMan on the Moon1999 · Foxy Jackson RefereeEvery Which Way but Loose1978 · BikerEd Wood1994 · Ring AnnouncerDeath Wish 4: The Crackdown1987 · Cannery GuardThe Jerk1979 · Con ManBlacula1972 · Second Dracula HenchmanRunning Red1999 · Mercier's BodyguardFoolin' Around1980 · PaulRapid Fire1992 · Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)The Big Brawl1980 · StrokeKickboxer 2: The Road Back1991 · Referee3 Ninjas Knuckle Up1995 · Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)Double Tap1997 · Wallace