Gene LeBell
Acting
Born: 1932-10-09 in 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
The X-Files
Bartender
Married... with Children
Larry
Married... with Children
Referee
Married... with Children
Black Ben
Married... with Children
Brutus
Ironside
Knight Rider
Junior
MacGyver
Murph
Fantasy Island
The Referee
That '70s Show
Referee
Falcon Crest
Union Guy
Taxi
Referee
Taxi
The Referee
Taxi
Referee (uncredited)
Reno 911!
Old Man on Scooter
Reno 911!
Grandpa
The Beverly Hillbillies
Family Matters
Referee
Strong Medicine
Referee
The Wild Wild West
Felix
The Incredible Hulk
Simon & Simon
T. J. Hooker
James Wallace
Hart to Hart
Heavy #2
Quincy, M.E.
The Munsters
Tarzan McGirk
Rush Hour
Taxi Driver
Burke's Law
Wrestler
Land of the Giants
Mezron's Brother
Spider-Man 2
Train Passenger (uncredited)
Men in Black II
Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Batman & Robin
Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Airplane!
Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Dinah!
Self
Sledge Hammer!
Archbishop
The Sarah Silverman Program
Carl
The Green Hornet
Barney
Raging Bull
Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Blood and Bone
Attendant
Rat Race
Veteran with Gun