Gene LeBell

Person

Gene LeBell

Acting 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"…

IMDb

Known for

Popular titles

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2

7.3 2004 Movie
Bruce Almighty

Bruce Almighty

6.7 2003 Movie
Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

6.7 2005 Movie
Men in Black II

Men in Black II

6.4 2002 Movie
Independence Day

Independence Day

6.9 1996 Movie
Rocky

Rocky

7.8 1976 Movie
Total Recall

Total Recall

7.3 1990 Movie
Die Hard 2

Die Hard 2

7.0 1990 Movie
Liar Liar

Liar Liar

6.7 1997 Movie
Rush Hour

Rush Hour

7.1 1998 Movie
RoboCop

RoboCop

7.4 1987 Movie
Hook

Hook

6.8 1991 Movie

Biography

A closer look

Read full 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.

Filmography

Movies and shows, newest first

  1. 2020
    The Search for Count Dante

    Movie

  2. 2019
    The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes

    Movie Self

  3. 2018
    Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece

    Movie The Boss

  4. 2012
    I Am Bruce Lee

    Movie Self

  5. 2009
    From Mexico With Love

    Movie Referee

  6. 2009
    Blood and Bone

    Movie Attendant

  7. 2008
    Redbelt

    Movie Old Stuntman

  8. 2007
    Reno 911!: Miami

    Movie Stunts

  9. 2007
    The Sarah Silverman Program

    TV show Carl

  10. 2006
    Smokin' Aces

    Movie Stunts

  11. 2006
    Bottoms Up

    Movie Milt

  12. 2006
    Beerfest

    Movie Stunts

  13. 2005
    Mr. & Mrs. Smith

    Movie Utility Stunts

  14. 2004
    Cellular

    Movie Driving Instructor (uncredited)

  15. 2004
    Spider-Man 2

    Movie Train Passenger (uncredited)

  16. 2004
    Starsky & Hutch

    Movie Stunts

More credits
  1. 2003
    Reno 911!

    TV show Old Man on Scooter

  2. 2003
    Bruce Almighty

    Movie Stunts

  3. 2002
    Jackass: The Movie

    Movie Self

  4. 2002
    Men in Black II

    Movie Subway Passenger (uncredited)

  5. 2002
    Deuces Wild

    Movie Stunts

  6. 2001
    The Last Castle

    Movie Stunts

  7. 2001
    Bandits

    Movie Stunts

  8. 2001
    Rat Race

    Movie Veteran with Gun

  9. 2000
    Dude, Where's My Car?

    Movie Stunts

  10. 2000
    Strong Medicine

    TV show Referee

  11. 2000
    The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave

    Movie Stunts

  12. 1999
    Man on the Moon

    Movie Foxy Jackson Referee

  13. 1999
    End of Days

    Movie Utility Stunts

  14. 1999
    The Hunter's Moon

    Movie Stunts

  15. 1999
    Mystery Men

    Movie Stunts

  16. 1999
    Running Red

    Movie Mercier's Bodyguard

  17. 1998
    Hard Time

    Movie Eddie

  18. 1998
    Rush Hour

    Movie Taxi Driver

  19. 1998
    That '70s Show

    TV show Referee

  20. 1998
    U.S. Marshals

    Movie Stunts

  21. 1997
    As Good as It Gets

    Movie Stunts

  22. 1997
    L.A. Confidential

    Movie Stunts

  23. 1997
    Double Tap

    Movie Wallace

  24. 1997
    The Brave

    Movie Stunts