Gene LeBell

Born: 1932-10-09, Los Angeles, California, USA

Died: 2022-08-09

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

• The X-Files (1993)
• Ironside (1967)
• MacGyver (1985)
• Knight Rider (1982)
• Family Matters (1989)
• That '70s Show (1998)
• Reno 911! (2003)
• The Wild Wild West (1965)
• T. J. Hooker (1982)
• Simon & Simon (1981)
• Strong Medicine (2000)
• Hart to Hart (1979)
• Burke's Law (1963)
• Rush Hour (1998)
• Men in Black II (2002)
• The Sarah Silverman Program (2007)
• Land of the Giants (1968)
• Spider-Man 2 (2004)
• Sledge Hammer! (1986)
• Batman & Robin (1997)
• Airplane! (1980)
• Raging Bull (1980)
• Blood and Bone (2009)
• Rat Race (2001)
• Cellular (2004)
• The Golden Child (1986)
• Man on the Moon (1999)
• Every Which Way but Loose (1978)
• The Big Brawl (1980)
• 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995)