Gene LeBell
Born
October 9, 1932
Died
August 9, 2022 (89 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Los Angeles, California, USA
Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) 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.
Biography: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper
Self
2021
The Search for Count Dante
2020
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
The Boss
2018
I Am Bruce Lee
Self
2012
From Mexico With Love
Referee
2009
Redbelt
Old Stuntman
2008
The Sarah Silverman Program.
Carl · (1 episode)
2007
Bottoms Up
Milt
2006
Cellular
Driving Instructor (uncredited)
2004
Spider-Man 2
Train Passenger (uncredited)
2004
Reno 911!
Old Man on Scooter · (4 episodes)
2003
Reno 911!
Grandpa · (1 episode)
2003
Jackass: The Movie
Self
2002
Men in Black II
Subway Passenger (uncredited)
2002
Rat Race
Veteran with Gun
2001
Strong Medicine
Referee · (1 episode)
2000
Man on the Moon
Foxy Jackson Referee
1999
Running Red
Mercier's Bodyguard
1999
Hard Time
Eddie
1998
Rush Hour
Taxi Driver
1998
That '70s Show
Referee · (1 episode)
1998
Double Tap
Wallace
1997
Batman & Robin
Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
1997
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
NYC bouncer
1996
Jury Duty
Security Guard (uncredited)
1995
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
1995
Ed Wood
Ring Announcer
1994
Ring of Steel
MiB Bodyguard
1994
M.A.N.T.I.S.
Rioter (uncredited)
1994
The X-Files
Bartender · (1 episode)
1993
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying
Burly
1992
Rapid Fire
Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
1992
The Human Factor
Referee · (1 episode)
1992
Eyes of an Angel
Pit Bull Handler
1991
Alligator 2: The Mutation
Referee
1991
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back
Referee
1991
Loose Cannons
Grimmer's Man
1990
Dead Heat
1988
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
Cannery Guard
1987
Married... with Children
Larry · (1 episode)
1987
Married... with Children
Referee · (1 episode)
1987
Married... with Children
Black Ben · (1 episode)
1987
Number One with a Bullet
Referee
1987
The Golden Child
Drunken Biker (uncredited)
1986
Sledge Hammer!
Archbishop · (1 episode)
1986
Welcome to 18
Motorcycle Cop
1986
Bad Guys
Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
1986
MacGyver
Murph · (1 episode)
1985
Micki & Maude
Wrestling Referee
1984
Knight Rider
Junior · (1 episode)
1982
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
Hood
1982
T. J. Hooker
James Wallace · (1 episode)
1982
Heartbeeps
Forklift Driver Robot
1981
Falcon Crest
Union Guy · (1 episode)
1981
Simon & Simon
(2 episodes)
1981
Smokey Bites the Dust
Turk
1981
Going Ape!
Faraday
1981
Raging Bull
Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
1980
Foolin' Around
Paul
1980
The Big Brawl
Stroke (as Gene La Bell)
1980
Airplane!
Religious Zealot (uncredited)
1980
Goldie and the Boxer
Vinnie
1979
The Jerk
Con Man
1979
Marciano
Ring Announcer
1979
Flesh & Blood
2nd Fat Guy
1979
Hart to Hart
(1 episode)
1979
Americathon
Referee
1979
Every Which Way but Loose
Biker
1978
Taxi
Referee · (3 episodes)
1978
Taxi
The Referee · (1 episode)
1978
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
Mean Bones' Manager
1978
Almost Summer
Football Coach
1978
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Theatre Cop: Reese
1978
The One and Only
Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
1978
The Incredible Hulk
(1 episode)
1977
Quincy, M.E.
(1 episode)
1976
No Way Back
1976
Baretta
(1 episode)
1975
Dinah!
Self · (1 episode)
1974
Black Samson
Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)
1974
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
Leo (uncredited)
1973
Cleopatra Jones
Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
1973
Walking Tall
2nd Bouncer
1973
Blacula
Second Dracula Henchman
1972
Melinda
Hood
1972
Hammer
Referee
1972
The Challenge
Karate Instructor
1970
Land of the Giants
Mezron's Brother · (1 episode)
1968
Ironside
(1 episode)
1967
The Green Hornet
Barney · (1 episode)
1966
Paradise, Hawaiian Style
1966
The Wild Wild West
Felix · (1 episode)
1965
The Munsters
Tarzan McGirk · (1 episode)
1964
Burke's Law
Wrestler · (1 episode)
1963
The Beverly Hillbillies
(2 episodes)
1962
Blue Hawaii
(uncredited)
1961