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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.
Self
7.7
2021
0.0
2020
5.7
2019
The Boss
5.0
2018
Self
7.7
2012
Referee
5.2
2009
Old Stuntman
6.5
2008
Carl · (1 episode)
6.4
2007
Driving Instructor (uncredited)
6.4
2004
Train Passenger (uncredited)
7.3
2004
Old Man on Scooter · (4 episodes)
7.2
2003
Self
6.3
2002
Subway Passenger (uncredited)
6.4
2002
Veteran with Gun
6.3
2001
Referee · (1 episode)
7.1
2000
Foxy Jackson Referee
7.2
1999
Mercier's Bodyguard
5.3
1999
Eddie
5.8
1998
Taxi Driver
7.0
1998
Referee · (1 episode)
7.9
1998
Wallace
5.1
1997
Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
4.4
1997
NYC bouncer
0.0
1996
Security Guard (uncredited)
4.4
1995
Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
5.0
1995
Ring Announcer (uncredited)
7.5
1994
MiB Bodyguard
5.5
1994
Rioter (uncredited)
4.3
1994
Bartender · (1 episode)
8.4
1993
Burly
5.2
1992
Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
6.4
1992
Referee · (1 episode)
6.0
1992
Pit Bull Handler
6.9
1991
Referee
4.9
1991
Referee
5.4
1991
Grimmer's Man
4.9
1990
6.1
1988
Cannery Guard
5.7
1987
Larry · (1 episode)
7.7
1987
Referee · (1 episode)
7.7
1987
Black Ben · (1 episode)
7.7
1987
Referee
4.2
1987
Drunken Biker (uncredited)
5.9
1986
Archbishop · (1 episode)
7.9
1986
Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
10.0
1986
Murph · (1 episode)
7.7
1985
Wrestling Referee
5.6
1984
Junior · (1 episode)
7.5
1982
Hood
6.6
1982
James Wallace · (1 episode)
6.3
1982
Forklift Driver Robot
4.1
1981
Union Guy · (1 episode)
5.5
1981
(2 episodes)
6.7
1981
Turk
2.5
1981
Faraday
4.4
1981
Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
7.9
1980
Stroke (as Gene La Bell)
5.9
1980
Religious Zealot (uncredited)
7.3
1980
Vinnie
4.5
1979
Con Man
6.9
1979
Ring Announcer
0.0
1979
2nd Fat Guy
5.0
1979
(1 episode)
6.8
1979
Biker
6.1
1978
Referee · (3 episodes)
7.2
1978
The Referee · (1 episode)
7.2
1978
Mean Bones' Manager
4.8
1978
Football Coach
4.4
1978
Theatre Cop: Reese
6.3
1978
Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
5.8
1978
(1 episode)
7.2
1977
(1 episode)
7.5
1976
3.3
1976
(1 episode)
6.3
1975
Self · (1 episode)
6.5
1974
Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)
5.0
1974
Leo (uncredited)
4.8
1973
Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
5.8
1973
2nd Bouncer
6.6
1973
Hood
2.0
1972
Referee
5.4
1972
Karate Instructor
6.0
1970
Mezron's Brother · (1 episode)
6.7
1968
(1 episode)
6.8
1967
Barney · (1 episode)
7.2
1966
5.1
1966
Tarzan McGirk · (1 episode)
7.9
1964
Wrestler · (1 episode)
6.0
1963
(2 episodes)
6.8
1962
(uncredited)
5.9
1961