Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Birthdate
1932-10-09
Day of Death
2022-08-09
Place of Birth
Los Angeles, California, USA
Gene LeBell
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 (67)
The Search for Count Dante
2020
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018
I Am Bruce Lee
2012
From Mexico With Love
2009
Redbelt
2008
Bottoms Up
2006
Cellular
2004
Spider-Man 2
2004
Jackass: The Movie
2002
Men in Black II
2002
Rat Race
2001
Man on the Moon
1999
Running Red
1999
