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