- Born
- Died
- Place
Gene LeBell
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.
As actor
The Search for Count Dante
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
I Am Bruce Lee
From Mexico With Love
Blood and Bone
Redbelt
Bottoms Up
Spider-Man 2
Cellular
Jackass: The Movie
Men in Black II
Rat Race
Running Red
Man on the Moon
Hard Time
Rush Hour
Batman & Robin
Double Tap
On the Edge of Innocence
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
Jury Duty
Ring of Steel
Ed Wood
M.A.N.T.I.S.
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying
Rapid Fire
Eyes of an Angel
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back