Gene LeBell
1932-2022
Known for Rush Hour, Raging Bull, Spider-Man 2.
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.
Movie Credits
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes (2019)
Almost Summer (1978)
Hard Time (1998)
The Big Brawl (1980)
The Golden Child (1986)
Going Ape! (1981)
Melinda (1972)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966)
Raging Bull (1980)
The Jerk (1979)
Blue Hawaii (1961)
Rush Hour (1998)
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off (1973)
Blacula (1972)
City Heat (1984)
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982)
The One and Only (1978)
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995)
Walking Tall (1973)
Marciano (1979)
Ed Wood (1994)
Alligator 2: The Mutation (1991)
Cellular (2004)
Dead Heat (1988)
Jackass: The Movie (2002)
Every Which Way but Loose (1978)
Batman & Robin (1997)
Bottoms Up (2006)
Rat Race (2001)
Man on the Moon (1999)
Men in Black II (2002)
Airplane! (1980)
