1932-10-09 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.
 |
Biography: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper | Self | 2021-04-25 |
 |
The Search for Count Dante | 2020-10-08 | |
 |
The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes | 2019-12-16 | |
 |
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece | The Boss | 2018-05-25 |
 |
I Am Bruce Lee | Self | 2012-02-09 |
 |
From Mexico With Love | Referee | 2009-03-15 |
 |
Redbelt | Old Stuntman | 2008-04-07 |
 |
Cellular | Driving Instructor (uncredited) | 2004-09-06 |
 |
Spider-Man 2 | Train Passenger (uncredited) | 2004-06-25 |
 |
Jackass: The Movie | Self | 2002-10-25 |
 |
Men in Black II | Subway Passenger (uncredited) | 2002-07-03 |
 |
Rat Race | Veteran with Gun | 2001-08-17 |
 |
Running Red | Mercier's Bodyguard | 1999-03-30 |
 |
Man on the Moon | Foxy Jackson Referee | 1999-12-22 |
 |
Rush Hour | Taxi Driver | 1998-09-18 |
 |
Hard Time | Eddie | 1998-12-12 |
 |
Double Tap | Wallace | 1997-09-05 |
 |
Batman & Robin | Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard | 1997-06-20 |
 |
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal | NYC bouncer | 1996-06-20 |
 |
Jury Duty | Security Guard (uncredited) | 1995-04-12 |
 |
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up | Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited) | 1995-04-07 |
 |
M.A.N.T.I.S. | Rioter (uncredited) | 1994-01-24 |
 |
Ring of Steel | MiB Bodyguard | 1994-03-30 |
 |
Ed Wood | Ring Announcer | 1994-09-28 |
 |
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying | Burly | 1992-11-18 |
 |
Rapid Fire | Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited) | 1992-08-21 |
 |
Eyes of an Angel | Pit Bull Handler | 1991-07-26 |
 |
Alligator 2: The Mutation | Referee | 1991-07-05 |
 |
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back | Referee | 1991-01-30 |
 |
Loose Cannons | Grimmer's Man | 1990-02-09 |
 |
Dead Heat | 1988-05-06 | |
 |
Number One with a Bullet | Referee | 1987-02-27 |
 |
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown | Cannery Guard | 1987-06-11 |
 |
Bad Guys | Terrible Turk Mc Gurk | 1986-03-14 |
 |
The Golden Child | Drunken Biker (uncredited) | 1986-12-12 |
 |
Micki & Maude | Wrestling Referee | 1984-12-21 |
 |
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid | Hood | 1982-05-21 |
 |
Smokey Bites the Dust | Turk | 1981-10-01 |
 |
Going Ape! | Faraday | 1981-04-10 |
 |
Heartbeeps | Forklift Driver Robot | 1981-12-18 |
 |
Foolin' Around | Paul | 1980-10-17 |
 |
Raging Bull | Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight) | 1980-11-14 |
 |
The Big Brawl | Stroke (as Gene La Bell) | 1980-08-18 |
 |
Airplane! | Religious Zealot (uncredited) | 1980-07-02 |
 |
The Jerk | Con Man | 1979-12-14 |
 |
Americathon | Referee | 1979-08-10 |
 |
Goldie and the Boxer | Vinnie | 1979-12-30 |
 |
Flesh & Blood | 2nd Fat Guy | 1979-10-14 |
 |
Marciano | Ring Announcer | 1979-10-21 |
 |
Almost Summer | Football Coach | 1978-04-21 |
 |
The One and Only | Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited) | 1978-02-03 |
 |
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan | Mean Bones' Manager | 1978-06-30 |
 |
I Wanna Hold Your Hand | Theatre Cop: Reese | 1978-04-01 |
 |
Every Which Way but Loose | Biker | 1978-12-16 |
 |
No Way Back | 1976-05-01 | |
 |
Black Samson | Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell) | 1974-08-14 |
 |
Cleopatra Jones | Mommy's Henchman (uncredited) | 1973-07-13 |
 |
Walking Tall | 2nd Bouncer | 1973-02-22 |
 |
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off | Leo (uncredited) | 1973-08-31 |
 |
Blacula | Second Dracula Henchman | 1972-08-25 |
 |
Melinda | Hood | 1972-08-06 |
 |
Hammer | Referee | 1972-07-04 |
 |
The Challenge | Karate Instructor | 1970-02-10 |
 |
Paradise, Hawaiian Style | 1966-04-23 | |
 |
Blue Hawaii | (uncredited) | 1961-11-22 |
