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