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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Biography: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper | Self | 2021-04-25 |
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The Search for Count Dante | 2020-10-08 | |
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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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Spider-Man 2 | Train Passenger (uncredited) | 2004-06-25 |
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Cellular | Driving Instructor (uncredited) | 2004-09-06 |
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Men in Black II | Subway Passenger (uncredited) | 2002-07-03 |
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Jackass: The Movie | Self | 2002-10-25 |
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Rat Race | Veteran with Gun | 2001-08-17 |
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Man on the Moon | Foxy Jackson Referee | 1999-12-22 |
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Running Red | Mercier's Bodyguard | 1999-03-30 |
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Rush Hour | Taxi Driver | 1998-09-18 |
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Hard Time | Eddie | 1998-12-12 |
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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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Jury Duty | Security Guard (uncredited) | 1995-04-12 |
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Ring of Steel | MiB Bodyguard | 1994-03-30 |
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Ed Wood | Ring Announcer (uncredited) | 1994-09-28 |
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Rapid Fire | Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited) | 1992-08-21 |
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Bloodfist IV: Die Trying | Burly | 1992-11-18 |
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Kickboxer 2: The Road Back | Referee | 1991-01-30 |
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Alligator 2: The Mutation | Referee | 1991-07-05 |
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Eyes of an Angel | Pit Bull Handler | 1991-07-26 |
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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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Number One with a Bullet | Referee | 1987-02-27 |
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Death Wish 4: The Crackdown | Cannery Guard | 1987-06-11 |
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Bad Guys | Terrible Turk Mc Gurk | 1986-03-14 |
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The Golden Child | Drunken Biker (uncredited) | 1986-12-12 |
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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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Smokey Bites the Dust | Turk | 1981-10-01 |
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Heartbeeps | Forklift Driver Robot | 1981-12-18 |
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Going Ape! | Faraday | 1981-04-10 |
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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 Big Brawl | Stroke (as Gene La Bell) | 1980-08-18 |
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The Jerk | Con Man | 1979-12-14 |
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Flesh & Blood | 2nd Fat Guy | 1979-10-14 |
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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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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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The Bad News Bears Go to Japan | Mean Bones' Manager | 1978-06-30 |
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Every Which Way but Loose | Biker | 1978-12-16 |
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Almost Summer | Football Coach | 1978-04-21 |
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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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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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Walking Tall | 2nd Bouncer | 1973-02-22 |
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Melinda | Hood | 1972-08-06 |
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Hammer | Referee | 1972-07-04 |
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The Challenge | Karate Instructor | 1970-02-10 |
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Paradise, Hawaiian Style | 1966-04-23 | |
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Blue Hawaii | (uncredited) | 1961-11-22 |
