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.
Acting
Movie
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
2004
Movie
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
2002
Movie
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
1998
Movie
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
1997
Movie
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
1980
Movie
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
1980
TV
The X-Files
as Bartender
1993
Movie
Ed Wood
as Ring Announcer
1994
Movie
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
2004
Movie
Man on the Moon
as Foxy Jackson Referee
1999
Movie
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
2001
Movie
Jackass: The Movie
as Self
2002
TV
That '70s Show
as Referee
1998
TV
Knight Rider
as Junior
1982
TV
Married... with Children
as Larry
1987
TV
Married... with Children
as Referee
1987
TV
Married... with Children
as Black Ben
1987
TV
Married... with Children
as Brutus
1987
Movie
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
1986
TV
MacGyver
as Murph
1985
Movie
The Jerk
as Con Man
1979
Movie
Every Which Way but Loose
as Biker
1978
TV
The Incredible Hulk
1977
TV
The Munsters
as Tarzan McGirk
1964
Crew
Movie
Bruce Almighty
Stunts
2003
Movie
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Utility Stunts
2005
Movie
Independence Day
Stunts
1996
Movie
Rocky
Stunts
1976
Movie
Total Recall
Stunts
1990
Movie
Die Hard 2
Stunts
1990
Movie
Liar Liar
Stunts
1997
Movie
RoboCop
Stunts
1987
Movie
Hook
Stunts
1991
Movie
L.A. Confidential
Stunts
1997
Movie
Batman & Robin
Stunts
1997
Movie
Airplane!
Stunts
1980