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Gene LeBell
Biography
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.
Known For
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
Ed Wood
as Ring Announcer
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
