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

Spider-Man 2

as Train Passenger (uncredited)

Men in Black II

as Subway Passenger (uncredited)

Rush Hour

as Taxi Driver

Batman & Robin

as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard

Airplane!

as Religious Zealot (uncredited)

Raging Bull

as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)

The X-Files

as Bartender

Ed Wood

as Ring Announcer

Cellular

as Driving Instructor (uncredited)

Man on the Moon

as Foxy Jackson Referee