Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
10/9/1932
Place of Birth
Los Angeles, California, USA
Also Known As
Gene Le BellGene La Bell
Gene LeBell
Biography
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 De...
Known For
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
Batman & Robin
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
Airplane!
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
as Mean Bones' Manager
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
Blue Hawaii
as (uncredited)
Walking Tall
as 2nd Bouncer
Dead Heat
Unknown Role
Blacula
as Second Dracula Henchman
Ed Wood
as Ring Announcer
Raging Bull
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
Rapid Fire
as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
The Jerk
as Con Man
Bad Guys
as Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
Black Samson
as Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)
The Golden Child
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
Going Ape!
as Faraday
Jury Duty
as Security Guard (uncredited)