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
- 2007The Sarah Silverman ProgramCarl1 ep.
- 2003Reno 911!Old Man on Scooter5 ep.
- 1992The Human FactorReferee1 ep.
- 1987Married... with ChildrenBrutus4 ep.
- 1986Sledge Hammer!Archbishop1 ep.
- 1984The MasterBrawler (uncredited)1 ep.
- 1982Knight RiderJunior1 ep.
- 1981Simon & Simon2 ep.
- 1979Flesh & Blood2nd Fat Guy2 ep.
- 1978TaxiReferee5 ep.
- 1977The Incredible Hulk1 ep.
- 1968Land of the GiantsMezron's Brother1 ep.
- 1966The Green HornetBarney1 ep.
- 1964The MunstersTarzan McGirk1 ep.
- 1962The Beverly Hillbillies2 ep.
Behind the camera
- 1980Magnum, P.I.Stunt Double1 ep.
Guest appearances
- 2010The Sarah Silverman ProgramCarl1 ep.
- 2003Reno 911!Grandpa, Old Man on Scooter5 ep.
- 2003Strong MedicineReferee1 ep.
- 2000The X-FilesBartender1 ep.
- 1999That '70s ShowReferee1 ep.
- 1987Married... with ChildrenBlack Ben, Brutus, Larry, Referee4 ep.
- 1994Family MattersReferee1 ep.
- 1992The Human FactorReferee1 ep.
- 1991MacGyverMurph1 ep.
- 1988Falcon CrestUnion Guy1 ep.
- 1987Sledge Hammer!Archbishop1 ep.
- 1982Simon & Simon2 ep.
- 1984Knight RiderJunior1 ep.
- 1984The MasterBrawler (uncredited)1 ep.
- 1979TaxiReferee, Referee (uncredited), The Referee5 ep.
- 1982Fantasy IslandThe Referee1 ep.
- 1982T. J. HookerJames Wallace1 ep.
- 1981The Incredible Hulk1 ep.
- 1980Hart to HartHeavy #21 ep.
- 1977Quincy, M.E.1 ep.
- 1976Dinah!Self1 ep.
- 1969Land of the GiantsMezron's Brother1 ep.
- 1968The Wild Wild WestFelix1 ep.
- 1968The Beverly Hillbillies2 ep.
- 1967Ironside1 ep.
- 1966The Green HornetBarney1 ep.
- 1964Burke's LawWrestler1 ep.
- 1964The MunstersTarzan McGirk1 ep.
Also known as: Gene Le Bell · Gene La Bell · Gene LaBell