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Gene LeBell

Gene LeBell

Birthday: 1932-10-09 | Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA

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.

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Known For

Acting

Year
Title

Role

1998
Hard Time

as    Eddie

1994
Ring of Steel

as    MiB Bodyguard

1992
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying

as    Burly

1991
Eyes of an Angel

as    Pit Bull Handler

1974
Black Samson

as    Nappa's Gang (as Gene LaBell)

1972
Hammer

as    Referee