Actor
Gene LeBell
October 9, 1932 · Los Angeles, California, USA
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.
Notable work
7.3Spider-Man 2 (2004)
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
6.4Men in Black II (2002)
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
7.1Rush Hour (1998)
as Taxi Driver
4.4Batman & Robin (1997)
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
7.3Airplane! (1980)
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
7.9Raging Bull (1980)
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
8.4The X-Files (1993)
as Bartender
7.5Ed Wood (1994)
as Ring Announcer
6.4Cellular (2004)
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
6.3Rat Race (2001)
as Veteran with Gun
7.2Man on the Moon (1999)
as Foxy Jackson Referee
7.9That '70s Show (1998)
as Referee
Often works with
Full filmography · 89
From Mexico With Love
as Referee
2009
Blood and Bone
as Attendant
20097.4
Redbelt
as Old Stuntman
20086.4
Bottoms Up
as Milt
20063.1
Cellular
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
20046.4
Spider-Man 2
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
20047.3
Men in Black II
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
20026.4
Rat Race
as Veteran with Gun
20016.3
Man on the Moon
as Foxy Jackson Referee
19997.2
Running Red
as Mercier's Bodyguard
1999
Hard Time
as Eddie
1998
Rush Hour
as Taxi Driver
19987.1