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 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.
Acted in 92
2000s
- 2009
From Mexico With Love
Referee
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
Bottoms Up
Milt
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
- 1998
Hard Time
Eddie
- 1997
On the Edge of Innocence
Security Guard
- 1996
Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
NYC bouncer
- 1995
- 1994
Ring of Steel
MiB Bodyguard
M.A.N.T.I.S.
Rioter (uncredited)
- 1993
- 1992
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying
Burly
- 1991
- 1990
1980s
- 1989
- 1988
- 1987
- 1986
Welcome to 18
Motorcycle Cop
Bad Guys
Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
- 1985
- 1984
- 1982
- 1981
Heartbeeps
Forklift Driver Robot
Smokey Bites the Dust
Turk
Going Ape!
Faraday
- 1980
1970s
- 1979
Goldie and the Boxer
Vinnie
Marciano
Ring Announcer
Flesh & Blood
2nd Fat Guy · 2 episodes
Americathon
Referee
- 1978
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
Mean Bones' Manager
Almost Summer
Football Coach
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Theatre Cop: Reese
The One and Only
Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
- 1977
- 1976
No Way Back
Movie
- 1974
Black Samson
Nappa's Gang
- 1973
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
Leo (uncredited)
Cleopatra Jones
Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
- 1972
Melinda
Hood
Hammer
Referee
- 1970
The Challenge
Karate Instructor
1960s
- 1968
- 1967
- 1966
- 1965
- 1964
- 1963
- 1962
- 1961
Other crew 135
2000s
- 2007
- 2006
Bottoms Up
Stunts
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
Trial and Error
Stunts
Gone Fishin'
Stunts
Judge and Jury
Stunts
- 1996
- 1995
Steel Frontier
Stunts
Ballistic
Stunts
- 1994
- 1993
C.I.A. II: Target Alexa
Stunts
Conflict of Interest
Stunts
- 1992
- 1991
Write to Kill
Stunts
- 1990
Almost an Angel
Stunts
1980s
- 1989
- 1988
- 1987
Code Name: Zebra
Stunts
Nightforce
Stunts
- 1986
The Morning After
Stunts
- 1985
- 1984
- 1983
Heart Like a Wheel
Stunts
- 1982
- 1981
Smokey Bites the Dust
Stunts
- 1980
Inside Moves
Stunts
1970s
- 1979
The Prize Fighter
Stunts
Americathon
Stunts
The Fantastic Seven
Stunts
- 1978
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Stunts
The One and Only
Stunt Coordinator
- 1977
Black Sunday
Stunts
- 1976
- 1975
Let's Do It Again
Stunts
- 1974
99 and 44/100% Dead
Stunts
Black Samson
Stunts
- 1973
Cleopatra Jones
Stunts
- 1972
- 1970
1960s
- 1968
Don't Just Stand There
Stunt Coordinator
- 1967
- 1966
- 1965
7 Women
Stunts
- 1963
4 for Texas
Stunts
Appearances4
2000s
- 2002
1970s
- 1974
