Gene LeBell
ActingAbout 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.
Gene LeBell Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Gene LeBell reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Gene LeBell's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 24% of Gene LeBell's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Raging Bull, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Gene LeBell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Gene LeBell's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Gene LeBell has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | I Am Bruce Lee | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | From Mexico With Love | Referee | Flop | Similar → |
| 2008 | Redbelt | Old Stuntman | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Cellular | Driving Instructor (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Spider-Man 2 | Train Passenger (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Jackass: The Movie | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Men in Black II | Subway Passenger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Rat Race | Veteran with Gun | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Man on the Moon | Foxy Jackson Referee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Running Red | Mercier's Bodyguard | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Hard Time | Eddie | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Rush Hour | Taxi Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Double Tap | Wallace | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | On the Edge of Innocence | Security Guard | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Shaughnessy: The Iron Marshal | NYC bouncer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up | Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | Ed Wood | Ring Announcer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Ring of Steel | MiB Bodyguard | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Bloodfist IV: Die Trying | Burly | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Rapid Fire | Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Eyes of an Angel | Pit Bull Handler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Alligator 2: The Mutation | Referee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Kickboxer 2: The Road Back | Referee | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Loose Cannons | Grimmer's Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dead Heat | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Death Wish 4: The Crackdown | Cannery Guard | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Number One with a Bullet | Referee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Golden Child | Drunken Biker (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Bad Guys | Terrible Turk Mc Gurk | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Micki & Maude | Wrestling Referee | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid | Hood | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Raging Bull | Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Foolin' Around | Paul | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Big Brawl | Stroke | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Airplane! | Religious Zealot (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Con Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Flesh & Blood | 2nd Fat Guy | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Every Which Way but Loose | Biker | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Bad News Bears Go to Japan | Mean Bones' Manager | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | I Wanna Hold Your Hand | Theatre Cop: Reese | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The One and Only | Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Black Samson | Nappa's Gang | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Mommy's Henchman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Walking Tall | 2nd Bouncer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Blacula | Second Dracula Henchman | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Hammer | Referee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Challenge | Karate Instructor | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Paradise, Hawaiian Style | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | Blue Hawaii | (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Gene LeBell - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Gene LeBell?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gene LeBell is "Raging Bull" with a rating of 7.9/10.
How many movies has Gene LeBell acted in?
Gene LeBell has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Gene LeBell?
Other notable films include "I Am Bruce Lee", "Ed Wood", and "Airplane!".