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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Gene LeBell reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Action
The majority of Gene LeBell's filmography leans towards the Action genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 26% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Gene LeBell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Raging Bull, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Gene LeBell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Gene LeBell's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Gene LeBell.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | I Am Bruce Lee | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | From Mexico With Love | Referee | Flop | Similar → |
| 2008 | Redbelt | Old Stuntman | Hit | 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 (as Gene LaBell) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Mommy's Henchman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Walking Tall | 2nd Bouncer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Blacula | Second Dracula Henchman | Flop | 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!".