Full actor profile
Gene LeBell
Acting
102 known credits
1.0 popularity score 89 years
Biography
About 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.
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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Career at a glance
Gene LeBell across film and television
98credited titles
69movie credits
29TV credits
1961–2020screen career span
Notable work
Recent movies and TV shows
Article
TV download guide
Pokémon (1997) — Episodes and downloads
Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
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ToxiCity (2026) — Download guide
An up-and-coming app developer with a troubled past struggles to break free from childhood trauma as he attempts to balance work, family, and a chaotic love life.
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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) — Episodes and downloads
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
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