
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.
66
Films
32
TV Shows
Known For
98 Credits
The X-Files
as Bartender
1993

MacGyver
as Murph
1985

Married... with Children
as Larry
1987

Married... with Children
as Referee
1987

Married... with Children
as Black Ben
1987

Married... with Children
as Brutus
1987

That '70s Show
as Referee
1998

Knight Rider
as Junior
1982

Falcon Crest
as Union Guy
1981

Ironside
1967

Strong Medicine
as Referee
2000

Family Matters
as Referee
1989