Acting · Los Angeles, California, USA · Born October 9, 1932
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.
The Search for Count Dante
2020
MovieThe Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father's Eyes
2019
as Self
MovieFury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018
as The Boss
MovieI Am Bruce Lee
2012
as Self
MovieFrom Mexico With Love
2009
as Referee
MovieBlood and Bone
2009
as Attendant
MovieRedbelt
2008
as Old Stuntman
TVThe Sarah Silverman Program.
2007
as Carl
MovieBottoms Up
2006
as Milt
MovieCellular
2004
as Driving Instructor (uncredited)
MovieSpider-Man 2
2004
as Train Passenger (uncredited)
TVReno 911!
2003
as Old Man on Scooter
MovieJackass: The Movie
2002
as Self
MovieMen in Black II
2002
as Subway Passenger (uncredited)
MovieRat Race
2001
as Veteran with Gun
TVStrong Medicine
2000
as Referee
MovieMan on the Moon
1999
as Foxy Jackson Referee
MovieRunning Red
1999
as Mercier's Bodyguard
MovieHard Time
1998
as Eddie
MovieRush Hour
1998
as Taxi Driver
TVThat '70s Show
1998
as Referee
MovieDouble Tap
1997
as Wallace
MovieBatman & Robin
1997
as Arkham Asylum Property Room Guard
MovieOn the Edge of Innocence
1997
as Security Guard
MovieShaughnessy: The Iron Marshal
1996
as NYC bouncer
MovieJury Duty
1995
as Security Guard (uncredited)
Movie3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
1995
as Red-Haired Waste Plant Worker Punching Rocky (uncredited)
MovieEd Wood
1994
as Ring Announcer
MovieRing of Steel
1994
as MiB Bodyguard
MovieM.A.N.T.I.S.
1994
as Rioter (uncredited)
TVThe X-Files
1993
as Bartender
MovieBloodfist IV: Die Trying
1992
as Burly
MovieRapid Fire
1992
as Red Haired Serrano Gunman (uncredited)
The Human Factor
1992
as Referee
MovieEyes of an Angel
1991
as Pit Bull Handler
MovieAlligator 2: The Mutation
1991
as Referee
MovieKickboxer 2: The Road Back
1991
as Referee
MovieLoose Cannons
1990
as Grimmer's Man
TVFamily Matters
1989
as Referee
MovieDead Heat
1988
MovieDeath Wish 4: The Crackdown
1987
as Cannery Guard
TVMarried... with Children
1987
as Larry
MovieNumber One with a Bullet
1987
as Referee
MovieThe Golden Child
1986
as Drunken Biker (uncredited)
TVSledge Hammer!
1986
as Archbishop
MovieWelcome to 18
1986
as Motorcycle Cop
MovieBad Guys
1986
as Terrible Turk Mc Gurk
TVMacGyver
1985
as Murph
MovieMicki & Maude
1984
as Wrestling Referee
TVThe Master
1984
as Brawler (uncredited)
TVKnight Rider
1982
as Junior
MovieDead Men Don't Wear Plaid
1982
as Hood
TVT. J. Hooker
1982
as James Wallace
MovieHeartbeeps
1981
as Forklift Driver Robot
TVFalcon Crest
1981
as Union Guy
TVSimon & Simon
1981
MovieSmokey Bites the Dust
1981
as Turk
MovieGoing Ape!
1981
as Faraday
MovieRaging Bull
1980
as Ring Announcer (Reeves Fight)
MovieFoolin' Around
1980
as Paul
MovieThe Big Brawl
1980
as Stroke
MovieAirplane!
1980
as Religious Zealot (uncredited)
MovieGoldie and the Boxer
1979
as Vinnie
MovieThe Jerk
1979
as Con Man
MovieMarciano
1979
as Ring Announcer
MovieFlesh & Blood
1979
as 2nd Fat Guy
TVFlesh & Blood
1979
as 2nd Fat Guy
TVHart to Hart
1979
as Heavy #2
MovieAmericathon
1979
as Referee
MovieEvery Which Way but Loose
1978
as Biker
TVTaxi
1978
as Referee
MovieThe Bad News Bears Go to Japan
1978
as Mean Bones' Manager
MovieAlmost Summer
1978
as Football Coach
MovieI Wanna Hold Your Hand
1978
as Theatre Cop: Reese
MovieThe One and Only
1978
as Reigning World Wrestling Champion (uncredited)
TVFantasy Island
1978
as The Referee
TVThe Incredible Hulk
1977
TVQuincy, M.E.
1976
MovieNo Way Back
1976
TVBaretta
1975
TVDinah!
1974
as Self
MovieBlack Samson
1974
as Nappa's Gang
MovieSlaughter's Big Rip-Off
1973
as Leo (uncredited)
MovieCleopatra Jones
1973
as Mommy's Henchman (uncredited)
MovieWalking Tall
1973
as 2nd Bouncer
MovieBlacula
1972
as Second Dracula Henchman
MovieMelinda
1972
as Hood
MovieHammer
1972
as Referee
MovieThe Challenge
1970
as Karate Instructor
TVLand of the Giants
1968
as Mezron's Brother
TVIronside
1967
TVThe Green Hornet
1966
as Barney
MovieParadise, Hawaiian Style
1966
TVThe Wild Wild West
1965
as Felix
TVThe Munsters
1964
as Tarzan McGirk
TVBurke's Law
1963
as Wrestler
TVThe Beverly Hillbillies
1962
MovieBlue Hawaii
1961
as (uncredited)
