Gene LeBell

American professional wrestler and judoka

Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. He was born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows[1] and authored 12 books.[2] He was born in Los Angeles. As an instructor, some of his best known students were Chuck Norris, Karo Parisyan, Manny Gamburyan, Ronda Rousey, Roddy Piper and Bruce Lee.

LeBell was an inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt, in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.[3]

LeBell died on August 9, 2022 at the age of 89.[4]

References change

  1. Gene LeBell on IMDb
  2. "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell -- MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man". Fightland. December 3, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  3. Atkin, Nicolas (August 15, 2019). "Could Gene LeBell beat up Bruce Lee? Meet the real life Cliff Booth from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  4. Wrestling Legend, Stuntman Gene Lebell Passes Away At 89

Other websites change