For similar uses, see, MMA History Gene Lebell VS Milo Savage, 1963, The Godfather of Grappling (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Those are just some of the names that Gene LeBell has trained with, not to mention the countless other celebrities and luminaries hes worked alongside during his decades-long careers as a pioneering mixed martial artist, a professional wrestler, and a stuntman. The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell However, in his excitement Gene swung the title belt around his head, which accidentally hit one of the wrestling commissioners on the head, causing a nasty gash. We couldnt prouder. However, Gene LeBell was a 10th degree judo black belt and one of the toughest men on the planet, so the director knew this wouldn't happen to him. LeBell was 89 years old. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Muhammad Ali. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . People called him the Toughest Man Alive. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. Sugar Ray Robinson. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . He was known as one the best stuntmen in his early days and his influence in the worlds of mixed martial arts and wrestling still. Lou Thesz. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood to celebrate his storied life and remember how he touched each of them in a way only LeBell could. Bruce Lee - Wikipedia Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. Some of his vast television credits includeThe Jack Benny Program (1962), The Man from U.N.C.L.E (1965) The Green Hornet (1965), Mission: Impossible (1966), I Spy (1965), The Wild Wild West (1965), Bonanza (1968), Kung Fu (1972), Beretta (1975), Starsky and Hutch (1975), Fantasy Island (1979), The Greatest American Hero (1981), Married with Children (1987), Baywatch (1989), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), Walker Texas Ranger (1993), That 70s Show (1998), The X-Files (2000), The Shield (2002), Reno 911 (2003), 24 (2010) and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that. Love ya !!! (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks with Midge LeBell wife of Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been Genes 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. He is there to help you any time any where. The belt was immediately seized from the shocked Gene, which in later years would cause him to comment, Well, at least I was the champ for 12 seconds and I retired as champion. (Gene LeBell Biography), Gene went on to fight numerous opponents over the years including practitioners from other fighting arts that scoffed at Genes prowess, however they learned the hard way that Genes superb grappling skills were the real deal. Love ya Gene. Awesome Steve Picerni. Confidential (1997) Batman & Robin (1997), Rush Hour (1998), The Man on the Moon (1999) Men in Black II (2002), Spiderman 2 (2004), Starsky & Hutch (2004), Over his career, LeBell was bludgeoned, shot, run over, karate-chopped (he became friends with Bruce Lee) and drowned for $2,000 per week earning more than most lawyers during those days. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. It must be said at this stage that . He judged UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) plus he had a highly popular website visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. LeBells career wasnt without controversy of its own, thoughnot long after refereeing the Ali-Inoki fight in 1976, he was arrested for his role in the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall, whose residence contained hours of phone recordings connected to powerful local figures and even the 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. He was 89. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. When he entered the 1954 AAU National Judo championship as a lightly regarded 160-pound heavyweight, he pinned 1952 Pan American Games gold medalist Johnny Osako in his first match, then went on to win both his weight class as well as the overall tournament. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. "LeBell parlayed his pain-inducing skills into careers in martial arts, professional wrestling and Hollywood stunt work, making him the ultimate a**-kicking Renaissance man. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. The pictures above are from the TV show Fall Guy and I told Gene I didnt want to hit him on the bike and he said I dont want you to hit me eitheryou may hurt yourself. Congratulations Gene, you earned this award and no one in this world is taking it away from the Toughest man Alive. Jack Gill. I had a 2-stroke so i had to unload at an area specifiedthe 4-strokes rode the streets to the mountains and riding area.As i was driving my bike in my pick-up.Gene passed me standing on the seat of his XR doin a wheelieGene is an Amazing man.Open arms.. to a choke-out! Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Famous Steven - Looper LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? Michael Hilow, Congratulations to the prettiest man in Hollywood, and the reason the phrase Bad Ass was created.. No one is more deserving than my buddy, and everyones Uncle.. Uncle Gene! This award is only given to a select few. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Congrats my friend and God Bless. [5], LeBell has been reported as the inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Neil Melanson Meet the real life Cliff Booth from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', "Gene LeBell vs Milo Savage: Gene LeBell Saved Martial Arts", "Matches Gene LeBell Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database", "TOUGH GUYS WEAR PINK IN ANY COLOR, JUDO MASTER AND FILM STUNTMAN GENE LEBELL IS ONE HARD HOMBRE", Gene LeBell talks Steven Seagal s-ing himself, https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal, Steven Seagal denies Gene LeBell made him poop his pants, "Ronda Rousey: 'If Steven Seagal says anything about Gene LeBell to my face, I'll make him crap his pants', "Truth Finally Revealed on Seagal and LeBell According to Actual Eyewitness Steven Lambert Testimony! The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. judo. [20], LeBell is associated with Gokor Chivichyan's Hayastan MMA Academy where he taught grappling classes. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. By the time he transitioned to judo in the early 1950s, LeBell had already spent untold hours in submission holds and on the receiving end of punches from boxers like the great Sugar Ray Robinson at L.A.s famous Main Street Gym. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety When I first came to town in 1987, I remember trying to get my hands on one those Stunt Rate breakdown cards you used to make. Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. It wasnt exactly an elite-level boxer facing down a grappler, but it did offer a variation on the Ultimate Fighting Championship model that LeBells long-time acquaintances, the Gracie family, would partner with Bob Meyrowitz to launch in 1993right down to the initial audience confusion and cautious feeling-out process between the athletes. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. OSU! Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. Each speaker spoke fondly of the larger-than-life LeBell, recounting stories and memories of how he inspired them and the love they felt for him. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . Ronda Rousey. They all grew up to be great young men, James is a newspaper writer for various companies, David is a Federal Police Officer and Matthew is an accountant and they all, always talk about the days they train under Gene. A celebration of his life will be held on his 90thBirthday October 9th, 2022 at the Hayastan Academy led by his student, Black Belt Hall of Fame Member - Gokor Chivichyan. Never ever have I known a man so talented, having so much wisdom and experience, so giving of his knowledge and skills and yet being so humble. Long overdue! [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. (Gene LeBell Biography), LeBell transitioned from amateur to AAU national judo champ in 1954 and catapulted to national attention but as a pro wrestler, playing Hank the Hangman; he made a living by losing every match. So may you rest in power, Gene.. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Judo Gene!!! Karl Gotch. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. LeBell was 89 years old. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. Colleagues, friends and fans (in most cases they qualify as all three) have contributed their congratulations to the living legend that is Judo Gene LeBell. A long overdue, but well deserved award. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Best Hugh Aodh OBrien, All Rights Reserved.Web design by My Life at Speed Digital Services, Stan Barrett, Paul Newman, and Breaking Land Speed Records, Annual Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership Payment, The Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership 20% Off Promotion, actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions, https://stuntsunlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jon-Boucher-One-of-my-personal-favorite-Gene-Lebell-television-appearances-as-Tarzan-McGirk-taking-on-the-mysterious-Masked-Marvel-on-an-episode-of-The-Munsters..mp4, In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. LeBell is said to have placed his arms around Seagal's neck, and once Seagal said "go", proceeded to choke him unconscious, with Seagal losing control of his bowels. You are a true living legend. Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. He started training in catch wrestling and boxing from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. Gene LeBell's martial arts career was supported and influenced by his mother "Red Head" Aileen Eaten who was a promoter of both sports and who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. He has trained with or taught grappling skills to many well-known wrestlers and martial artists, such as Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bob Wall, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker, Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Mando Guerrero, Manny Gamburyan.