Gene LeBell

"The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. For similar uses, see Hangman § Ring name.

Gene LeBell
Born
Ivan Gene LeBell

(1932-10-09)October 9, 1932
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedAugust 9, 2022(2022-08-09) (aged 89)
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names"Judo Gene"
"The Godfather of Grappling"
Occupations
  • Martial arts instructor
  • actor
  • stunt performer
  • stunt coordinator
Martial arts career
StyleCatch Wrestling, Judo, Jujutsu, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do
Teacher(s)Larry Coughran
Rank
  •   10th degree red belt in Judo
  •   9th degree black belt in Jujutsu
  •   10th degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai[1]
Notable students


Ring name(s)
  • Gene LeBell
  • The Hangman
Billed height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Trained by
DebutDecember 10, 1955
RetiredAugust 29, 1980

Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) was an American judoka, stuntman, actor and professional wrestler. He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books.[2]

  1. ^ "IBK International Kyokushin Budokai – Blak Belts". International Kyokushin Budokai. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  2. ^ "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell – MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man". Fightland. December 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.