Ivan Gene LeBell was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and onetime professional wrestler. Gene was widely credited with having popularized grappling in professional fighting circles. He served as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.
He had earned himself the nicknames “Judo” Gene LeBell, “the Godfather of Grappling” and also “the toughest man alive” for his participation in combat sports. In addition to his judo background
Gene was born on October 9, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. In 1976, he was arrested and charged with the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. He was fully acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs to and from the murder scene.
Gene LeBell wife
Eleanor Smerch is the wife of Gene LeBell. The two got married and lived together for decades. Eleanor is a housewife who is not as popular as her late husband Gene was.
Gene LeBell children
The legend had three children with his wife. The name of his children is David LeBell, Monica LeBell Pandis, and Danny Martindale. His son David was known for his work on RoboCop 2 in 1990, Lethal Weapon 4, in 1998, and Commando in 1985
Gene LeBell parents
His father’s name was Cal Eaton and his mother was Aileen Eaton. Gene’s father Cal was also a wrestler.
Gene LeBell siblings
Gene LeBell had a brother called Mike Lebel. Mike was the promoter of the NWA Los Angeles territory during the 1960s and 1970s died in November 2009. He was 79 years old when he died.
