Ivan Gene LeBell was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and former professional wrestler.

LeBell is commonly considered the “Godfather of Grappling” for popularizing grappling in professional fighting circles, functioning as a predecessor to current mixed martial arts.

Gene also wrote 12 books and worked on over 1,000 films and TV series. Lebell was born in the city of Los Angeles, California.

He began training in Catch wrestling and boxing as a boy, motivated by his mother, “Red Head” Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who controlled the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium.

What Is Gene LeBell’s Net Worth Before Death?

Gene LeBell’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was $10 million.

At 89, the famed American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and former professional wrestler died. He passed away on August 9, 2022. His death was quite natural.

Gene is usually regarded as having popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, functioning as a forerunner to contemporary mixed martial arts.

In 1963, LeBell became involved with boxer and journalist Jim Beck’s challenge to Japanese martial arts practitioners.

Beck asserted that any martial artist could be defeated in a direct bout by a boxer and promised $1000 to anyone who could show otherwise.

He was the brother of the late Mike LeBell, who died in November 2009 at 79.

Gene LeBell Has Died At The Age Of 89: His Cause Of Death Explained

According to reliable reports, American martial artist Gene Lebell has died. He also wrestled professionally. The athlete’s death cause has not yet been revealed.

The soul of the deceased martial artist’s family may be mourning right now. Gene was well-known and respected in the martial arts community.

In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taijutsu.

The World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted LeBell to 10th Degree on August 7, 2004, while the USJJF promoted the athlete to 9th Dan in Traditional Judo in February 2005.

Where Is The American Martial Artist-Stunt Performer Wife Eleanor Smerch?

Gene LeBell was a married man. He was happily married to his gorgeous wife, Eleanor Smerch.

Unlike the famous martial artist champion, his wife Eleanor remained far from all the public attention.

Smerch and LeBell have three children from whom they have also become grandparents. But due to the lowkey status maintained by Gene’s wife, their whereabouts in unidentified.

The married couple was living together in their old age, being supportive of one another.

More To Know About LeBell’s Wife Eleanor Smerch And Their Children

Gene was a spouse who had a wife named Eleanor Smerch. The couple has been together for a long time.

They have three children, one girl and two sons, Danny Martindale, Monica LeBell Pandis, and David LeBell.

LeBell’s grandchildren include Jimmy James LeBell, Nicholas Pandis, Aleksander Pandis, and Daniel Gene LeBell.

His son David LeBell is an actor recognized for his work on RoboCop 2, Lethal Weapon 4, and Commando since nothing is known about the other two.

David won the Los Angeles City Judo Championship while in college while competing for Welcome Mat Judo, and he has appeared in numerous Martial Arts publications such as Black Belt Magazine and Inside Kung Fu.

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