Bruce Lee fans were outraged by Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film’s depiction of Bruce Lee sparked significant controversy, drawing criticism from not only fans but also from prominent figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who penned an op-ed titled “Bruce Lee Was My Friend, and Tarantino’s Movie Disrespects Him.” Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee’s daughter, also condemned the portrayal. A key figure in the controversy is Gene LeBell, a legendary wrestler and stuntman who was involved in the same era as Lee and appears in the backdrop of this story. LeBell, whose own legendary status intersects with Lee’s, adds a layer of context to the controversy and reveals why so many were upset with the film’s portrayal of Lee.
If you’ve seen Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, you know that the film features a flashback to the set of The Green Hornet, where Cliff Booth, an aging Hollywood stuntman, is shown defeating Bruce Lee in a physical altercation. This portrayal has been criticized for its depiction of Lee as a cocky showoff who claims he could take Muhammad Ali—an attitude that Booth, in the film, seeks to disprove. The film’s dramatized version of events and the portrayal of Lee’s character have led to widespread discontent among fans and those close to Lee, including Gene LeBell.
The Green Hornet, which aired for only one season in 1966-67, has gained cult status primarily due to Bruce Lee’s iconic role. One notable figure associated with the show is Gene LeBell, a former wrestler and NWA Hollywood champion, who appeared in several episodes as a red-haired antagonist.
LeBell is also the namesake for the “LeBell Lock,” a move famously used by Bryan Danielson (WWE as Daniel Bryan) in professional wrestling. Bryan trained under LeBell’s protégé, Neil Melanson. LeBell’s influence extends to other wrestlers and fighters, including Ronda Rousey. Rousey trained in judo with LeBell and also credited him with inspiring her to adopt the “Rowdy” moniker after consulting with his friend and former wrestling colleague, Roddy Piper. LeBell, who awarded Piper one of his few black belts (in wrestling), has paid tribute to Piper following his death in 2015.
LeBell’s prominence in combat sports and professional wrestling can be partly attributed to his background. Like other wrestling dynasties such as the von Erichs or the Harts, LeBell came from a fighting family. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted catch wrestling and boxing and managed the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
From a young age, LeBell trained in wrestling, boxing, and martial arts. By age 87, he remained a respected figure in combat sports. After success in amateur judo, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling, where he found financial success and became a notable figure in the Los Angeles territory, NWA Hollywood Wrestling, which he and his brother Mike ran for 20 years after their mother. His early wrestling career included a memorable gimmick as a police officer and participation in a high-profile match against George Reeves (Superman) at the 1957 Colorado State Fair.
LeBell also achieved notoriety in mixed martial arts. In 1963, he defeated boxer Milo Savage in a challenge match, and in 1976, he refereed the Muhammad Ali-Antonio Inoki bout in Tokyo, which is remembered for Inoki’s unorthodox tactics. Shifting from wrestling to stunt work, LeBell contributed to over a thousand films and television shows, including Smokin’ Aces, Entourage, The Shield, Batman & Robin, Independence Day, Walker, Texas Ranger, and The Dukes of Hazzard. His extensive career highlights his influence across various genres and eras.
The incident between LeBell and Lee on the set of The Green Hornet is less dramatic than Tarantino’s film suggests. LeBell was brought in because Lee’s martial arts moves were not appearing realistic enough on camera. During a practice session, LeBell took a hard punch from Lee and, in response, playfully carried Lee in a fireman’s carry, joking that he couldn’t let him down because Lee would retaliate. This encounter led to mutual respect, with Lee eventually becoming a student of LeBell’s judo.
Thus, the story of Gene LeBell intertwines with various legends of combat sports and entertainment, illustrating the interconnected world of professional wrestling, martial arts, and Hollywood.
