Gene LeBell

Gene LeBell was interviewed for three-and-half hours in Sherman Oaks, CA.  LeBell talked about his childhood where he developed an interest in judo and boxing that eventually led to his career as a stuntman in movies and television.  He talked about his early work in television on such series as The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Lassie (in which he fought a bear), and The Jack Benny Show.  He also talked about his work on action series of the 1960s, 70s, and beyond including The Green Hornet, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Baretta, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Dukes of Hazzard.  LeBell discussed the craft of stunt work including descriptions of falls, fire stunts, and stunt driving.  Among the television series LeBell discussed in the most detail were: The Adventures of Superman (in which he worked closely with George Reeves), Batman, and The Fall Guy.  The interview was conducted by Karen Herman on September 10, 2003.