Gene LeBell As "Mr. Kryptonite"

Above, Gene LeBell's "Mr. Kryptonite" costume on display at the
 Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gene LeBell, who was nicknamed the "Godfather of Grappling", was a friend of Superman actor George Reeves. It has been reported in various wrestling and martial arts websites that LeBell passed away at age 89 yesterday.

Above, George Reeves, Noel Neill and Gene LeBell in 1957 on the fair tour.

In 1957, Reeves organized a tour to different fairs and LeBell would perform with Reeves and actress Noel Neill. He appeared as "Mr. Kryptonite" to Reeves's Superman and Neill's Lois Lane in a skit during each appearance.

LeBell's "Mr. Kryptonite" costume is currently on display at the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois as is one of Reeves's Superman costumes.

Above, Gene LeBell and yours truly at the Superman Celebration in 2014.

I took a trip to Metropolis in 2016 to attend the memorial service for Noel Neill and toured the Super Museum. While at the museum, I took the accompanying photo of LeBell's "Mr. Kryptonie" costume.

I met Gene LeBell at the Superman Celebration luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel in Studio City and we were seated at the same table during the luncheon. He was a very nice and funny guy.