Jean-Claude Van Damme

Background

Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, popularly known as Jean Claude Van Damme, was born on October 18, 1960, to florist Eugène Van Varenberg and accountant Eliana Van Varenberg. He has an older sister, Veronique Van Varenberg, who is 18 months his senior. He is an incredibly talented Belgian actor, martial artist, fight choreographer, and film director. He is well-known for his down-to-earth demeanor and compassion. He is a diligent worker who continues to work in the film business.

He was born and raised in Belgium and was physically underdeveloped as a child. Recognizing this shortcoming, his father enrolled him at the age of ten in a Shotokan karate school. As a result, he developed an interest in martial arts and kickboxing. He was a Shotokan karate and kickboxing champion and began his competitive karate career at 15. In his first five years as a karate and martial artist, he won 44 competitions and non-tournament semi-contact contests and lost four times. He moved to the U.S. from Belgium in 1982, intending to break into Hollywood and find work as an actor. To support himself, he worked in different occupations, notably as an extra in the hip-hop film “Breakin.” Being pals with Chuck Norris got him a job as a bouncer at Woody’s Wharf, Chuck’s club. In 1984, he appeared in Cannon Films’ action movie “Missing in Action.” In the same year, he also directed a short comedy film called “Monaco Forever.” His fame and career have soared since his debut at the age of 26, followed by the release of his hit movies throughout his career.

His matrimonial life was a roller coaster ride, as he married Mara Rodriguez in 1980 and divorced in 1984. He had four remarriages. Van Damme is the father of two sons and one daughter. His sons, Kristopher Van Varenberg and Nicholas Van Varenberg, as well as his daughter, Bianca Brigitte Van Damme, all continued in their father’s footsteps and achieved success as actors. He married Gladys Portugues twice, first in 1987 and then in 1999. She is an American actress and former bodybuilder. The couple has parted ways, putting an end to their 15-year relationship.