Jean-Claude Van Damme Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jean-Claude Camille Francois Van Varenberg |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Brussels, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Profession | Actor, martial artist |
| Years Active | 1984-present |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Gladys Portugues (third marriage, 1999-present) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$40 million |
| Known For | Athletic splits, high kicks, and self-aware action comedies |
Early Life & Background
Van Damme began Shotokan karate at age 10 and earned a black belt by 18. He also trained in ballet, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and bodybuilding (Mr. Belgium title at 19). Seeking international stardom, he moved to Los Angeles in 1982, working as a carpet installer, limo driver, and bouncer while auditioning.
Career Journey
Breakthrough
After small roles in Missing in Action and No Retreat, No Surrender, Van Damme co-wrote and headlined Bloodsport (1988), which became a cult hit and launched his nickname "The Muscles from Brussels." Kickboxer (1989) and Lionheart (1990) cemented his global appeal.
Hollywood Success
Van Damme reached peak box office with Universal Soldier (1992), Hard Target (1993), Timecop (1994), and Sudden Death (1995). He negotiated creative control, choreographing fight scenes emphasizing balletic kicks and slow-motion splits.
Challenges & Reinvention
Substance abuse and personal struggles affected his late-1990s output, but he rebounded with self-referential works like JCVD (2008) and voice roles in Kung Fu Panda 2/3. He reunited with Dolph Lundgren in Universal Soldier: Regeneration and appeared in The Expendables 2 (2012) as villain Jean Vilain.
Current Projects
Van Damme stars in international productions such as Amazon's Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016), the French action-comedy The Last Mercenary (2021), and the 2024 Netflix thriller Silent Revenge. In 2026 he is developing a docuseries on martial arts culture and planning a farewell action film titled Dark Wolf filmed in Belgium and Thailand.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Bloodsport | Frank Dux | Cult classic |
| 1989 | Kickboxer | Kurt Sloane | Iconic dance scene |
| 1992 | Universal Soldier | Luc Deveraux | Franchise starter |
| 1994 | Timecop | Max Walker | Box-office hit |
| 1995 | Sudden Death | Darren McCord | Die Hard-style thriller |
| 2008 | JCVD | Himself | Critics' favorite |
| 2012 | The Expendables 2 | Jean Vilain | Villain role |
| 2021 | The Last Mercenary | Richard Brumre | Netflix comeback |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Action Performance (nomination) | Bloodsport | Nominated |
| 2014 | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Action Choreography (special honor) | Career | Honored |
| 2021 | Shanghai International Film Festival | Outstanding Action Star | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$40 million (2026)
Van Damme's earnings derive from action films, international television deals, endorsements (Hyundai, Coors), and fitness programs. He monetizes his JCVD Studios YouTube channel and invests in Belgian real estate and wellness resorts in Thailand.
Personal Life
Van Damme married bodybuilder Gladys Portugues twice, sharing two children (Kristopher, Bianca). He also has a son with ex-wife Darcy LaPier. He practices yoga, meditation, and plant-based eating, promoting mindfulness across his social channels.
Philanthropy & Causes
He supports animal-rights organizations, anti-bullying campaigns, and disaster relief in Europe and Southeast Asia. Van Damme hosts charity kickboxing exhibitions and funds film scholarships via the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Twitter: @jcvd shares training clips, inspirational quotes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of film shoots.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Van Damme choreographed the splits Subaru commercial that went viral in 2013, leading to a surge in popularity.
- He once sparred with future UFC champion Georges St-Pierre while teaching karate seminars.
- Van Damme is a skilled painter, often gifting abstract works to fans.
- He holds dual Belgian and American citizenship.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Van Damme is prepping Dark Wolf, touted as his final starring action film, and collaborating with Netflix on a docuseries exploring martial arts legends. He continues cameo appearances in global action comedies and plans a farewell tour meeting fans across Europe and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jean-Claude Van Damme?
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian-born actor and martial artist famous for 1980s and 1990s action films like Bloodsport and Universal Soldier.
What is Jean-Claude Van Damme most famous for?
He is most famous for his high-flying kicks, splits, and charismatic performances in action hits such as Timecop and Kickboxer.
Is Jean-Claude Van Damme active on social media?
Yes. Van Damme interacts with fans on Instagram and Twitter, sharing motivational posts and training videos.