Jean-Claude Van Damme: Belgian
Martial Artist Biography
Full Name: Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg
Stage Name: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Nickname: "The Muscles from Brussels"
Date of Birth: October 18, 1960
Place of Birth: Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Profession: Actor, Martial Artist, Director, Producer
Years Active: 1979–present
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm)
Weight: Approximately 77 kg (170 lbs)
Education
Studied Shotokan Karate from age 10
Also trained in Kickboxing, Taekwondo , and Ballet
No formal higher education; focused on martial arts and fitness training from a young age
Family
Father: Eugène Van Varenberg (Accountant)
Mother: Eliana Van Varenberg (Florist)
Marital Status: Married multiple times, including:
Gladys Portugues
(bodybuilder) – Married twice (1987–1992; remarried in 1999 and still together)
Also married to MarÃa RodrÃguez and Darcy LaPier
Children:
Christopher Van Varenberg (Son – Actor and Martial Artist)
Bianca Bree Van Damme
(Daughter – Actress)
Career Highlights
Jean-Claude Van Damme began as a martial artist and transitioned into a global action film star in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Breakthrough & Popular Films:
Bloodsport (1988) – Breakthrough role as Frank Dux
Kickboxer (1989)
Cyborg (1989)
The Lionheart (1990)
Double Impact
(1991) – Dual roles
Universal Soldier
(1992)
Hard Targets
(1993)
Timecop (1994) – One of his biggest box office hits
Street Fighter
(1994) – As Colonel Guile
JCVD (2008) – Critically acclaimed meta-performance of himself
Other Works:
Starred in TV series Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016, Amazon Prime)
Founded VD Films,
his own production company
Known for his flexibility, spinning kicks, and performing splits
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2024): $40 million
Main Income Sources:
Acting, directing, endorsements, martial arts exhibitions
Awards & Recognition
Golden Raspberry Nominee for some early roles (not always positively received)
2008 – Acclaimed for JCVD by critics for dramatic acting
2014 – Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood International Film Festival
Recognized as one of the most iconic martial arts actors of the 20th century
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian martial artist and action star known for his charisma, high kicks, and memorable fight scenes. From cult classics like Bloodsport to heartfelt performances in JCVD, he has enjoyed a unique career blending martial arts and Hollywood. Despite personal challenges and ups and downs in fame, Van Damme remains a respected figure in action cinema.
