Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jean-Claude Van Damme

1976: Started Karate Career in Belgium

In 1976, Jean-Claude Van Damme started his competitive karate career in Belgium at the age of 15.

1977: Full Contact Record

From 1977 to 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme compiled a full-contact record of 18 victories (all by knockout) and one defeat.

1977: Victory over Teugels

In 1977, Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved a victory over Patrick Teugels.

1978: Mr. Belgium Bodybuilding Title

In 1978, Jean-Claude Van Damme won the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title, showcasing his dedication to physical fitness.

December 1979: European Karate Championship

On 26 December 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme was a member of the Belgium Karate Team when it won the European Karate Championship at La Coupe François Persoons Karate Tournament in Brussels.

1979: Uncredited Role in Woman Between Wolf and Dog

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme had an uncredited role in André Delvaux's Woman Between Wolf and Dog, a Belgian-French drama film.

1979: Opened California Gym

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme opened California Gym in Brussels, which offered karate, dancing, aerobics, and bodybuilding, catering to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.

1979: European Professional Karate Association Championship

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme won the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate Association.

March 1980: Defeated Patrick Teugels

On 8 March 1980, in Brussels, Belgium, Jean-Claude Van Damme competed against Patrick Teugels and won by TKO in the 1st round. This match was especially memorable for Van Damme.

1980: End of Tournament Karate

From 1976 to 1980, Jean-Claude Van Damme amassed a record of 44 victories and 4 defeats in tournament and non-tournament semi-contact karate matches.

1980: Attention from Karate Magazine

In 1980, Jean-Claude Van Damme caught the attention of Professional Karate Magazine publisher and editor Mike Anderson and multiple European champion Geert Lemmens, who recognized his potential.

1982: End of Full Contact Record

From 1977 to 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme compiled a full-contact record of 18 victories (all by knockout) and one defeat.

1982: Move to the United States

In 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme and his childhood friend Michel Qissi moved to the United States to pursue acting careers.

1982: Retirement from Karate

In 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme retired from competition in Karate.

1984: Stunt Team in Missing in Action

In 1984, Jean-Claude Van Damme was credited as part of the stunt team in the action film Missing in Action and had a role in the short comedy film Monaco Forever.

1984: Extra in Breakin'

In 1984, Jean-Claude Van Damme worked as an extra in the hip hop dance film Breakin'.

May 1986: No Retreat, No Surrender Premiere

On 2 May 1986, Jean-Claude Van Damme's first sizeable role was the Russian villain in Corey Yuen's martial arts film No Retreat, No Surrender, which premiered in Los Angeles.

1987: Predator Role

In 1987, Jean-Claude Van Damme worked on the film Predator as the original Predator alien but was later replaced due to concerns about his physical stature and complaints about the suit.

February 1988: Bloodsport Release

On 26 February 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout film Bloodsport opened, marking a significant turning point in his career.

1988: Breakthrough with Bloodsport

In 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme achieved his breakthrough role as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport, marking a significant turning point in his acting career.

1989: Starring in Cyborg and Kickboxer

In 1989, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Cyborg and Kickboxer, solidifying his status as an action film star.

1989: Starred in Cyborg

In 1989, after the success of Bloodsport, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Cyborg, a cyberpunk martial arts film directed by Albert Pyun.

1990: Starred in Death Warrant and Lionheart

In 1990, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Death Warrant, and Lionheart, further establishing his career as an action film star.

1990: Starring in Lionheart and Death Warrant

In 1990, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the commercially successful films Lionheart and Death Warrant, continuing to build his action film career.

1991: Double Impact Release

In 1991, Double Impact was released, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme in dual roles as twin brothers, Alex and Chad Wagner.

1991: Starring in Double Impact

In 1991, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Double Impact, playing the dual role of estranged twin brothers, which added to his reputation as an action film star.

July 1992: Universal Soldier Release

On 10 July 1992, Universal Soldier opened in theaters. At the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, Van Damme and Lundgren had a verbal altercation that almost turned physical.

1992: Starring in Universal Soldier

In 1992, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Universal Soldier, a sci-fi action blockbuster, directed by Roland Emmerich.

1992: Inspiration for Mortal Kombat Character

In 1992, the video game Mortal Kombat was conceived as a fighting game based on Van Damme and later created the character Johnny Cage, who is modeled after him.

1993: Cyborg 2 Release

In 1993, Cyborg 2 was released, adding to the list of sequels and remakes inspired by Van Damme's action films.

1993: Nowhere to Run

In 1993, Jean-Claude Van Damme made a cameo in Last Action Hero, and starred in Nowhere To Run.

1993: Starring in Nowhere to Run and Hard Target

In 1993, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Nowhere to Run and Hard Target, continuing his success in action films.

1994: Cyborg 3: The Recycler Release

In 1994, Cyborg 3: The Recycler was released as another sequel building on the themes and ideas of Van Damme's original films.

1994: Starred in 'Hard Target', 'Timecop', and 'Street Fighter'

In 1994, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in 'Hard Target', directed by John Woo. He also starred in 'Timecop', which became his highest-grossing film in a lead role. Furthermore, in 1994 he starred in 'Street Fighter', which was a commercial success despite being poorly received critically.

1994: Starring in Timecop and Street Fighter

In 1994, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Timecop and Street Fighter, which added to his resume of commercially successful films.

1995: Starring in Sudden Death

In 1995, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in Sudden Death, contributing to his ongoing success as an action film star.

1996: Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite Release

In 1996, Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite was released as one of the many sequels spawned from Van Damme's films.

1996: Frank Dux lawsuit regarding The Quest

In 1996, Frank Dux collaborated with Jean-Claude Van Damme in writing and consultation work on the film The Quest.

1996: Starring in The Quest and Maximum Risk

In 1996, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in The Quest, which marked his directorial debut, and Maximum Risk.

1996: Starred in and directed 'The Quest', appeared in 'Friends', and starred in 'Maximum Risk'

In 1996, Van Damme starred in and directed 'The Quest', which performed well internationally. He also appeared in an episode of the TV show 'Friends'. Additionally, in 1996 he starred in 'Maximum Risk', which was mildly successful.

1997: Bloodsport III Release

In 1997, Bloodsport III was released, continuing the series of sequels inspired by Van Damme's work.

1997: Starred in 'Double Team'

In 1997, Van Damme starred in 'Double Team', a sci-fi action film with Dennis Rodman, marking the American debut of director Tsui Hark.

1998: Collaboration with Hong Kong Filmmakers

Between 1993 and 1998, Jean-Claude Van Damme collaborated with Hong Kong filmmakers John Woo, Tsui Hark, and Ringo Lam for their debuts in Western cinema.

1998: Starred in 'Knock Off' and 'Legionnaire'

In 1998, Van Damme reunited with director Hark on 'Knock Off', which was a box-office flop. Also, in 1998 Van Damme acted in the war film 'Legionnaire', which was not released theatrically in the US.

1998: Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms and Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business Releases

In 1998, both Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms and Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business were released, continuing the franchise.

1999: Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite Release

In 1999, Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite was released, further expanding the Bloodsport film series influenced by Van Damme.

1999: Starred in 'Universal Soldier: The Return' and 'Inferno'

In 1999, Van Damme starred in 'Universal Soldier: The Return', reprising his role as Luc Deveraux, though it performed poorly at the box office. Also in 1999, he starred in 'Inferno'.

2001: Starred in 'Replicant' and 'The Order'

In 2001, Van Damme starred in 'Replicant', his second collaboration with director Ringo Lam. Also, in 2001 he starred in 'The Order', directed by Sheldon Lettich, and written by Van Damme.

2002: Starred in 'Derailed'

In 2002, Van Damme starred in the film 'Derailed'.

2003: Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision Release

In 2003, Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision was released as a sequel.

2003: Starred in 'In Hell' and appeared in Bob Sinclar's "Kiss My Eyes" music video

In 2003, Van Damme starred in 'In Hell', directed by Ringo Lam. Also in 2003, he appeared in the music video for Bob Sinclar's "Kiss My Eyes".

2004: Starred in 'Wake of Death'

In 2004, Van Damme starred in 'Wake of Death', an action film directed by Philippe Martinez.

2005: Played himself in the film 'Narco'

In 2005, Van Damme played himself in the French film 'Narco'.

2006: Starred in 'Second in Command' and 'The Hard Corps'

In 2006, Van Damme starred in 'Second in Command', directed by Simon Fellows, and 'The Hard Corps', directed by Sheldon Lettich.

2007: Played a role in 'The Exam' and starred in 'Until Death'

In 2007, Van Damme played a small role in 'The Exam', a Turkish comedy-drama film. Also that year he starred in 'Until Death'.

2008: Starring in JCVD

In 2008, Jean-Claude Van Damme returned to prominence with the critically acclaimed crime drama JCVD, where he played a fictional version of himself.

2008: Starred in 'JCVD' and 'The Shepherd: Border Patrol'

In 2008, Van Damme starred in 'JCVD', which received positive reviews and marked his return to the mainstream. Also in 2008, he starred in 'The Shepherd: Border Patrol'.

2009: Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li Release

In 2009, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li was released.

2009: Reprised role in 'Universal Soldier: Regeneration'

In 2009, Van Damme reprised his role as Luc Deveraux in 'Universal Soldier: Regeneration', alongside Dolph Lundgren. The film received mostly positive reviews.

2010: Directed 'Full Love' and turned down a role in 'The Expendables'

In 2010, Van Damme directed himself in the film 'Full Love'. Also in 2010, he turned down the role of Gunner Jensen in 'The Expendables'.

2011: Voiced Master Croc in 'Kung Fu Panda 2', co-starred in 'Assassination Games', played a role in 'Beur sur la ville', and starred in 'Behind Closed Doors'

In 2011, Van Damme voiced Master Croc in 'Kung Fu Panda 2'. He co-starred with Scott Adkins in 'Assassination Games'. He also played a role in the French comedy 'Beur sur la ville' and starred in his own reality TV show 'Behind Closed Doors'.

October 2012: Starred as villain in 'The Expendables 2', appeared in Coors Light and Dash commercials, and honored with statue in Brussels

In October 2012, Van Damme starred as the main villain in 'The Expendables 2', marking a return to the action genre. He also appeared in commercials for Coors Light beer and Dash washing powder. On October 21, 2012, he was honored with a life-size statue in Brussels.

2012: Starring in The Expendables 2

In 2012, Jean-Claude Van Damme made a big return to the action genre by starring as the villain in The Expendables 2, opposite Sylvester Stallone.

2012: Acted in 'Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon', 'U.F.O.', 'Dragon Eyes', 'Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning', and 'Six Bullets'

In 2012, Van Damme acted in 'Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon', and 'U.F.O.'. He also starred in 'Dragon Eyes', 'Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning', and 'Six Bullets'.

November 2013: Starred in Volvo Trucks advertisement 'The Epic Split'

In November 2013, Volvo Trucks released an advertisement on YouTube featuring Van Damme doing the splits between two moving trucks, dubbed 'The Epic Split', which quickly went viral.

2013: Starring in Enemies Closer

In 2013, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the well-received action film Enemies Closer.

2014: Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist Release

In 2014, Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist was released.

2014: Starred in 'Swelter'

In 2014, Van Damme starred in the American action film 'Swelter'.

2015: Starred in 'Pound of Flesh' and had a role in a Chinese superhero parody film

In 2015, Van Damme starred in the action thriller 'Pound of Flesh'. Also in 2015, he had a supporting role in a Chinese superhero parody film.

2016: Starring in Jean-Claude Van Johnson

From 2016 to 2017, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the Ridley Scott-produced television series Jean-Claude Van Johnson.

2016: Hard Target 2 Release

In 2016, Hard Target 2 was released, adding to the remakes of Van Damme's filmography.

2016: Returned to Kung Fu Panda franchise, starred in 'Kickboxer: Vengeance', and lead TV series 'Jean-Claude Van Johnson'

In 2016, Van Damme returned to his voice role in 'Kung Fu Panda 3'. Also, in 2016 he acted in 'Kickboxer: Vengeance'. That year he also played the lead in the TV series 'Jean-Claude Van Johnson'.

2017: Starring in Jean-Claude Van Johnson

From 2016 to 2017, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the Ridley Scott-produced television series Jean-Claude Van Johnson.

2017: Starred in 'Kill 'Em All'

In 2017, Van Damme starred in 'Kill 'Em All', an action film directed by Peter Malota.

2018: Starring in The Bouncer and Kickboxer: Retaliation

In 2018, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in The Bouncer and Kickboxer: Retaliation, adding to his extensive filmography.

2018: Returned to 'Kickboxer: Retaliation', acted in 'Black Water', and starred in 'The Bouncer'

In 2018, Van Damme returned to his role in 'Kickboxer: Retaliation'. Also that year, he acted in 'Black Water', and on August 22 of that year he starred in 'The Bouncer'.

2019: Starred in 'We Die Young'

In 2019, he starred in 'We Die Young'.

2020: Welcome to Sudden Death Release

In 2020, Welcome to Sudden Death was released.

2021: Starred in 'The Last Mercenary'

In 2021, he starred in 'The Last Mercenary'.

2022: Voice Work in Minions: The Rise of Gru

In 2022, Jean-Claude Van Damme did voice work in the animated film Minions: The Rise of Gru.

2022: Appointed as Democratic Republic of the Congo Ambassador On Environment

In 2022, Van Damme was appointed as Democratic Republic of the Congo Ambassador On Environment, taking on the role of enhancing the protection of forests as well as local fauna and flora.