Early Life and Education of Jean-Claude Van Damme: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jean-Claude Van Damme. A timeline of key moments.

Jean-Claude Van Damme, born Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, is a Belgian martial artist and actor. His martial arts training began at age ten, leading to accomplishments such as a 2nd-dan black belt in karate, a European Professional Karate Association middleweight championship, and a Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title. In 1982, he moved to the United States aspiring to become an actor. He gained recognition for his martial arts skills, landing his breakthrough role in the film Bloodsport (1988).

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1960: Jean-Claude Van Damme's Birth

In October 1960, Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, known as Jean-Claude Van Damme, was born in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Brussels, Belgium.

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1976: Start of Competitive Karate Career

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

1977: Start of Full-Contact Career

In 1977, Jean-Claude Van Damme began his full-contact career when Claude Goetz promoted the first ever full-contact karate tournament in Belgium.

1979: Opening of California Gym

In 1979, Jean-Claude Van Damme opened California Gym in Brussels, offering karate, dancing, aerobics, and bodybuilding training.

1982: Move to the United States

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

1987: Son Kristopher born

In 1987, Kristopher, Jean-Claude Van Damme's son with Gladys Portugues, was born.

1990: Daughter Bianca Brigitte born

In 1990, Bianca Brigitte, Jean-Claude Van Damme's daughter with Gladys Portugues, was born.

1992: Robert Alexander Szatkowski given ring name "Rob Van Dam"

In 1992, American professional wrestler Robert Alexander Szatkowski was given his ring name "Rob Van Dam" by Ron Slinker, a promoter in Florida, because of his martial arts experience and his resemblance to Van Damme.

1992: Ended marriage to Gladys Portugues

Until 1992, Van Damme was married to his third wife, bodybuilder Gladys Portugues, with whom he had two children.

1993: Developed Cocaine Habit

From 1993, due to the stress of constant filming and promotion of his films, Van Damme claims to have developed a cocaine habit.

February 1994: Married Darcy LaPier

In February 1994, Jean-Claude Van Damme married actress Darcy LaPier.

October 1995: Son Nicholas born

On October 10, 1995, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Darcy LaPier had a son named Nicholas.

1996: Consumed up to 10 grams of cocaine per day

By 1996, Van Damme was consuming up to 10 grams of cocaine per day.

1998: Diagnosed with bipolar disorder

In 1998, Jean-Claude Van Damme was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, marking a significant personal challenge.

1999: Arrested for driving under the influence

In 1999, Van Damme was arrested for driving under the influence.

October 2011: Criticism for attending Ramzan Kadyrov's birthday celebration

In October 2011, Jean-Claude Van Damme faced criticism from human rights groups for attending Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's 35th birthday celebration in Grozny. The event, held on October 5th, also drew criticism towards other celebrities present due to Kadyrov's alleged human rights abuses.

2011: Discussed bipolar disorder on British reality show

In 2011, Jean-Claude Van Damme discussed his bipolar disorder on the British reality show Jean-Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors, providing insights into his struggles with mood swings.

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2013: Most Memorable Match

In a 2013 interview, Jean-Claude Van Damme called his fight against Patrick Teugels his most memorable match.

August 2016: Georges St-Pierre described fighting Van Damme in Kickboxer: Vengeance as "a dream come true"

In August 2016, Georges St-Pierre described fighting Van Damme in the film Kickboxer: Vengeance as "a dream come true".

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October 2016: Expressed support for Donald Trump

In October 2016, Jean-Claude Van Damme expressed his support for presidential candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election.

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

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