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. Beginning karate at age ten, he achieved a 2nd-dan black belt, winning the European Professional Karate Association middleweight championship in 1979 and the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title in 1978. Driven by acting aspirations, he relocated to the United States in 1982. After several roles, he achieved breakthrough success as the lead in the martial arts film Bloodsport (1988).
October 1960: Jean-Claude Van Damme Born
In October 1960, Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, known professionally as Jean-Claude Van Damme, was born in Brussels, Belgium. He would later become a renowned martial artist and actor.
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.
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.
1992: Robert Alexander Szatkowski becomes Rob Van Dam
In 1992, American professional wrestler Robert Alexander Szatkowski was given his ring name "Rob Van Dam" possibly because of his resemblance to Van Damme.
February 1994: Marriage to Darcy LaPier
In February 1994, Van Damme married actress Darcy LaPier, marking his fourth marriage.
October 1995: Birth of Son Nicholas
In October 1995, Van Damme and Darcy LaPier had a son named Nicholas.
1996: Peak of Cocaine Addiction
By 1996, Van Damme's cocaine habit had escalated to consuming up to 10 grams per day, a consequence of the stress from constant filming and promotion.
1998: Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
In 1998, Van Damme was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adding another layer to his personal challenges.
2009: Planned comeback fight with Somluck Kamsing
Since 2009, Van Damme has been planning a comeback to fight former boxing Olympic gold-medalist Somluck Kamsing, but the fight was repeatedly postponed.
2011: Discussed Bipolar Disorder on Reality Show
In 2011, Van Damme discussed his bipolar disorder on the British reality show Jean-Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors, sharing his experiences with mood swings and medication.
2013: Memorable Fight
In a 2013 interview, Jean-Claude Van Damme recounted the fight against Patrick Teugels as his most memorable match.
August 2016: Georges St-Pierre on fighting Van Damme
In August 2016, Georges St-Pierre described fighting Van Damme in the film Kickboxer: Vengeance as "a dream come true", highlighting Van Damme's influence on martial artists and actors.
October 2016: Expressed Support for Donald Trump
In October 2016, Van Damme publicly 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, 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.
