Jean-Claude Van Damme, born Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, is a Belgian martial artist and actor known for his action films. He began training in Shotokan karate at a young age, eventually earning a 2nd-dan black belt and competing in various martial arts competitions. Driven by his acting aspirations, he moved to the United States in 1982, where he worked odd jobs while pursuing acting opportunities. His breakthrough role came with the martial arts film "Bloodsport" in 1988.
October 1960: Early Life and Family Background
Born in October 1960, Jean-Claude Van Damme's parents, Eliana and Eugène Van Varenberg, raised him in a bilingual household in Brussels, Belgium.
October 1960: Birth of Jean-Claude Van Damme
Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg, later known as Jean-Claude Van Damme, was born in October 1960 in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Brussels, Belgium.
1976: Start of Competitive Karate Career
At the age of 15, Van Damme began his competitive karate career in Belgium in 1976, marking the beginning of his journey in martial arts.
1976: Mr. Belgium Bodybuilding Championship Win
Van Damme won the gold medal at the Mr. Belgium Bodybuilding Championships in 1976. This victory showcased his physique and athletic prowess.
1977: Previous Encounters with Teugels
Before their 1980 match, Van Damme had faced Teugels in previous competitions, including a match for the Belgium Lightweight Championship in 1977.
1977: Start of Full-Contact Career Record
Between 1977 and 1982, Van Damme amassed a record of 18 victories, all by knockout, and one defeat in his full-contact karate career.
1977: Entry into Full-Contact Karate
Van Damme embarked on his full-contact karate career in 1977, participating in the first-ever full-contact tournament in Belgium promoted by Claude Goetz.
1977: Belgium Karate Lightweight Championship Win
Van Damme's martial arts skills earned him the gold medal at the Belgium Karate Lightweight Championships in 1977.
December 1979: European Karate Championship Victory
As part of the Belgium Karate Team, Van Damme contributed to their win at the European Karate Championship at La Coupe François Persoons Karate Tournament in Brussels in December 1979.
1979: European Karate Championship Win
In 1979, Van Damme and the Belgium Karate team secured the gold medal at the European Championships, demonstrating their collective skill and teamwork.
1979: Early Acting Role
Van Damme had an uncredited role in the Belgian-French drama film "Woman Between Wolf and Dog" in 1979, marking his early foray into acting.
1979: Opening of California Gym
Van Damme opened "California Gym" in Brussels in 1979, offering a range of fitness activities, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fitness.
March 1980: Memorable Match against Patrick Teugels
Van Damme faced his former teammate, Patrick Teugels, in a highly anticipated match in Brussels in March 1980, securing victory in the first round by TKO.
1980: Recognition as a Rising Prospect
Van Damme's potential as a martial artist was recognized in 1980 by Mike Anderson, publisher of Professional Karate Magazine, and European champion Geert Lemmens.
1980: Successful Run in Karate Competitions
By 1980, Van Damme had achieved a record of 44 victories and four defeats in semi-contact karate matches, showcasing his skill and dedication.
1980: Second Place Finish at Coupe des Espoirs Karate Tournament
Van Damme earned the silver medal at the Belgium Coupe des Espoirs Karate Tournament Championships in 1980.
1982: End of Full-Contact Career Record
Between 1977 and 1982, Van Damme amassed a record of 18 victories, all by knockout, and one defeat in his full-contact karate career.
1982: Van Damme's Move to the United States
Driven by his acting aspirations, Van Damme moved to the United States in 1982, taking on various jobs while pursuing his Hollywood dreams.
1982: Retirement from Competition
Van Damme made the decision to retire from competition in 1982, marking a shift in his focus toward pursuing an acting career.
1982: Move to the United States with Michel Qissi
Van Damme, along with his childhood friend Michel Qissi, moved to the United States in 1982 with the shared goal of pursuing acting careers.
1984: First Film Appearance
Van Damme and Qissi secured their first film work as extras in the hip hop dance film "Breakin'" in 1984, marking their initial steps into the film industry.
1984: Stunt Work and Role in "Monaco Forever"
Van Damme worked as part of the stunt team for the action film "Missing in Action" starring Chuck Norris in 1984. He also had a role in the comedy short "Monaco Forever" that same year.
May 1986: First Sizeable Role in "No Retreat, No Surrender"
Van Damme landed his first significant acting role in Corey Yuen's martial arts film "No Retreat, No Surrender," which premiered in May 1986, portraying the Russian villain.
1987: Brief Involvement in "Predator"
Van Damme was initially cast as the Predator in the science fiction film "Predator" in 1987, but he left the project early on, and the role went to Kevin Peter Hall.
1987: Birth of Son Kristopher
Van Damme's first child, a son named Kristopher, was born in 1987. Kristopher is his son with Gladys Portugues.
February 1988: Bloodsport Release and Breakthrough
In February 1988, Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout film, "Bloodsport," was released. Made on a tight budget, the film became a surprise box office success, establishing Van Damme as a rising action star. Despite his newfound fame, Van Damme was experiencing homelessness and hardship during the film's casting process.
1988: Breakthrough with "Bloodsport"
Van Damme's breakthrough role arrived in 1988 when he starred as the lead in the martial arts film "Bloodsport," marking a turning point in his career.
1989: "Cyborg" Release and Sequel Deal
Capitalizing on the success of "Bloodsport," Van Damme starred in the cyberpunk martial arts film "Cyborg" in 1989. The film's success led to a two-sequel deal, although Van Damme didn't reprise his role.
1989: Rise to Action Stardom
Following "Bloodsport," Van Damme starred in commercially successful films like "Cyborg" and "Kickboxer" in 1989, solidifying his status as a prominent action star.
1990: "Lionheart" and Expanding Acting Range
1990 saw Van Damme starring in "Lionheart," a film that director Sheldon Lettich believed showcased Van Damme's potential beyond simple martial arts roles. The film also featured a memorable moment of rear nudity from Van Damme, a decision that resonated with certain audience demographics.
1990: Continued Success in Action Films
Van Damme continued his successful streak in 1990 with leading roles in action films such as "Lionheart" and "Death Warrant."
1990: Birth of Daughter Bianca
Van Damme's second child, a daughter named Bianca Brigitte, was born in 1990. Bianca is his daughter with Gladys Portugues.
1991: Release of "Double Impact"
In 1991, Van Damme starred in the action film "Double Impact," further cementing his presence in the genre.
1991: "Double Impact" and Dual Roles
Van Damme took on the dual roles of twin brothers in 1991's "Double Impact." The film garnered mixed reviews upon release, with praise for its action sequences and Van Damme's performance, while some criticized its plot. Despite this, it performed well at the box office.
July 1992: "Universal Soldier" Success and Cannes Incident
July 1992 marked the release of "Universal Soldier," a major action film starring Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. While a moderate success domestically, the film achieved blockbuster status internationally. During the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, a publicized altercation between Van Damme and Lundgren, later believed to be a publicity stunt, added to the film's buzz.
1992: Inspiration for "Mortal Kombat" Character Johnny Cage
The iconic video game "Mortal Kombat" was released in 1992, featuring a character named Johnny Cage who was directly inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme.
1992: Divorce from Gladys Portugues
Van Damme and his third wife, Gladys Portugues, divorced in 1992, marking the end of their second marriage.
1992: Starring in "Universal Soldier"
Van Damme took on the lead role in the science fiction action film "Universal Soldier" in 1992.
1992: Wrestler Rob Van Dam Receives Stage Name
Professional wrestler Rob Szatkowski was given the ring name "Rob Van Dam" in 1992, a tribute to Jean-Claude Van Damme, highlighting Van Damme's influence on popular culture.
1993: Release of "Cyborg 2"
1993 marked the release of "Cyborg 2," a sequel to Van Damme's 1989 film "Cyborg."
1993: Columbia Pictures Deal and "Nowhere to Run"
In 1993, Van Damme signed a three-picture deal with Columbia Pictures, beginning with "Nowhere to Run." The studio aimed to cater to Van Damme's established fan base while expanding his appeal to wider audiences.
1993: Action Film Releases
Van Damme starred in two action films in 1993: "Nowhere to Run" and "Hard Target," showcasing his versatility within the genre.
February 1994: Marriage to Darcy LaPier
Van Damme married actress Darcy LaPier in February 1994. This marked his fourth marriage and second marriage to LaPier.
1994: Release of "Cyborg 3: The Recycler"
"Cyborg 3: The Recycler" was released in 1994, further expanding the "Cyborg" franchise.
1994: A Year of Diverse Roles and Box Office Success
1994 proved to be a busy and successful year for Van Damme. He starred in John Woo's first American film "Hard Target," followed by the box office hit "Timecop," which became his highest-grossing film in a leading role. He also starred in the video game adaptation "Street Fighter," which achieved commercial success despite receiving negative reviews.
1994: "Timecop" and "Street Fighter" Roles
The year 1994 saw Van Damme star in two more action films: the science fiction thriller "Timecop" and the video game adaptation "Street Fighter."
October 1995: Birth of Son Nicholas
Van Damme's son, Nicholas, was born in October 1995. Nicholas is his third child and his son with Darcy LaPier.
1995: "Sudden Death" and Collaboration with Peter Hyams
Van Damme reunited with director Peter Hyams for the 1995 action film "Sudden Death." The film, featuring Van Damme as a firefighter battling terrorists, performed moderately well at the box office.
1995: Leading Role in "Sudden Death"
Van Damme's action film presence continued with his starring role in the 1995 film "Sudden Death."
1996: Release of "The Quest"
Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in and directed "The Quest", released in 1996. The film, which involved Frank Dux in its early stages, later became the subject of a lawsuit by Dux, leading to a public controversy.
1996: Directorial Debut with "The Quest"
In 1996, Van Damme made his directorial debut with the martial arts film "The Quest," in which he also starred, marking a significant step in his career.
1996: Van Damme's Cocaine Addiction Peaks
By 1996, Van Damme's cocaine addiction reached its peak, with him reportedly spending thousands of dollars weekly on the drug.
1996: Release of Bloodsport and Cyborg Sequels
1996 saw the release of "Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite," marking the beginning of numerous sequels to Van Damme's action films. This year also saw the release of "Cyborg 3: The Recycler."
1996: Directorial Debut, TV Appearance, and "Maximum Risk"
1996 saw Van Damme take on multiple roles. He starred in and directed "The Quest," which achieved international success despite underperforming domestically. He made a memorable appearance in a two-part episode of the TV show "Friends" and starred in Ringo Lam's American directorial debut, "Maximum Risk," a moderate box office success.
1997: Lawsuit by Frank Dux
In 1997, Frank Dux, the martial artist portrayed by Van Damme in "Bloodsport", filed a lawsuit against the actor. Dux claimed he was owed money for co-writing and consulting on Van Damme's 1996 film "The Quest" and accused Van Damme of misrepresenting his martial arts credentials. Van Damme's lawyer refuted the claims, citing his client's film career as evidence of his skills.
1997: "Double Team" and Collaboration with Tsui Hark
In 1997, Van Damme starred alongside basketball star Dennis Rodman in "Double Team." The film marked the American directorial debut of renowned Hong Kong director Tsui Hark.
1997: Continuation of Franchise Sequels
The success of Van Damme's early films led to a wave of sequels in the late 1990s, including "Bloodsport III" and the "Timecop" TV series in 1997.
February 1998: Altercation with Chuck Zito
In February 1998, Van Damme was allegedly punched by his former bodyguard, Chuck Zito, at a strip club in New York. The incident reportedly stemmed from tensions over Zito's relationship with Van Damme's estranged wife, Darcy LaPier. Zito claimed he acted after Van Damme made disparaging remarks about him. Van Damme denied the assault.
1998: Sequels to "Universal Soldier"
1998 saw the release of two sequels to Van Damme's 1992 film "Universal Soldier": "Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms" and "Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business."
1998: Reunion with Tsui Hark and "Legionnaire"
Van Damme reunited with director Tsui Hark for "Knock Off" in 1998, a film that failed to make an impact at the box office. He also starred in the war film "Legionnaire," which, despite its budget, bypassed a theatrical release in the US and went directly to overseas markets.
1998: Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
Van Damme was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998. This diagnosis provided an explanation for the mood swings he had experienced throughout his life.
1999: "Universal Soldier" Sequel and "Inferno"
1999 saw Van Damme reprise his role as Luc Deveraux in "Universal Soldier: The Return," which underperformed at the box office. He also starred in the film "Inferno" that same year.
1999: Release of "Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite"
In 1999, "Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite" continued the trend of sequels to Van Damme's popular martial arts films.
1999: DUI Arrest
In 1999, Van Damme was arrested for driving under the influence, highlighting the struggles he faced with substance abuse.
2001: "Replicant" and "The Order"
In 2001, Van Damme starred in "Replicant," his second collaboration with director Ringo Lam and his fifth time portraying dual roles. He also took the lead role in "The Order," directed by Sheldon Lettich and co-written by Van Damme himself.
2002: Chuck Zito Publishes Autobiography
In 2002, Chuck Zito released his autobiography, "Street Justice," in which he detailed his version of the 1998 altercation with Jean-Claude Van Damme.
2002: "Derailed" Release
Van Damme starred in the action film "Derailed" in 2002.
2003: Release of "Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision"
A sequel to the 1994 science fiction action film "Timecop," titled "Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision," was released in 2003.
2003: "In Hell" and Music Video Appearance
Van Damme teamed up with Ringo Lam for the third time in the 2003 prison action film "In Hell." That same year, he showcased his dancing skills in the music video for Bob Sinclar's "Kiss My Eyes."
2004: "Wake of Death" and Directorial Change
In 2004, Van Damme starred in "Wake of Death," an action film that saw a change in directors during production. Ringo Lam, the original director, left the project and was replaced by Philippe Martinez.
2005: Self-Reflective Role in "Narco"
Van Damme took on a self-referential role in the 2005 French film "Narco," playing a fictionalized version of himself.
2006: "Second in Command" and "The Hard Corps"
In 2006, Van Damme starred in two action films: "Second in Command," directed by Simon Fellows, and "The Hard Corps," directed by his frequent collaborator Sheldon Lettich.
2007: Turkish Film Debut and "Until Death"
Van Damme expanded his filmography in 2007 with a role in the Turkish comedy-drama "The Exam." He also starred in the action film "Until Death" that year.
2008: Van Damme's Comeback with "JCVD"
In 2008, Jean-Claude Van Damme returned to mainstream cinema with his role in the film "JCVD". The film garnered positive reviews, with his performance earning him critical acclaim and recognition as Time Magazine's second-best performance of the year. The same year, he also starred in "The Shepherd: Border Patrol", directed by Isaac Florentine.
2008: Critical Acclaim for "JCVD"
Van Damme experienced a career resurgence in 2008 with the critically acclaimed crime drama "JCVD," demonstrating his acting range beyond action roles.
2009: Release of "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li"
A live-action film based on the popular video game franchise, "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li," was released in 2009, expanding on the world of the game.
2009: Return to "Universal Soldier" Franchise
Jean-Claude Van Damme reprised his role as Luc Deveraux in "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" (2009) alongside Dolph Lundgren. Directed by John Hyams, the film saw a limited theatrical release but was otherwise distributed directly to video. Despite this, it was well-received, with praise for the performances and production value.
2009: Planned Comeback Fight
Since 2009, Van Damme had been planning a comeback fight against Olympic boxing gold medalist Somluck Kamsing. This fight was a significant focus of his reality show, but despite repeated postponements, it faced skepticism and never materialized.
2010: Directorial Attempt and Missed Opportunity
In 2010, Jean-Claude Van Damme tried his hand at directing with the film "Full Love", which saw limited release. He also declined the role of Gunner Jensen in "The Expendables" this year, a role that went to Dolph Lundgren.
October 2011: Criticism for Attending Ramzan Kadyrov's Birthday
In October 2011, Van Damme faced criticism from human rights groups for attending the birthday celebration of Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov's regime was widely condemned for human rights abuses, and the celebrities' presence was seen as tacit endorsement.
2011: Van Damme Discusses Bipolar Disorder
In 2011, Van Damme openly discussed his bipolar disorder diagnosis on the British reality show "Behind Closed Doors." He candidly shared his experiences with the condition.
2011: Voice Acting, Action Roles, and Reality TV
The year 2011 saw Van Damme take on voice acting, lending his voice to Master Croc in "Kung Fu Panda 2". He also starred alongside Scott Adkins in "Assassination Games", appeared in the French comedy "Beur sur la ville", and led his own reality show, "Behind Closed Doors", which offered a glimpse into his personal and professional life.
October 2012: Honored with a Statue in Brussels
On October 21, 2012, Jean-Claude Van Damme received a significant honor in his hometown of Brussels, Belgium, with the unveiling of a life-size statue in his likeness. This tribute served as recognition of his successful career in the film industry.
2012: Van Damme Admits to Affair with Kylie Minogue
In 2012, Van Damme publicly admitted to having an affair with actress Kylie Minogue during the filming of "Street Fighter" in 1994. This revelation came years after the affair occurred.
2012: Unveiling of the Jean-Claude Van Damme Statue
In 2012, a statue immortalizing a young Jean-Claude Van Damme in a fighting pose from his film "Kickboxer" was unveiled in Anderlecht, Belgium. The artwork, commissioned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Westland Shopping complex, attracted a large crowd, including Van Damme, his family, and fans.
2012: Diverse Roles and "The Expendables 2"
Jean-Claude Van Damme participated in various projects in 2012, including the Russian comedy "Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon", "U.F.O.", "Dragon Eyes", "Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning", and "Six Bullets". He notably starred as the main antagonist in "The Expendables 2", marking a significant return to the action genre.
2012: Return to Action in "The Expendables 2"
Van Damme made a notable return to the action genre in 2012, starring as the villain opposite Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables 2."
November 2013: "The Epic Split" Viral Campaign
In November 2013, Van Damme starred in a Volvo Trucks commercial that went viral, becoming known as "The Epic Split." The ad showcased his flexibility as he performed a split between two reversing trucks. This campaign significantly boosted Van Damme's popularity and became a cultural phenomenon.
2013: Reflection on Memorable Fight
In a 2013 interview, Van Damme reflected on his 1980 match against Teugels, considering it his most memorable fight.
2014: Release of "Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist"
Another entry in the "Street Fighter" film series, "Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist," was released in 2014, further exploring the characters and lore of the video game franchise.
2014: Starring in "Swelter"
Jean-Claude Van Damme took on a leading role in the 2014 American action film "Swelter." The film, which co-starred Lennie James, Grant Bowler, Josh Henderson, and Alfred Molina, presented a tale of a sheriff confronting his past.
2015: Action and Comedy Roles
In 2015, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in "Pound of Flesh", an action thriller directed by Ernie Barbarash. He also embraced a comedic role in a Chinese superhero parody film that year.
August 2016: Georges St-Pierre Discusses Working with Van Damme
In August 2016, mixed martial arts champion Georges St-Pierre discussed his experience working with Van Damme on the film "Kickboxer: Vengeance," calling it "a dream come true."
October 2016: Van Damme Expresses Support for Donald Trump
In October 2016, Van Damme publicly expressed his support for Donald Trump's presidential candidacy.
2016: Release of "Hard Target 2"
After nearly two decades, a sequel to Van Damme's 1993 action film "Hard Target," titled "Hard Target 2," was released in 2016.
2016: Voice Acting and Franchise Returns
Jean-Claude Van Damme returned to voice Master Croc in "Kung Fu Panda 3" in 2016. He also starred in "Kickboxer: Vengeance", a reboot of the original film that launched his career. Adding to his busy year, he played the lead role in the TV series "Jean-Claude Van Johnson".
2017: Starring in "Kill 'Em All"
In 2017, Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the action film "Kill 'Em All", directed by Peter Malota.
2018: Sequels and Collaborations
The year 2018 saw Jean-Claude Van Damme reprise his role in "Kickboxer: Retaliation", the sequel to the franchise reboot. He also co-starred with Dolph Lundgren in "Black Water", marking their fifth collaboration and their first time portraying allies on screen. In August 2018, he appeared in "The Bouncer", directed by Julien Leclercq.
2019: Van Damme Monument in Vandam, Azerbaijan
In a humorous tribute, a monument dedicated to Jean-Claude Van Damme was erected in the village of Vandam, Azerbaijan, in 2019, highlighting the phonetic similarity of their names. Van Damme acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the gesture on his Facebook page.
2019: Starring in "We Die Young"
Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the film "We Die Young" in 2019.
2020: Release of "Welcome to Sudden Death"
A standalone sequel to the 1995 action film "Sudden Death," titled "Welcome to Sudden Death," was released in 2020, offering a new take on the premise of the original.
2021: Starring in "The Last Mercenary"
Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the action comedy film "The Last Mercenary" in 2021.
2022: Voice Acting in "Minions: The Rise of Gru"
In 2022, Jean-Claude Van Damme lent his voice to the character Jean-Clawed in the animated film "Minions: The Rise of Gru".
2022: Appointed as DRC's Ambassador On Environment
In 2022, Van Damme was appointed as the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ambassador On Environment. In this role, he focuses on promoting the protection of forests and wildlife.
2023: Video Game Appearance in "Mortal Kombat 1"
Jean-Claude Van Damme's likeness and voice were featured as Johnny Cage in the 2023 fighting game "Mortal Kombat 1".