Jean-Claude Van Damme
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Next Birthday: in days
👤 Bio & Residence
Full Name: Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg
Date of Birth: October 18, 1960
Place of Birth: Brussels, Belgium
Height: 177 cm (5′10″)
Weight: ~84 kg
Religion: Roman Catholic upbringing
Nationality: Belgian
Ancestry: Flemish, Walloon
Languages: French, Dutch, English
Marital Status: Married multiple times; current spouse Gladys Portugues
Children: 3 (Kristopher, Bianca, Nicholas)
Occupation: Actor, Martial Artist, Director
Education: Shotokan Karate training; ballet classes
Net Worth: $40M+ (2025 estimate)
Total Social Followers: Millions globally
Businesses: Martial arts promotions, fitness brands
Notable Works: Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Universal Soldier, Timecop
Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
Number of Houses: Properties in USA & Belgium
🎓 Education & Early Life
- Started martial arts training at age 10 in karate and kickboxing.
- Earned black belt in Shotokan Karate.
- Studied ballet for 5 years to improve flexibility.
- Moved to the USA in 1982 to pursue film career.
🏆 Career Highlights & Timeline
- 1988: Breakthrough with Bloodsport.
- 1989: Starred in Kickboxer.
- 1992: Global hit Universal Soldier with Dolph Lundgren.
- 1994: Top box-office success Timecop.
- 2000s: Cult films and self-parody JCVD (2008).
- 2010s: Villain role in The Expendables 2.
- 2020s: Acting, voice work, martial arts ambassador.
🏅 Awards & Recognitions
- MTV Movie Award nomination for Timecop.
- Golden Raspberry nominations (cult status).
- Lifetime achievement honors in martial arts cinema.
- Worldwide martial arts ambassador recognitions.
🧠 Did You Know?
- Nicknamed “The Muscles from Brussels.”
- Practiced ballet for 5 years to enhance fighting ability.
- Won amateur karate championships in Europe.
- Originally worked as a carpet layer and bouncer in LA.
- Was offered chance to join early Predator film before Schwarzenegger.
- Has been married five times (twice to Gladys Portugues).
- Bianca Van Damme, his daughter, is also an actress.
- Maintains bodybuilding regimen even in 60s.
- Fluent in French, Dutch, English.
- Acted in more than 50 films globally.
- Voiced Master Croc in Kung Fu Panda 2.
- Known for full splits as trademark move.
- Expendables 2 role revitalized popularity.
- Opened gyms and martial arts schools in Belgium.
- Involved in charity work for underprivileged youth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jean-Claude Van Damme born and how old is he?
He was born on October 18, 1960; he is years old as of 2025.
What is Jean-Claude Van Damme’s net worth?
Public estimates place it above $40 million (2025).
What are JCVD’s most famous films?
Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Universal Soldier, Timecop.
Is Jean-Claude Van Damme married?
Yes, multiple marriages; currently with Gladys Portugues.
Does he have children?
Yes, three: Kristopher, Bianca, Nicholas.
Why is he called “The Muscles from Brussels”?
It refers to his Belgian roots and muscular physique.
What languages does he speak?
French, Dutch, and English.
Did JCVD study ballet?
Yes, 5 years for balance and flexibility.
Who did he co-star with in Universal Soldier?
Dolph Lundgren.
What’s distinctive about his fighting style?
Karate, kickboxing, acrobatic moves, full splits.
Has JCVD acted in comedies?
Yes, self-parody in JCVD and Friends cameo.
What cause does he support?
Youth martial arts charities and fitness programs.
Did he appear in The Expendables?
Yes, villain in The Expendables 2 (2012).
Where does he live now?
Divides time between Los Angeles and Belgium.
How can I watch his movies?
On major streaming services, Blu-ray, and DVD collections.