Jean-Claude Van Damme

Name: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Date of Birth: October 18, 1960
Place of Birth: Sint-Agatha-Berchem, in the Brussels-Capital Region

Mini-bio: Van Damme worked his way up to Hollywood mainstream in the 1990s, often working with acclaimed foreign directors. Notable movies include Kickboxer (1989), Double Impact (1991), Universal Soldier (1992...( read more)

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God gave me a great body and it's my duty to take care of my physical temple. ~Jean-Claude Van Damme~

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God gave me a great body and it's my duty to take care of my physical temple.
~Jean-Claude Van Damme~

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Damme worked his way up to Hollywood mainstream in the 1990s, often working with acclaimed foreign directors. Van
Notable movies include Kickboxer (1989), Double Impact (1991), Universal Soldier (1992), Nowhere to Run (1993), Hard Target (1993),Sudden Death (1995) and his most critically acclaimed work, Timecop (1994). Many of these roles included doppelgänger or Lazarus themes involving Van Damme's characters, an aspect unusual for the action movie genre.

By the end of the 1990s, Van Damme's high-profile career had faded but he continues to star in smaller, often direct-to-video movies. His movies have earned over $ 1 billion worldwide, earning him a place in the action movie world along with others like Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris.

In 1998, Van Damme and his former bodyguard Chuck Zito were involved in a fist-fight at a

New York strip-tease bar called Scores. The event became notorious in the news and a scandal for Van Damme.

Birth Name:

Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg

Adopted Van Damme as his stage name from one of his friend's father name. He considered it punchy, short and clear than his birth name of Van Varenberg.

On adopting the name Van Damme:

I took his (Alex Van Damme) name, in fact from his father because his father sent me for the first time in Hong Kong to be a picture model. I'm not enough tall to be a catwalk model, plus too big for that, and we became very good friends and I took his name as an honor. Because my name, by the way, is too complicated, it's Van Veren Berg, so in America it sounds like "Van Varen Berg" (said with American accent). So Van Damme it's punchy, short, and clear."

~Jean Claude Van Damme~

Nick Name:

Initial

Muscles from Brussels

[His response to being asked what he thinks of his nickname 'Muscles from Brussels]: "It's better than being called 'The Idiot from Brussels'."

J.C.V.D

Height:

5' 9" (1.75 m)

Eye Color

Hazel

Trade Mark

Thrilling one and all with his 360-degree ultimate leaping & super flying karate kicks.

Resides

Religion

Roman Catholic

Family

Gladys Portugues	(25 June 1999 - present)
Darcy LaPier	(3 February 1994 - November 1997) (divorced) 1 child
Gladys Portugues	(3 January 1987 - 1992) (divorced) 2 children
Cynthia Derderian	(24 August 1985 - 1986) (divorced)
Maria Rodriguez	(25 August 1980 - 1984) (divorced)

Spoken Languages

Education

Studied classical ballet for five years

FACTS The character of Johnny Cage from the Mortal Kombat games was initially modeled on Jean Claude Van Damme. When Jean-Claude Van Damme became an international film star, there was some debate as to his kick-boxing accomplishments. Former multiple World Kickboxing Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson even offered Jean-Claude a "$100,000" bounty match to get into the ring and fight him. Van Damme brushed off the "challenge" as a publicity stunt. But, the truth of the matter was that Jean-Claude Van Damme was a successful semi and full-contact fighter who competed in Europe from 1976-1980 He was the inspiration for the character Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat. One of Johnny Cage's special moves is doing the splits while punching his opponent in the groin, as seen when Van Damme's character, Frank Dux, punches his large sumo opponent in Bloodsport (1988). Knocked out Germany`s Basel`Strauss in 18 seconds in 1978 at Antwerp, Belgium, in a scheduled 3-round full contact match. Knocked-out Emile Leibman in the first round of a scheduled three-round full-contact match at Iseghem, Belgium in 1979. Often states 'Charlie Chaplin (I)' as the first great action star. Adopted Van Damme as his stage name from one of his friend's father name. He considered it punchy, short and clear than his birth name of Van Varenberg. He was another consideration for a villain in Rush Hour 3 (2007). He was considered for the role of Wolverine at one point in X-Men (2000). Was briefly considered for the role of Michael Cheritto in Heat (1995). Fight Record: 18-2 (18 knockouts) 1977: Won: Knocked out Toon Van Oostrum in 1 round. 1977: Won: Knocked out Maurice Devos in 1 round. 1977: Lost:Decision to Patrick Teugels 3 rounds. 1978: Won: Knocked out Eric Bruno Strauss in 1 round. 1978: Won: Knocked out Michel Juvillier in 1 round. 1978: Lost:Decisioned to Patrick Teugels in 3 rounds. 1978: Won: Knocked out Orlando Lang in 1 round. 1978: Won: Knocked out Emile Leibman in 1 round. 1978: Won: Knocked out Cyrille in 1 round. 1979: Won: Knocked out Andre Robaeys in 1 round. 1979: Won: Knocked out Jacques Piniarski in 1 round. 1979: Won: Knocked out Rolf Risberg in 1 round. 1979: Won: Knocked out Sherman Bergman in 1 round. 1979: Won: Knocked out Gil Dias in 1 round. 1980: Won: Knocked out Mustapha-Ahmad Benamou in 1 round. 1980: Won: Knocked out Bekim-Moussa Muhammad in 1 round. 1980: Won: Knocked out Micheal J. Heming in 2 rounds. 1980: Won: Knocked out Georges Verlugels in 2 rounds. 1980: Won: Knocked out Andres Kovac in 2 rounds. 1980: Won: Knocked out Patrick Teugels in 1 round.

FACTS

The character of Johnny Cage from the Mortal Kombat games was initially modeled on Jean Claude Van Damme.

When Jean-Claude Van Damme became an international film star, there was some debate as to his kick-boxing accomplishments. Former multiple World Kickboxing Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson even offered Jean-Claude a "$100,000" bounty match to get into the ring and fight him. Van Damme brushed off the "challenge" as a publicity stunt. But, the truth of the matter was that Jean-Claude Van Damme was a successful semi and full-contact fighter who competed in Europe from 1976-1980

He was the inspiration for the character Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat. One of Johnny Cage's special moves is doing the splits while punching his opponent in the groin, as seen when Van Damme's character, Frank Dux, punches his large sumo opponent in Bloodsport (1988).

Knocked out Germany`s Basel`Strauss in 18 seconds in 1978 at Antwerp, Belgium, in a scheduled 3-round full contact match.

Knocked-out Emile Leibman in the first round of a scheduled three-round full-contact match at Iseghem, Belgium in 1979.
Often states 'Charlie Chaplin (I)' as the first great action star.
Adopted Van Damme as his stage name from one of his friend's father name. He considered it punchy, short and clear than his birth name of Van Varenberg.
He was another consideration for a villain in Rush Hour 3 (2007).
He was considered for the role of Wolverine at one point in X-Men (2000).
Was briefly considered for the role of Michael Cheritto in Heat (1995).

Fight Record: 18-2 (18 knockouts)

1977: Won: Knocked out Toon Van Oostrum in 1 round.

1977: Won: Knocked out Maurice Devos in
1 round.

1977: Lost:Decision to Patrick Teugels
3 rounds.

1978: Won: Knocked out Eric Bruno Strauss in 1 round.

1978: Won: Knocked out Michel Juvillier in
1 round.

1978: Lost:Decisioned to Patrick Teugels in
3 rounds.

1978: Won: Knocked out Orlando Lang in
1 round.

1978: Won: Knocked out Emile Leibman in
1 round.

1978: Won: Knocked out Cyrille in 1 round.

1979: Won: Knocked out Andre Robaeys in
1 round.

1979: Won: Knocked out Jacques Piniarski in 1 round.

1979: Won: Knocked out Rolf Risberg in
1 round.

1979: Won: Knocked out Sherman Bergman in 1 round.

1979: Won: Knocked out Gil Dias in 1 round.

1980: Won: Knocked out Mustapha-Ahmad Benamou in 1 round.

1980: Won: Knocked out Bekim-Moussa Muhammad in 1 round.

1980: Won: Knocked out Micheal J. Heming in 2 rounds.

1980: Won: Knocked out Georges Verlugels in 2 rounds.

1980: Won: Knocked out Andres Kovac in 2 rounds.

1980: Won: Knocked out Patrick Teugels in 1 round.

In an action film you act in the action. If it's a dramatic film you act in the drama. What is a movie star? It is an illusion. It was everything I ever wanted to be, but it became a kind of shell, non? It was what made me famous and got me women. But it wasn't real. What really helps a guy to become an action hero today is the directing of the movie. All those fast cuts. Ten, 15 years ago, Sly, Arnold, those guys, were well-built; of course, they had to act and find good scripts, but today action heroes don't have to be Mr. Muscles. What really helps a guy to become an action hero today is the directing of the movie. All those fast cuts. I'm one of the most sensitive human beings on Earth -- and I know it. My dreams came true in America. It's not possible in Belgium. I grew up sadly. Skinny kid. Big, thick glasses. Everything I've done is a miracle. I love challenges. If you don't have any and can do whatever you want, then it's probably time to die. I liked the movement, technique and philosophy and I was training to be the best. Karate's a very boring sport, but when you know the technique you can go further and further. You need at least six or seven years to understand the philosophy and concentration of karate to know to clean your spirit of everything and dedicate your mind and body to the sport. I also use it for concentration before acting scenes. I love playing the villain, but a villain with class.(2008) I see dogs on the street, and I adopt them. I took seven dogs from Thailand, and a few of them are paralyzed. One has three paws instead of four. One is limping, so we bought him a wheelchair. I spent my own money to fly them back by private jet. In commercial, they can have heart attacks because of stress - it's dark and icy cold. I love animals. I have nine dogs and a kitty. My biggest orgasm - not in a sexual way - is to walk with my dogs on the beach. In Belgium we have these wide sidewalks. You feel like you're on the Planet Moon, and I can make them feel like movie stars. [on rejecting Sylvester Stallone's offer of a part in The Expendables (2010)] Stallone gave me a part in his next movie, but I ask him about the subject, about the story. He said, 'You're gonna make lots of money.' I don't want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character. He was unable to tell what it's going to be. [Stallone said:] 'You know, uh, well, the fighting will be good.' [So I said:] 'Sly, what is my character?' So I didn't do the movie. [on Timecop (1994) director Peter Hyams] He was the only one who visited me in the clinic when I was there years ago. All the agents and managers who made a fortune with me never came. An action hero has to be always in shape mentally and physically. People, sometimes they believe Sly, Arnold, myself, we're athletes, you cannot make mistakes. But Hollywood forgives, I guess.

In an action film you act in the action. If it's a dramatic film you act in the drama.

What is a movie star? It is an illusion. It was everything I ever wanted to be, but it became a kind of shell, non? It was what made me famous and got me women. But it wasn't real.

What really helps a guy to become an action hero today is the directing of the movie. All those fast cuts.

Ten, 15 years ago, Sly, Arnold, those guys, were well-built; of course, they had to act and find good scripts, but today action heroes don't have to be Mr. Muscles. What really helps a guy to become an action hero today is the directing of the movie. All those fast cuts.

I'm one of the most sensitive human beings on Earth -- and I know it.

My dreams came true in America. It's not possible in Belgium. I grew up sadly. Skinny kid. Big, thick glasses. Everything I've done is a miracle.

I love challenges. If you don't have any and can do whatever you want, then it's probably time to die.

I liked the movement, technique and philosophy and I was training to be the best. Karate's a very boring sport, but when you know the technique you can go further and further. You need at least six or seven years to understand the philosophy and concentration of karate to know to clean your spirit of everything and dedicate your mind and body to the sport. I also use it for concentration before acting scenes.

I love playing the villain, but a villain with class.(2008) I see dogs on the street, and I adopt them. I took seven dogs from Thailand, and a few of them are paralyzed. One has three paws instead of four. One is limping, so we bought him a wheelchair. I spent my own money to fly them back by private jet. In commercial, they can have heart attacks because of stress - it's dark and icy cold. I love animals. I have nine dogs and a kitty. My biggest orgasm - not in a sexual way - is to walk with my dogs on the beach. In Belgium we have these wide sidewalks. You feel like you're on the Planet Moon, and I can make them feel like movie stars.

[on rejecting Sylvester Stallone's offer of a part in The Expendables (2010)]

Stallone gave me a part in his next movie, but I ask him about the subject, about the story. He said, 'You're gonna make lots of money.' I don't want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character. He was unable to tell what it's going to be. [Stallone said:] 'You know, uh, well, the fighting will be good.' [So I said:] 'Sly, what is my character?' So I didn't do the movie.

[on Timecop (1994) director Peter Hyams]

He was the only one who visited me in the clinic when I was there years ago. All the agents and managers who made a fortune with me never came.

An action hero has to be always in shape mentally and physically. People, sometimes they believe Sly, Arnold, myself, we're athletes, you cannot make mistakes. But Hollywood forgives, I guess.

Last update: Thursday, 5:30 AM EST by Liloh (content history | content tools) (help)

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Comments

marisexosum

SALUT EU RUMANIA

posted 10 days ago
sunnybabygirl

I COULD LIKE YOU, HOLLA AND SHOW SAME LOVE!

posted 34 days ago
adeniranyoosuf

d best actor in d world how is every thing i luv u keep it up my mail is adeniranyoosuf@yahoo.com god bless u as u reply.

posted 39 days ago
lion7c

tu mon supère héros et j'aime beaucoup tes films es que on peut être des amis de tchat

posted 48 days ago
sexyjuana

wow, i love him and also his movies

posted 49 days ago
tinhth2006

:)

posted 82 days ago
dklarends

HI JEAN HW ARE U ?IAM FROM ARUBA UR A VERY GOOD ACTOR ,ITS BEEN A LONG TIME DO THAT I HAVE NOT SEE U ACT IN A VERY GOOD MOVIE?BUT HEY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

posted 96 days ago
donhood21

THIS CAN BE MY BEST ACTER.

posted 121 days ago
lovergirl1975001

he's very hot babe....hmmmmm

posted 139 days ago
mmttyy

dnt know what to say but
i like ur movies so much and because of ur movies i liked the sports and u made me the man i am proude to be now.
thank u mr j.c van damme

posted 143 days ago

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Jean-Claude Van Damme Movies

JCVD (Van Dammage) (R, 2008)
The Shepherd: Border Patrol (R, 2008)
Until Death (R, 2007)
Second in Command (R, 2006)
The Hard Corps (R, 2006)
Wake of Death (R, 2004)
Dans la peau de Jean-Claude Van Damme (PG, 2003)
In Hell (R, 2003)
The Order (R, 2002)
Derailed (R, 2002)

View All Jean-Claude Van Damme Movies

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Jean-Claude Van Damme Trivia

In the 1996 movie "The Quest" staring Jean-Claude Van Damme, who was the director everyone was shocked to see doing it? Answer »
What actor starred in the movie Lion Heart? Answer »
In what movie did Jean-Claude Van Damme NOT play in? Answer »
In the movie Universal Soldier, during which war do Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme kill each other? Answer »

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