Jean Claude Van Damme

Jean Claude Van Damme
Jean Claude Van Damme was born October 18, 1960, to Eugene and Elaina Van Varenberg in Sint-Agatha, Belgium.

Jean Claude studied martial arts since he was 12 years old, when his father took him to train under Claude Goetz. Jean Claude's study of the martial arts was intense - he went on to become a member of karate Team Belgium, and eventually won the European Professional Karate Association's middleweight championship.

Always ambitious and a motivated entrepreneur, Jean Claude opened the California Gym while still in his teens. Then, in 1982, Jean Claude moved to Hollywood to pursue his goal of becoming a star. His big break came when he performed a spin kick in front of producer Menahem Golan, CEO of Menahem Pictures, outside of a Hollywood restaurant.

GGolan was so impressed by Jean Claude's ability, he hire him for 1987's martial arts classic, BLOODSPORT -- still a favorite among martial arts/action fans.

Jean Claude's superb athleticism, attained through years of karate, ballet and bodybuilding training, has made him an acclaimed, international action star.

During his career, Jean Claude has been nominated three times (1992, 1993, & 1994) for an MTV Movie Award, in the Most Desirable Male category, and was nominated for Best Actor by the Video Premier Awards for his dual role in 2001's REPLICANT.

Jean Claude is currently working on his latest film, WAKE OF DEATH, which is being shot in England and South Africa.

Jean Claude is married to bodybuilding champion, Gladys Portugues, and he has three children, Kristopher, Bianca and Nicolas.




MUSCLES FROM BRUSSELS BIO-BYTES
Appeared in the music video and sang in the choir for the song, VOICES THAT CARE
Appeared in The Smithereens TIME WON'T LET ME music video
Appear in a print advertisement for the Gap
Appeared in Megadeth's CRUSH 'EM music video
Hosted the 1996 World Music Awards
Appeared in Bob Sinclair's KISS MY EYES music video, doing the tango.
Was Chuck Norris' personal trainer
Worked with legendary director, John Woo (HARD TARGET, 1993)
Has writing credits for THE ORDER (2001), DOUBLE IMPACT (1991), & LIONHEART (1990)
Has producer credits for UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN (1999), DESERT HEAT (1998), LEGIONNAIRE (1998), & DOUBLE IMPACT (1991)
Has director credits for THE QUEST (1996)