Matinee Classics - Jean-Claude Van Damme Biography & Filmography

Jean-Claude Van Damme ACTOR

PHOTOS

JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Jean-Claude Van Damme was born on October 18th, 1960 in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe in Belgium with the birth name Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg. His parents were Eugene Van Varenberg and Eliana Van Varenberg. At the age of twelve he began martial arts training earning a spot on the Belgium Karate team.

He first became a semi-contact and full-contact fighter who competed in Europe as well as the United States. His career in fighting continued through the 80's and then retired from fighting to pursue a career in acting.

In 1981 he moved to Los Angeles, California and studied English while working odd jobs to support himself such as a carpet layer, pizza delivery boy, limo driver and working as a bouncer at a night club.

Soon, with the help of Chuck Norris, he was given his first small role in the film, "Missing in Action" (1984) followed by another small role in, "No Retreat, No Surrender" (1986). As his career in the industry progressed, his martial arts training began to play an important role in him receiving offers for more substantial film roles such as, "Bloodsport" (1988), "Cyborg" (1989), "Lionheart" (1990), "Double Impact" (1991), "Universal Soldier" (1992) and "Timecop" (1994).

As he continued to take on more roles, his personal life was taking a toll on his career. He was being cast in more films, but none were at the level of success he had become accustomed to. He was cast in, "The Quest" (1996), "Maximum Risk" (1996) and "Double Team" (1997), all three films made less then $50 million combined.

With his career heading downwards, he did not give up and made a comeback with roles in such films as, "Replicant" (2001), "Derailed" (2002), "In Hell" (2003) and a more well known role in, "JVCD" (2008).

He has been able to regain his level of popularity taking on more film roles such as, "Universal Soldier: Regeneration" (2009), "Kung Fu Panda 2" (2011) and has also been seen in commercials for Coors Light Beer and the washing soap "Dash".

Jean-Claude has married a total of five times throughout his lifetime. First to Maria Rodriguez in 1980 but this marriage ended in 1984. He then married Cynthia Derderian in 1985 but by 1985 another marriage came to an end. He wed again in 1987 to Gladys Portugues and together they had two children before this marriage also ended in divorce in 1992. His fourth time to marry was to Darcy LaPier in 1994 and after one child another unsuccessful marriage came to an end in 1997. He is currently re-married to his third wife, Gladys Portugues whom he reunited with in 1999.

He has battled cocaine addiction throughout his lifetime. He has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In 2009 it was announced that he would return to the ring to fight Thailand's Somarak Khamsing which is scheduled for 2012.

Van Damme currently resides in Hong Kong and Belgium. Soon to release in 2013 are his next film roles, "U.F.O" and "Welcome to the Jungle".