Jean-Claude Van Damme (born October 18, 1960) is a Belgian martial artist and actor, known for his roles in action films. A Shotokan karate practitioner, he earned a 2nd-dan black belt and won the European Professional Karate Association middleweight championship in 1979.
He moved to the U.S. in 1982 and rose to fame with Bloodsport (1988). His notable films include Cyborg, Kickboxer, Universal Soldier, and Timecop. After a decline in the 2000s, he made a successful return in JCVD (2008) and The Expendables 2 (2012).
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Jean-Claude Van Damme Net Worth
Jean-Claude Van Damme has a net worth of $30 million. He earned just $25,000 for his breakout role in Bloodsport (1988). His salary increased throughout the 1990s, earning $600,000 for Double Impact (1991) and $1.5 million for Universal Soldier (1992).
By 1993, he made $3.5 million for Hard Target, and $5 million for Timecop (1994), reaching a career-high $8 million for Street Fighter (1994). From 1991 to 1995, he earned around $40 million, equivalent to $70 million today.
Early Life
Jean-Claude Van Damme was born on October 18, 1960, in Brussels, Belgium to Eliana and Eugรจne Van Varenberg, an accountant and florist. Raised Roman Catholic with a Jewish paternal grandmother, Van Damme began martial arts at age 10, earning a 2nd-dan black belt in Shลtลkan karate by 18.
He won the Mr. Belgium bodybuilding title in 1978 and studied ballet for five years. Later, he trained in Taekwondo and Muay Thai. Growing up, his acting idols included Bruce Lee, Charles Bronson, and Sylvester Stallone.
Career
Jean-Claude Van Damme began his competitive karate career at 15, winning 44 matches and four defeats, later becoming part of the Belgian Karate Team, which won the European Karate Championship in 1979. He transitioned to full-contact karate in 1977, with 18 wins and one loss before retiring in 1982.
Van Damme moved to Hollywood in 1982, gaining fame with Bloodsport (1988), followed by successful films like Kickboxer and Universal Soldier. He starred in over 50 films, including The Expendables series, and directed The Quest in 1996.
Personal life
From 1993 to 1996, Jean-Claude Van Damme developed a cocaine addiction, spending up to $10,000 a week and using 10 grams daily by 1996. Arrested for DUI in 1999, he attempted rehab unsuccessfully and quit cold turkey. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998, he later discussed his struggles publicly.
Van Damme has been married five times, including to Gladys Portugues and Darcy LaPier, with whom he has children. He supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election and visited Ukraine during the Russian invasion to show support.
How is Jean-Claude Van Damme doing now?
Jean-Claude Van Damme has evolved his career in recent years, showcasing a different side of himself in the 2008 film JCVD, a gritty, self-reflective role. He began exploring new genres, starring in comedies and lending his voice to animated films like Kung Fu Panda and Minions: The Rise of Gru. Van Damme also reunited with his action star peers for The Expendables series, blending his iconic action legacy with fresh, diverse roles in both film and voice acting.
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Conclusion
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s life story is one of overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve international fame and success. His transition from a martial artist to a global action movie star is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience.
FAQ about Jean-Claude Van Damme
- What is Jean-Claude Van Damme’s net worth?
- Approximately $30 million.
- What is Jean-Claude Van Damme known for?
- He is famous for his martial arts action movies.
- What martial arts does Van Damme practice?
- Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and ballet.
- Has Jean-Claude Van Damme retired from acting?
- He announced his retirement with “What’s My Name?” as his final film.
- What personal challenges has Van Damme faced?
- He has battled drug addiction, bipolar disorder, and underwent cosmetic surgery.
