# Jean-Claude Van Damme at 64: A Life of Triumph and Pain

Jean-Claude Van Damme, known as the “Muscles from Brussels,” remains an enduring Hollywood icon, captivating audiences with roles in *Bloodsport* (1988) and *Kickboxer* (1989). Born on October 18, 1960, in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Belgium, Van Damme transformed from a frail, bullied child into a martial arts legend through sheer determination.

Mastering Shotokan karate, earning a black belt at 18, and excelling in ballet and bodybuilding, he claimed the Mr. Belgium title in 1978. His journey, however, was marked by profound struggles that shaped his life beyond the screen.

Arriving in America in 1982 with just $3,000, Van Damme faced brutal rejection, enduring over 100 auditions while surviving on odd jobs and sleeping in cars. His persistence paid off with *Bloodsport*, a low-budget film that grossed millions, cementing his status as an action star. Hits like *Double Impact* (1991) and *Timecop* (1994), which earned over $100 million, showcased his unique blend of power and grace. Yet, fame came at a steep cost.

Exhausting schedules and constant travel strained his personal life, leading to five failed marriages. His unions with Maria Rodriguez, Cynthia Derderian, Gladys Portugues (twice), and Darcy LaPier crumbled under the weight of ambition and betrayal, costing him custody of his son Nicholas and years with his children, Christopher and Bianca.

Van Damme’s battles extended beyond relationships. In the 1990s, addiction gripped him, with reports of heavy cocaine use threatening his life and career.

Public scandals, including a DUI arrest in 1999 and a bar fight humiliation, tarnished his image. Hollywood turned away, and roles dwindled as he grappled with untreated bipolar disorder, diagnosed in the late 1990s, which fueled manic highs and crushing lows. At his lowest, he contemplated ending it all in a Hong Kong hotel room.

Yet, Van Damme fought back. Through medication, therapy, and the discipline of martial arts, he overcame addiction by the early 2000s, managing his mental health with unwavering resolve.

His career saw a resurgence with *JCVD* (2008), a raw, emotional film where he bared his soul, earning critical acclaim. Projects like *The Expendables 2* (2012) and a viral Volvo commercial in 2013 reaffirmed his relevance.

More importantly, he reconciled with Gladys Portugues, rebuilding the family he nearly lost. At 64, Van Damme lives a quieter life, with a net worth of $40 million, owning homes in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Hong Kong—symbols of survival after years of hardship. He trains daily, maintaining his iconic splits, and prioritizes health with a strict diet and meditation.

Despite physical aches and regrets over lost time with his children, Van Damme’s spirit remains unbroken. His story is not just one of Hollywood glory but of human resilience—a testament that even legends fall, yet through discipline and love, they can rise again, inspiring millions with every hard-won step.