Jean-Claude Van Damme, born on October 18, 1960, in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels, Belgium, is a renowned actor, martial artist, and film producer. Nicknamed “The Muscles from Brussels,” Van Damme began studying martial arts at a young age, earning his black belt in karate and achieving success in various karate and kickboxing competitions.
In the 1980s, Van Damme moved to the United States to pursue a career in acting. He gained international fame with his breakout role in the 1988 film “Bloodsport,” which showcased his martial arts skills and physical prowess. This success was followed by a string of popular action films, including “Kickboxer” (1989), “Universal Soldier” (1992), “Hard Target” (1993), and “Timecop” (1994). Known for his athletic abilities and signature splits, Van Damme became a major action star during the 1990s.