Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Belgian action star known for his martial arts prowess and iconic roles in 80s and 90s cinema, has always drawn attention for more than just his on-screen exploits. Off-screen, his romantic life has often been a topic of public interest. If you’ve ever searched for “Jean-Claude Van Damme spouse,” you’re not alone. Fans and curious onlookers alike want to know more about the woman — or women — who have stood by the side of this larger-than-life figure. So, let’s break it down and take a deeper dive into the personal life of the man known as “The Muscles from Brussels.”
Van Damme’s personal journey has been filled with highs and lows, from box office triumphs to personal struggles. His relationships have been no exception. Over the years, he’s tied the knot more than once, and each marriage has had its own unique story. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about the actor’s private life, understanding who Jean-Claude Van Damme’s spouse is — or was — can offer a more complete picture of the man behind the movies.
So, who exactly is Jean-Claude Van Damme’s spouse today? And who were his previous partners? Let’s explore the details in a way that’s both engaging and informative, while keeping things real and relatable.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Jean-Claude Van Damme
- Jean-Claude Van Damme Spouse: Current and Past Relationships
- Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Personal Life Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions About Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Spouse
Jean-Claude Van Damme: A Brief Biography
Full Name | Jean-Claude Van Varenberg |
---|---|
Stage Name | Jean-Claude Van Damme |
Birth Name | Jean-Claude Van Varenberg |
Born | October 18, 1960, in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Belgium |
Occupation | Actor, Martial Artist, Producer, Screenwriter |
Years Active | 1984–Present |
Genres | Action, Martial Arts, Thriller |
Notable Roles | Johnny Silver in *Bloodsport*, Frank Dux in *Kickboxer*, Frank White in *The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson*, and Cyrus in *Universal Soldier* |
Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
Children | Three sons: Jean-Claude Van Damme Jr., Vincent, and Kristopher |
Jean-Claude Van Damme Spouse: Current and Past Relationships
Van Damme has had a colorful romantic life, with multiple marriages and relationships that have played out in the public eye. Let’s take a look at each of his marriages and what we know about the women who have shared part of his life.
First Marriage: Marie Verhoeven
Jean-Claude Van Damme married Marie Verhoeven, a Belgian model and beauty queen, in 1979 when he was just 19 years old. They had two children together — a son named Jean-Claude Van Damme Jr. and a daughter named Bianca, who passed away in 2017. The marriage didn’t last, and the couple divorced in 1992. By then, Van Damme was already a rising star in the world of action films.
Marie has largely stayed out of the spotlight, but she has spoken publicly about the difficulties of being married to a man who was becoming an international icon. She raised their children largely on her own, as Van Damme’s career took off and kept him away from home for long stretches of time.
Second Marriage: Gladys Portugues
In 1994, Van Damme married Gladys Portugues, a French model and martial artist. The couple met while he was filming *Street Fighter*, and their shared love of martial arts helped bring them together. Gladys is known for her background in judo and karate, and she even appeared alongside Van Damme in some of his later films.
Together, they had two sons: Vincent and Kristopher. Their marriage lasted until 2002, when they decided to go their separate ways. Despite the divorce, Gladys and Van Damme have remained on good terms, especially for the sake of their children. She has continued to live a relatively private life, occasionally appearing in the media but keeping most of her personal life out of the public eye.
Third Marriage: Rima Ramin
In 2008, Van Damme married Rima Ramin, an Iranian-American woman with a background in psychology. The couple met through mutual friends and quickly formed a connection. Their marriage was more low-key than his previous ones, and Rima preferred to stay out of the public eye as much as possible.
Van Damme has mentioned in interviews that Rima brought a sense of stability to his life during a period when he was trying to get his personal affairs in order. However, like his previous marriages, this one didn’t last forever. They separated after a few years and eventually divorced, though again, details remain sparse due to Rima’s preference for privacy.
Current Relationship Status
As of now, Jean-Claude Van Damme is not married. He has spoken in interviews about valuing his independence and focusing on his health, career, and spending time with his children. That said, he’s not averse to new relationships, and fans often speculate about his love life when they see him at events or in photos online.
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Personal Life Overview
Van Damme’s personal life has been as dynamic as his film roles. From martial arts training to personal struggles with addiction, his journey has been filled with ups and downs. His relationships have mirrored that journey — at times turbulent, but always deeply personal.
He has been open about his battles with substance abuse and how his ex-wives supported him through tough times. In interviews, he has expressed gratitude for the strength and patience of the women who stood by him, even when things weren’t easy.
Today, Van Damme lives a quieter life, spending time in Europe and occasionally appearing in films or public events. He remains a beloved figure in the world of action cinema, and his personal story continues to intrigue fans around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Spouse
Who is Jean-Claude Van Damme’s current spouse?
Jean-Claude Van Damme is currently not married. His last marriage ended several years ago, and he has since focused on his career, health, and spending time with his children.
How many times has Jean-Claude Van Damme been married?
Van Damme has been married three times. His first wife was Marie Verhoeven, followed by Gladys Portugues, and then Rima Ramin.
Does Jean-Claude Van Damme have children?
Yes, Jean-Claude Van Damme has three sons. He had one child, Jean-Claude Van Damme Jr., with his first wife Marie Verhoeven. With his second wife, Gladys Portugues, he had two sons: Vincent and Kristopher.
Does Jean-Claude Van Damme have a girlfriend now?
As of the latest updates, Van Damme has not publicly confirmed a current romantic relationship. He tends to keep his personal life private, especially when it comes to dating.
Has Jean-Claude Van Damme ever been engaged?
There have been no confirmed engagements since his last divorce. However, he has been linked to a few women over the years, though nothing has been officially announced.
Was Gladys Portugues a martial artist?
Yes, Gladys Portugues has a martial arts background. She practiced judo and karate, which is how she and Van Damme first connected. She even made appearances in some of his films and promotional events.
Where does Jean-Claude Van Damme live now?
Jean-Claude Van Damme splits his time between Europe and the United States. He owns property in Belgium and also spends time in the U.S., particularly when working on films or public appearances.
How old are Jean-Claude Van Damme’s children?
Van Damme’s oldest son, Jean-Claude Van Damme Jr., was born in 1980. His younger sons, Vincent and Kristopher, were born in the late 1990s. So, his children range in age from their early 20s to early 40s.
Has Jean-Claude Van Damme ever written about his relationships?
Van Damme has shared some reflections on his personal life and relationships in interviews and documentaries, but he has not published an autobiography or book focused exclusively on his romantic history.
How did Jean-Claude Van Damme meet his first wife?
Jean-Claude met Marie Verhoeven in Belgium when he was still a young man, before he became famous. They were married in the late 1970s when he was just starting out in martial arts and had not yet entered the film industry.
Are Van Damme’s ex-wives still in touch with him?
From what is publicly known, Van Damme has maintained a respectful relationship with his ex-wives, especially for the sake of their children. He has spoken positively about them in the past, acknowledging their roles in his life and the support they provided.
What was Jean-Claude Van Damme’s longest marriage?
His longest marriage was likely his second one with Gladys Portugues, which lasted from 1994 to 2002 — roughly eight years. That’s longer than his other marriages, which each lasted around six years or less.
Has Jean-Claude Van Damme ever been in a long-term relationship post-divorce?
There have been no confirmed long-term relationships since his last divorce. However, he has been seen with different women at events, though nothing has been made official or lasted for an extended period.
What did Jean-Claude Van Damme say about his ex-wives?
In interviews, Van Damme has expressed appreciation for his ex-wives, particularly for their support during tough times in his life. He has acknowledged their strength and the sacrifices they made, especially when he was dealing with addiction and the pressures of fame.



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