Actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a prominent action movie star. His martial arts skills, athleticism, and good looks made him a popular leading man in action movies. Despite his success on the big screen, Van Damme has faced personal struggles with drug addiction and other issues, but he has since turned his life around and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
There have been countless peculiar personalities in Hollywood who’ve attained global acclaim. As fans delved into the personal life of Jean-Claude Van Damme, it became clear that he, too, was an eccentric individual. But his journey to the top wasn’t an easy one.
How Jean-Claude Van Damme Rose To Fame
Following his removal from the film Predator, it would have been great for the actor to have a lucrative alternative lined up. Sadly, the situation was far from favorable, and Jean-Claude Van Damme found himself in dire straits. During a 2019 interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, the actor offered insights about his career trajectory. As he recalled his early days, the martial arts icon opened up about the struggles he found himself in after being fired from Predator.
“I was living on the street, sleeping in cars and garages, sometimes I stole food. I didn’t have good money. I took three thousand and I came to America. I was so starving for movies,” Van Damme said.
Given Van Damme’s situation, it’s not surprising that he was willing to resort to extreme measures to make it in Hollywood. The actor once walked up to Menahem Golan, co-owner of Cannon Films, and showcased his martial arts skill without speaking a word.
“Menahem Golan came out of the restaurant where I was going in. So I kicked above his head. He was with two Asian buyers and he heard them. When he heard them being impressed, not himself, he gave me his card and I met him weeks later.”
Also Read: Steven Seagal Doesn’t See Jean-Claude Van Damme as a Tough Guy: “Can I laugh in your face?”
Did Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Overhead Kick Seal The Deal?
Fortunately for Van Damme, his gamble of kicking near Golan paid off and led to an opportunity. Nevertheless, meeting with Menaham was no cakewalk for Jean-Claude. Shockingly, Golan even took the time to spell out to Van Damme that he lacked the required skills.
“He said, ‘My friend, Michael Dudikoff, he is a star. Chuck Norris, he’s a star. You’ll never be a star.'”
Receiving harsh feedback on his prospects from one of Hollywood’s most influential figures was a turning point for Van Damme. It had a significant impact on his outlook on the industry. However, the Belgian star wasn’t one to give up easily. Instead, he boldly walked around Golan’s desk to implore the Cannon Films executive to take a chance on him. He eventually landed a role that turned his fortunes around.
Source: The Things
