In the 80s and 90s, Jean-Claude Van Damme was synonymous with action films. He has established himself as a leading Hollywood action star with roles in films such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Time Cop. But the actor had to overcome obstacles on the way to fame, including doubts from at least one producer.
Van Damme owes much of his success in the film industry to Menahem Golan, co-owner of Cannon Films. But Van Damme had to fight tooth and nail to prove his worth as an actor and action star, and it wasn’t an easy road. After Van Damme asked for the role, Golan finally agreed to pay him $25,000 for his role in Bloodsport, despite initially having little faith in the actor.
From Predator to Bloodsport: The Road to Fame
Before his breakthrough in Bloodsport, Van Damme played the main antagonist in the blockbuster action film Predator. However, the suit design proved problematic for the actor, leading to Van Damme’s dismissal from the film. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment in 2019, the actor talked about his struggles and the way to stardom. Due to his financial difficulties, Van Damme expressed how he was forced to steal food and sleep on the streets after this setback.“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.”
During this difficult period, Van Damme met Menahem Golan, the producer who launched his career. Golan was leaving a restaurant when Van Damme noticed him and decided to show off his karate skills by kicking him in the head. Golan was so taken with Van Damme that he gave him his business card, setting up a meeting that would change the course of Van Damme’s career in a matter of weeks.
“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.”
Despite his impressive skills, Golan was initially skeptical of Van Damme’s ability to carry a movie. His first impression of the actor wasn’t necessarily the best. Golan did warn Van Damme that he’d “never be a star.”
“He said, ‘My friend, Michael Dudikoff, he is a star. Chuck Norris, he’s a star. You’ll never be a star,’”To get the role of one of the main characters in the film Bloodsport, about a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong, Van Damme had to practically beg Golan. Although Golan eventually agreed to pay Van Damme, the $25,000 he was offered was only a fraction of what the other actors were earning.
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Impact on Action Movies
Jean-Claude Van Damme, however, was not going to miss this opportunity, so he gave his all to his performance as Frank Dukes, a martial artist competing in a kumite tournament. Both viewers and critics praised Van Damme’s performance in Bloodsport. The film was pivotal in establishing Van Damme as a leading man in the action genre. Jean-Claude Van Damme’s importance to the film industry is incalculable. His on-screen charisma was unmatched, bringing unparalleled athleticism and martial arts prowess to his roles.RELATED:
Jean-Claude Van Damme Most Iconic Kicks in His Films
Van Damme’s influence on action films can be seen even today, long after Jackie Chan and Jet Li had their chance to shine.
Jean-Claude Van Damme has been a popular figure in Hollywood despite facing many obstacles in his career, such as battles with addiction and personal issues.