Kris Van Damme is actually Kristopher Van Varenberg. If anyone has an enlightened mind, then he glanced at the name, saw the picture above, and linked them together. Yes, Kris is the first son of the martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme. Born on May 20, 1987 in Los Angeles, studied 2D Animation in Canada. He comes from his father’s third (and fifth – current) marriage to Gladys Portugues. From an early age, he was taken to a film set and so far has appeared in 14 productions. Unfortunately, despite the fact that she receives more and more roles, can dig decently and has a solid presence, she still cannot get out of her father’s shadow.
He first appeared on the big screen in the action classic “Universal Soldier” (1992). He starred as a young Luc Deveraux. What’s more, he later took part in two sequels of this title, playing the role of Miles. He also played a child role in Van Damme’s directorial debut, “Quest” (1996). After coming of age, he appeared in two solid titles, “Cross Fire” (2011) and “6 Bullets” (2012). The last production in which he appeared is the film “In the Abyss” (2018), where he could once again meet Dolph Lundgren on the set.
A solid foundation in martial arts.
Kris Van Damme has a lot of potential, although he has not yet had the opportunity to show
what he can do in the title role, but I believe that the time will come. From the age of 5, he has been training taekwondo, and from the age of 14, just like his father – shotokan karate. As it turns out, he also practices ballet, which means he followed Jean-Claude one hundred percent. It is possible that thanks to this, he will have the same flexible and spectacular kicks on the screen. They are already impressive at this point.
In 2013, he had a 30-minute contract in the production of “Integration Camp”. The producers persuaded him to persuade his father to play in this comedy as well. It happened, unfortunately
these people turned out to be non-verbal and finally Kris only got 5 screen minutes. It is not easy to step out of his father’s shadow, in one of the interviews he mentioned that he had several childhood friends. All the rest of the people who contact him, unfortunately, have hidden intentions. They make phone calls, are nice to end up smuggling a few words like – “… maybe your dad would be interested in it”. It can be frustrating.
Remake of the movie from Van Damme?
Kris Van Damme is a huge fan of Brandon Lee. Of course, his father is his greatest inspiration.
When asked if he would see himself in a remake of one of his hits, he mentioned – “Bloody Sport” (1988) and “Lionheart” (1990), but instead of the favorite he placed “Legionista” (1998). He is also fully aware that no sequel or remake can match the original.
Personally, I am waiting for a production called “Headlock”, it is supposed to be the last epic martial arts movie in Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career. Kris Van Damme is also to play the lead role. It can be a great and exciting production. It has been talked about for years, maybe it is there, in the Octagon, that Kris will show that it deserves the producers’ attention. There is not much of a new
martial arts star on the horizon. And Kris has the right age, appearance, skills, experience … and after all … a name.
Kris Van Damme – the author.
As it turns out, Kris not only accompanies his father on the set. He has written a lot of film scripts in recent years that have not seen the light of day, I hope one of them will eventually be used.
Last year he was a cameraman on the music video for the song “ULTRARĘVE”. He and his brother also set up a channel on YT – DammeBros, where you can find some funny videos. As you can see, the Van Damme family is not bored in the pandemic. I keep my fingers crossed for the projects and are quietly counting on some solid lead role.