In the ’80s and ’90s, Jean-Claude Van Damme was synonymous with action films. He’s established himself as a top Hollywood action star with roles in films like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Timecop. But the actor had to overcome obstacles on the road to stardom, including the doubts of 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 that he was worthy of being an actor and action star, and it wasn’t an easy road. After Van Damme begged for the part, 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.
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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 trying period, Van Damme met Menahem Golan, the producer who would launch his career. Golan was leaving a restaurant when Van Damme spotted him and decided to show off his karate skills with a kick to the head. Golan was so taken with Van Damme that he gave him his card, setting up a meeting that would alter the course of Van Damme’s career within 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 cast as one of the main characters in Bloodsport, a film 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 a fraction of what other actors were making.
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Impact on Action Movies
Jean-Claude Van Damme, however, was not about to let this opportunity pass him by, so he gave his all to his performance as Frank Dux, a martial artist who competed in the Kumite tournament. Both audiences 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.
The importance of Jean-Claude Van Damme to the action film industry is incalculable. His on-screen charisma was unparalleled, bringing unprecedented athleticism and martial arts skill to his roles. Van Damme’s influence on action films can be seen even now, long after the likes of 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. The actor is set to star next in what is reported to be his last action movie, titled What’s My Name?
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
