Last updated on: January 10, 2025

Jean-Claude Van Damme is a renowned action movie star originating from Belgium with martial arts talents. But less known is this action hero: his father, Eugene Van Varenberg, played a key role in changing the life of Jean-Claude. Read more about him and how Eugene helped his son become a super action hero to the world through this article.

Quick Facts About Eugene Van Varenberg

Who is Eugene Van Varenberg?

Eugene Van Varenberg is a male Belgian with careers in being both an accountant and a florist. Eugene Van Varenberg married his wife, Eliana Van Varenberg. With Eliana, Eugene sired two offspring, one being the son Jean-Claude Van Damme, and his other child, his daughter, was Véronique. More notable, he was Jean-Claude’s father; otherwise, he is featured in films but rarely.

Early in Jean-Claude’s life, Eugene’s influence made its appearance. By the age of 10, Eugene had Jean-Claude start out on martial arts. He took him to a Shotokan karate school – a period which marked the start of an extremely long journey for Jean-Claude into the world of martial arts. Eugene felt that besides keeping fit, martial arts would help build discipline, confidence, and strength in his son.

Eugene was very supportive and encouraged Jean-Claude to train hard. This early training laid the foundation for Jean-Claude’s future career in martial arts. By the time Jean-Claude was a teenager, he was already excelling in karate, winning tournaments and earning titles. Eugene’s support and guidance were key in helping Jean-Claude become a skilled martial artist.

Becoming a Martial Artist and Actor

Thanks to his encouragement, Jean-Claude Van Damme rose to become a professional martial artist. He is actually the holder of the middleweight championship that the European Professional Karate Association offers. Due to his remarkable martial arts expertise, he succeeded in getting to the acting stage, where soon he would shoot to fame performing action movies.

For his martial arts talents, Jean-Claude performed most of the stunts during filming, a very important attribute for his career as an actor. Behind each successful step, there was Eugene: his father and mentor, encouraging him to perform at his best.

Eugene in the Movies of Jean-Claude

Eugene was not an actor entirely. He acted in some of Jean-Claude’s films, but only in a few. Therefore, he took minor roles in some movies like Nowhere to Run in 1993 and The Quest in 1996. In these minor roles, Eugene was a unique way to be involved in his son’s movie life.

Many may not know that Eugene was featured in Jean-Claude’s films, and how close the relationship between the two was. Although Eugene was not featured in major roles, he was still there in his son’s professional life. His presence in the film industry was another proof of how much he cared for his son’s career.

READ ALSO: Jean Claude Van Damme Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More

The Father Behind the Action Star

Not as renowned a name like his son, Jean-Claude, he is priceless in the role he played in Jean-Claude’s life. From the very start, Eugene’s influence was clear. He introduced Jean-Claude to martial arts, which became the key to his success. He encouraged his son to work hard and follow his passion, and that hard work paid off.

Even though Eugene was not a famous action star, he played an important part in his son’s rise to fame. Without Eugene’s support, Jean-Claude may not have become the international star he is today. As a father, Eugene helped his son build the discipline and confidence he needed to succeed, both in martial arts and in acting.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com