Last updated on: January 11, 2025

Gladys Portugues is well known for being the wife of action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme. But Gladys is much more than just his partner. She is a successful former bodybuilder and actress, with a career that made an impact in both fitness and entertainment. In this article, we’ll explore her life, achievements, and relationship with Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Quick Facts About Gladys Portugues

Early Life and Background

Born on September 30, 1957, in Manhattan, New York City, Gladys Portugues is a sports and fitness enthusiast. Growing up in the big city, she developed an interest in keeping fit and fit. She attended Marymount Manhattan College, studied, and learned more about the importance of keeping fit.

Her inspiration to bodybuilding was developed after watching Rachel McLish win Ms. Olympia title. Rachel McLish’s winning inspired Gladys to pursue in the same fashion. She would soon start working out, pushing herself to high levels, targeting to become the best in the bodybuilding competitions.

Career in Bodybuilding

Gladys entered the world of bodybuilding in the 1980s. She worked extremely hard to shape her body and gain recognition in the competitive arena. In 1985, she won the Ms. New York title. She also participated in the Ms. Olympia competition in 1986 and 1987. On both occasions, she managed to find a place within the top 10, which is a huge accomplishment in such tough competition.

Throughout her career, Gladys was known to be dedicated to bodybuilding. She urged other women to take up strength training and perceive it as a way of becoming strong and confident. The work of Gladys in bodybuilding helped people see the importance of fitness in their lives, especially women.

Career in Acting

Besides her prowess in bodybuilding, Gladys was acting. She appeared in a few films and television shows. In 1985, she appeared in Pumping Iron II: The Women, a documentary on women in bodybuilding. In 1986, she was in The Morning After, where she played a bodybuilder. She then acted in It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive as a waitress the following year.

She was not a career actress, but she had made enough of an impression with the various roles that helped her establish herself in the entertainment industry. Her acting and fitness skills made her an unusual talent in Hollywood.

Personal Life and Marriage to Jean-Claude Van Damme

Gladys may be most famously known today for her liaison with Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Belgian action movie star. The couple married on January 3, 1987. Nonetheless, they went their separate ways in 1992. Their bond, though, persisted, and they married again on June 25, 1999. They have two children together: Kristopher van Varenberg, born 1987, and Bianca Brigitte, born 1990.

The couple had a not-so-great history. Jean-Claude Van Damme briefly married Darcy LaPier from 1994 to 1997. In all that was going wrong, however, Gladys and Jean-Claude were able to come back to each other. It’s as if they proved themselves, giving a lesson of how long and deep relationships in Hollywood could last.

At this moment, Gladys had again filed for divorce in early January 2025. She cited irreconcilable differences and sought spousal support. It is not known what the future will be like for their marriage, but in the past, it shows how strong their bond is with such ups and downs.

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

Legacy and Impact

Gladys Portugues has really impacted both the bodybuilding world and acting. As a bodybuilder, she demonstrated that women could be strong and powerful. Many people were inspired to take up fitness and be healthy. The message of self-confidence through strength training remains a message to this day.

Although her acting career was not that long, she still left an impact in the entertainment world. Gladys is a great example of tenacity in the professional and personal lives. She proved that with determination, passion, and courage, it’s possible to build a family and pursue your dreams amidst obstacles.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com