What Happened to Jean-Claude Van Damme at 64 — Try Not to Cry When You See This

At 64, action legend Jean-Claude Van Damme—the man who brought us unforgettable films like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Universal Soldier—is facing a deeply personal and painful chapter in his life. Known for his incredible flexibility, cinematic fight scenes, and charismatic presence, Van Damme now finds himself navigating physical challenges, emotional losses, and serious legal troubles that have brought both concern and compassion from fans around the world.

Recently, Van Damme was hospitalized in southern France for spinal surgery after enduring years of chronic back pain—an injury he says he had ignored for too long. Doctors at a specialized clinic near Montpellier performed a complex procedure to address severe damage caused by decades of martial arts training and stunt work. For a man whose career depended on physical perfection, the operation marked a sobering moment: a reminder that even icons aren’t immune to time.

“I should have done this years ago,” Van Damme admitted in a quiet interview. “But I kept pushing through the pain, pretending it wasn’t there.”

But physical pain isn’t the only burden he carries.

The past year has been marked by deep personal loss. The death of his mother, whom he once called his “greatest supporter,” has weighed heavily on him. Her absence, he said, left a silence in his life that no crowd or film set can fill. In addition, he has publicly spoken about his strained relationship with his children—a result, he believes, of the long periods he spent away from home filming around the world.

“I lived in hotels for 20 years,” he said. “I wasn’t the father I should have been. I missed too much.”

Love has also eluded him. Despite five marriages—two of them to the same woman—Van Damme has confessed that an early betrayal in his life left a lasting scar. Since then, he’s struggled to trust deeply, even as he longs for real connection.

Adding to these personal trials is a legal storm that has put Van Damme under unwanted public scrutiny. Romanian authorities are currently investigating allegations that he had relations with women who were victims of trafficking—claims Van Damme and his team have vehemently denied, calling them “grotesque and unfounded.” As of now, there has been no legal ruling or formal charge, but the situation remains under investigation.

Despite it all, Van Damme is not giving up. He recently returned to acting in The Gardener (2025), a French action-comedy that shows he still has the charisma and energy that made him a global star. While his kicks may be a bit slower, the spirit remains—the fighter, both on-screen and off, continues to battle through life’s trials with grit and quiet grace.

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s story today is no longer just about fame, muscles, or martial arts. It’s about vulnerability, redemption, and the difficult journey of healing. And perhaps that’s his most powerful role yet—not as a cinematic hero, but as a man learning to stand tall again, scars and all.