Growing up as Jean-Claude Van Damme's son sounds like a fever dream from a 1990s action flick. You’d imagine breakfast involve split-training over chairs and dinner conversations being mostly about roundhouse kicks. Honestly, the reality for Kris Van Damme and Nicholas Van Varenberg is a lot more complicated than a movie montage.
It’s not just about inheriting the "Muscles from Brussels" DNA.
People always ask: "Can they fight like him?" or "Are they taking over the family business?" The answer is a weird mix of yes, no, and "it’s a work in progress." While the world knows JCVD for his legendary splits and high-octane stunts, his sons have navigated the shadow of that legacy in very different ways.
One chose the grind of the film industry. The other found himself in the crosshairs of a very public legal crisis.
Kris Van Damme: The Heir Apparent or Just Hardworking?
Kris Van Damme (born Kristopher Van Varenberg) is the oldest. He was born on May 20, 1987, to Jean-Claude and fitness expert Gladys Portugues. If you look at him, the resemblance is actually kind of spooky. He has that same intense gaze and the athletic build you'd expect.
But he didn't just jump into the spotlight.
He started small. Basically, his first "job" was playing the younger version of his father's character, Luc Deveraux, in the 1992 hit Universal Soldier. He was five. Most kids are worried about coloring inside the lines at that age, and he was already on a major Hollywood set.
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Breaking Out of the Shadow
Kris didn't just stay the "cute kid" in the background. He leaned into the industry, but on his own terms. You’ve probably seen him in films like Assassination Games (2011) and Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012). He’s often credited under his birth name, Kristopher Van Varenberg, which feels like a subtle attempt to build a career that isn't purely fueled by his father’s stage name.
It’s a tough balance.
You want the opportunities the name brings, but you don't want the "nepo baby" label to be the only thing people see.
Honestly, Kris is more than just a face on a poster. He’s been involved in writing and directing too. In the 2010 film The Eagle Path (later re-edited as Full Love), he wasn't just acting; he was an assistant director. He’s been vocal in interviews about wanting to understand the mechanics of filmmaking, not just the glory of being in front of the camera.
Nicholas Van Varenberg: The Younger Brother's Struggle
Then there’s Nicholas Van Varenberg. Born in 1995, he’s the son of JCVD and Darcy LaPier. His path has been, well, significantly rockier. While Kris was busy building a filmography, Nicholas mostly stayed out of the public eye until 2017.
That’s when things went sideways.
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In a story that sounds like a dark indie drama, Nicholas was arrested in Tempe, Arizona. The details were messy. He reportedly held his roommate at knifepoint after a dispute. The police found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the apartment.
It was a nightmare for the family.
Life After the Headlines
Nicholas eventually pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 18 months of probation in 2018. His lawyer at the time mentioned that he had "learned his lesson" and was focused on moving forward. Since then, he’s been keeping a much lower profile. He did make a small appearance in Kickboxer: Retaliation, showing that the family still supports his attempt to find a footing in the industry.
It's a reminder that being Jean-Claude Van Damme's son doesn't protect you from real-world consequences. If anything, the pressure of that name can sometimes make the cracks show a little faster.
The Reality of the Van Damme Legacy
Is there a rivalry? Probably not the kind you see in Bloodsport. By most accounts, the siblings—including their sister Bianca Bree, who is a powerhouse in her own right—are close. They often show up at premieres together, a united front of high-cheekbones and athletic prowess.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that their careers were "handed" to them. Sure, the door was open. But in the action genre, if you can’t move or you don't have screen presence, that door hits you on the way out.
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- Training: They actually train. Hard. It's not just for show.
- Privacy: Despite the fame, they aren't typical "paparazzi magnets." They mostly stay in their lane.
- The Name: Using "Van Varenberg" vs. "Van Damme" is a constant internal tug-of-war for them.
Kris is currently pushing into more creative roles, looking at projects for 2026 that involve more than just throwing a punch. He’s trying to evolve. He’s 38 now—the same age his father was when he was transitionng from pure action star to more self-reflective roles like in JCVD.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you're following the journey of Jean-Claude Van Damme's son or trying to navigate a similar path of high expectations, here’s the takeaway:
1. Own Your Identity Early
Notice how Kris alternates between his legal name and his "Hollywood" name? It’s a strategy. If you’re in the shadow of a giant, find a way to brand your unique skill set (like Kris’s focus on directing/writing) so you aren't just a carbon copy.
2. Resilience is Better than Perfection
Nicholas’s story is a tough one, but the fact that he returned to work with his family shows that a public failure doesn't have to be the end of the story. Recovery is a valid part of a legacy.
3. Diversify the Skill Set
The action stars of the 80s were specialists. Today’s "stars" have to be polymaths. Kris Van Damme's move into assistant directing and writing is the only reason he's still relevant in an industry that has largely moved away from the "solo muscle man" trope.
The Van Varenberg kids aren't just "Jean-Claude Van Damme's son" or daughter. They’re a group of individuals trying to figure out how to be themselves in a world that constantly expects them to do a 360-degree helicoptor kick. They're doing okay.
Keep an eye on Kris’s upcoming directorial work—that’s where the real evolution of the Van Damme name is happening. Check out their recent social media updates to see the training regimens they're using to stay in "action shape" for the 2026 season.
Next Steps for You: If you want to see the family's dynamic in action, look for the 2011 reality series Jean-Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors. It gives a surprisingly raw look at how the kids interact with their father’s intense personality. Also, keep tabs on the upcoming indie action circuit; Kris is increasingly involved in the production side of smaller, gritty features that don't always hit the mainstream radar.