Celebrity Info
When your dad is none other than the legendary high-kicking action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, there’s a certain expectation that you might walk a similar path. And for Kristopher Van Varenberg—son of Van Damme and fitness expert Gladys Portuges—that journey into the world of film began at a remarkably young age. As one of two children in the family, Kristopher Van Varenberg made his cinematic debut when he was just five years old, stepping into the shoes of a young Jean-Claude Van Damme during a flashback scene in the 1992 sci-fi action flick Universal Soldier. It was a fitting start, really.
Not long after, in 1996’s The Quest, Kristopher Van Varenberg once again portrayed his father as a child, continuing the pattern of embodying the younger version of the martial arts icon. But it wasn’t until Universal Soldier: Regeneration that Kristopher Van Varenberg truly stepped out on his own, playing the original character Miles—a role that marked a turning point in his career. From there, he’s maintained a strong creative partnership with Jean-Claude Van Damme, collaborating across multiple projects both in front of and behind the camera.
Take, for instance, 2010’s The Tower, which Kristopher Van Varenberg co-wrote—a clear sign of his growing influence beyond acting. That same year, he appeared alongside his father again in The Eagle Path, not only sharing screen time but also taking on responsibilities as assistant director. It’s clear that Kristopher Van Varenberg is carving out a multifaceted role in the industry, even if his approach differs from his father’s. While Jean-Claude Van Damme built his fame on intense martial arts prowess, Kristopher Van Varenberg has only light training in karate, choosing instead to explore other passions.
One of those passions includes traditional animation—an art form he’s deeply interested in. Through Rodin Entertainment, his own production company, Kristopher Van Varenberg is currently developing several animated projects, showcasing his creative range. Beyond filmmaking, he’s also committed to advocacy work, particularly in the realm of animal rights, where he’s been an active campaigner. On a personal note, it was on the set of The Eagle Path that Kristopher Van Varenberg met his girlfriend, Ilaria Zamprioli, a talented makeup artist—adding another meaningful chapter to his Hollywood story.
When it comes to Kristopher Van Varenberg’s body of work, fans and critics alike often point to Enemies Closer (2013) as his standout project—the highest rated movie in his filmography. Over the years, Kristopher Van Varenberg has built a diverse portfolio, but it’s this 2013 action-packed thriller that consistently earns the most praise. On the other end of the spectrum, Black Water (2018) tends to receive less favorable reviews, making it the lowest rated among Kristopher Van Varenberg’s films. While opinions may vary, these two titles mark the high and low points in Kristopher Van Varenberg’s cinematic journey so far.
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