Biography

Kristopher Van Varenberg (professionally known as Kris Van Damme) is a Belgian-American actor, director, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. He is the son of actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme and fitness champion, author, and actress Gladys Portugues, and was introduced to film production at an early age.

His early screen appearances include Universal Soldier (1992) and The Quest (1996), followed by roles in Derailed (2002), Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009), and The Eagle Path (2010). He continued working in feature films throughout the following decade, including Assassination Games (2011), Dragon Eyes (2012), 6 Bullets (2012), Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012), The Philly Kid (2012), Enemies Closer (2013), Welcome to the Jungle (2013), Kill ’Em All (2017), and Black Water (2018), working both on screen and in additional production capacities.

Recent work includes the feature film Darkness of Man (2024), appearances in three episodes of Season 9 of the drama series The Bay, and the upcoming feature Mexicali, directed by Luke La Fontaine, with an official U.S. trailer release by Samuel Goldwyn Films scheduled for March 13.

In addition to acting, Kris Van Damme writes, directs, and produces independent projects. He is the creator, director, and producer of the digital series Brock Talk and the short Star Wars fan film Duel on Stattera, both currently in development.

His background includes lifelong daily physical training and a foundation in Shotokan karate and other forms of martial arts, athletics, and performance disciplines developed from an early age, including ballet, ice skating, and track & field. He is also an experienced motorcycle rider with extensive technical knowledge of motorcycles, elements that continue to inform his on-screen presence.

He studied 2D animation in Vancouver, Canada, and worked as a storyboard artist for both film and classical animation. Kris continues to utilize these crafts on all of his own projects. He is represented by Miles Anthony for film-whose clients have included actors such as Eric Roberts, Alison Eastwood, and Bill Cobbs-and by Donna Kim for commercial representation.
- IMDb mini biography by: Kris Van Damme