19 Actors who started out as athletes early in their career

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty
F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty

15) Jean-Claude Van Damme

An Evening With Jean-Claude Van Damme - Source: Getty
An Evening With Jean-Claude Van Damme - Source: Getty

Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme began as a martial artist and then became an actor. He was a champion in karate and kickboxing, winning several titles. The Belgian martial artist came to the United States to pursue an acting career and got his big break with the movie Bloodsport. He became famous for action films such as Kickboxer, Double Impact, and Universal Soldier. He capitalized on his martial arts skills and the tough-guy image he had carved out for himself.

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Edited by Nimisha