Did you know that VD's first film was a bit part in Chuck Norris' Missing in Action (1984)? Chuck let some of his sweat drip onto Van Damme and the French dancer gained a showing of martial arts talent. (the part about the film was true).
VD did have a very brief martial arts career and is actually from Belgium. Although former multiple World Kickboxing Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson even offered Jean-Claude a "$100,000" bounty match to get into the ring and fight him, he turned it down completely.
On the other hand . . .
Chuck was asked how he would like to be remembered. Chuck's answer was as a Humanitarian. He has gotten a good start by:
1.) Being the spokesperson for United Way, doing an eight-minute commercial, which helped bring in over two billion dollars.
2.) Veterans Administration spokesperson visiting over 12 V.A. hospitals and speaking with World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veterans including one from World War I.
3.) Winning the 1998 Epiphany award on Walker, Texas Ranger for the best Christian program.
4.) The Jewish Humanitarian Man of the Year Award.
5.) Actively involved with the Make A Wish Foundation for 20 years by making dreams come true for terminally ill children.
6.) BMI Music Television Award for Walker, Texas Ranger theme song, "Eyes of a Ranger".
7.) Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.
8.) Commissioned Police Officer for Terrell, Texas.
9.) Motivational speaker for many Christian ministries, such as T.D. Jakes Ministry, Trinity Broadcasting, and Bill Glass Crusade.
But Chuck thinks his most rewarding accomplishment was the creation of his Kick-Start Foundation. With the help of President George Bush, Chuck implemented a program teaching the martial arts to 150 high-risk children at M C Williams Middle School in Houston, Texas, as part of the school curriculum. The program was so successful in helping these kids raise their self-esteem and instilling discipline and respect, as well as getting them out of gangs, that the program is now in 30 schools with over 4,200 young boys and girls actively participating.
And all that was in his spare time.