How challenging is it to be part of the Van Damme legacy? What are the advantages and disadvantages of carrying your father’s name?
It depends on what the “challenge” might be. It all depends on one’s experiences through life, and how they choose to handle themselves throughout these “challenges”. Self-awareness (as my father spoke of for many years) is a REAL thing, and takes continuous effort to evidently build into a fortress of understanding and solitude.
All that being said, it is definitely challenging to be the offspring of a celebrity like my father. I must deal with the daily content and opinionated judgments of others, whom only wish and / or choose to see what they know and attach their interest to – My father’s on-screen likeness, etc. within said realm.
What many do not take the time to do, is reflect on what it might be like to function within such a vast cloud of pre-established clout, ego, and power (to some degree). What this realization has done for me, is make me realize how important internal acceptance and faith (whatever that might be for each individual) actually is.
When we do not have the opportunity to be “challenged” In life, let alone the roller coaster that is the process of self-awareness, we remain in the vortex that blinds us from the internal mechanism that defines each and every one of us as an individual.
I no longer care when people send me threatening messages, and let alone compare my actual likeness to that of my father’s (mostly the characters he’s portrayed in films, and not the man himself) in any way, shape, or form. I simply return to my own reality of self-awareness, and I am immediately reminded with who I am. In this moment, I am immediately humbled and returned to what and who actually matters in my own life as, Kris “Van Damme” (Van Varenberg).
I find it very entertaining these days when random fans of my father’s likeness, reach out to me with the attempt of “schooling” me on how to be a “better” son and / or human being in general. They act as if they know my father better than I do. I won’t even get started on that trilogy+ novelization, as it would be considered biblically massive to cover in an interview of this caliber. Let’s focus on this film and my career as, Kris “Van Damme”.
You began your career in 1992, mostly in smaller roles. Which early role stands out as the most memorable?
They all do for me, especially as I grow older and remember the values of each experience. There was a lot of magic having grown-up on film sets in the late 1990’s into the majority of the 1990’s. As a child, you naturally tend to see things from a purer perspective, opposed to from a more grown introspective level.
I am grateful to have kept most, if not all of my pure core memories awake and fueled throughout the majority of my life. They have become my internal realm of security and peace throughout the entirety of my life thus far, and I plan to keep things that way.
Some of my best memories were always off-camera, exploring the film sets and creating my own worlds around them. This is what I believe was the entry into becoming a filmmaker of my own.
Do you remember your first day on a movie set? Were you inspired, or did you question whether this path was right for you?
Having allowed my imagination to run free, I immediately connected to this world of creativity. I knew this was the place for me. It just felt correct. Also, I did not yet witness the corruption of the industry, which helped glide (guide) me through it, smoothly.
As I grew older and began to experience the dark side of this industry, I understood the importance of the pure core values that initially affected me as a child. This is why I keep them alive, no matter what anyone or anything throws my way.
You competed in Taekwondo and Shotokan. What was your toughest victory?
Yes, I studied various forms of martial arts throughout the majority of my life. My primary form of martial arts began with Shotokan (like my father before me), and yes, my father was my first and primary introduction into the sport.
I then merged into Taekwondo, but did not stop training my leveling system in the arts of Shotokan. If I had to choose between the two martial arts, I would strongly choose Shotokan over any other form, as I naturally connect to the more ridged and grounded Japanese styles of martial arts. To me, they feel more direct and honest, opposed to the more fluid and organic-like forms.
I’m not saying that my preference is “stronger” or “better” in any way, shape, or form. I am simply expressing what and why I personally prefer as a seasoned martial artist. I did compete in both forms mentioned above over a number of years, and did very well doing so. However, I did not pursue a career in martial arts as I do not enjoy the brutal life of a fighter. I’ve always seen martial arts as a graceful form of expression, even when the form is one which holds a more sturdy and grounded nature.
I still practice to this day, more so in Shotokan than Taekwondo. I hold respect for all martial arts, alike. I hold a strong belief that martial arts can recenter an individuals self-awareness, respect, and focus, both within themselves and their engagement throughout the exterior world around them.
I always recommend the study of any martial art as a solution of solitude, especially to those who have lost themselves throughout life.
The Philly Kid is a notable film in your career. What was that experience like, especially working with Neal McDonough, Michael Jai White, and Devon Sawa?
Although short-lived, I thoroughly enjoyed working on that film very much. It was one of the first films that I had landed on my own, after countless of auditions prior to it. I had a lovely time sharing conversations with Devon and Jason Connery, who is an excellent underrated director.
I found a strong relatability factor with Jason, as we are both offspring of powerfully known international celebrity likenesses. Even if Jason and I did not speak thoroughly about this, it was felt (at least by me) on set, and highly respected. That sense of relatability through frequency (energy) truly allowed the scenes we shot together, to speak for themselves.
After watching the film, I gained a lot more confidence in myself not only as an actor, but as a director, as a filmmaker. Jason‘s wonderful work as the project director was a seed planted in my mind and heart, that has allowed me to grow and develop at a well respected rhythm.
Devon and I once shared the same agent, which was cool. Devon is a highly intelligent and misunderstood individual. He is a vastly talented actor and deserves far more credit that what he’s received.
What advice from your father has had the biggest impact on your life and career?
“No matter the budget or role, always do you best to transcend belief into your performances, and you will not only pass the acceptance of the viewers, but will level up as an actor.” – JCVD
This was some of the best advice my father gave me.
You have five upcoming projects. Which one should audiences keep an eye on?
Please follow and support the following 2 projects I am in the process of completing and developing:
My Star Wars short fan film (Lightsaber duel sequence), ‘Duel On Stattera’ on Instagram, as well as (soon to be…) YouTube. This is a brief scene taken out of a larger Star Wars story I’ve developed over a number of years. We will also have multiple episodes showcasing a behind the scenes and making-of editorial, allowing viewers to realize that we did not use any artificial intelligence in order to make this project feel like old school, George Lucas, ‘Star Wars’.
The other project I am currently in the process of developing is already known as, ‘Brock Talk’.
If you and / or anyone reading this is / are a fan of the, ‘Pokémon’ franchise, then I am more than positive. You will enjoy this in-development YouTube channel I have been working on for quite sometime now. In fact, I have connected to a specific character within the Pokémon Universe for the majority of my life,
Since this particular character shares A LOT of similarities with myself and my life (family history, friendships, hardships, traits, experiences, faiths, disciplines, etc…). I always saw this franchise as a realm to escape to, so when I decided to connect myself with it further throughout my childhood, it instantly stuck and grew into my adulthood with me. It has remained vastly important and powerful to me, as well as those around me. This allowed me to uncover so much more to this particular character and his (my) life than any other character I have ever (and will ever) portrayed / transformed into, throughout the entirety of my life. You can find, ‘Brock Talk’ on Instagram and YouTube.
In Riders of Grace film you star alongside Kevin Sorbo and Matthias Hues in Riders of Grace. What can you share about that project?
This project is currently in-development, but yes, I am attached and very excited to be a part of it. The project producer, Chris Peschken is a wonderful individual and solid producer. I am looking forward to working on this one with him and the rest of the team attached.
You have worked as a Second Unit director, producer, and assistant director. What did those roles teach you, and did you enjoy working behind the camera?
I had the honor and privilege to have my first real behind-camera experience alongside an internationally renowned and highly experienced veteran director of photography known as, Douglas Milsome. We had worked together on the film that
My father wrote, produced, and directed called, ‘Frenchy’ (not at released). Douglas is known for many iconic films, such as, ‘The Shinning’, ‘Full Metal Jacket’, ‘Last Of The Mohicans’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, ‘my father’s films, ‘Legionnaire’, and so many other films that shaped the backbone of cinema history. He was Stanley Kubrick righthand man on most, if not all his films.
Dougie, as we would refer to him as, would bring me along with him on location scouts, all pre-production meetings, and have me be his eyes when he was directing my father’s scenes. It was tough at first, but I soon grew to understand and see where Doug lived and lives as a true veteran filmmaker.
His guidance and teachings came from a place that holds a stamp in the world of true cinema. Having been mentored by Doug made me realize even further how much I absolutely love this work I do, as a filmmaker. Thank you, Doug, and may your son continue to rest in peace. We love you dearly.
Do you prefer playing heroes or villains? Is there a dream role you hope to take on?
I thoroughly enjoy playing antagonist roles opposed to protagonist roles. In my daily life, I consider myself to be a nice guy, so I prefer to express myself over and throughout the more complex characters and roles.
Also, I feel there is so much more to playing a villain that must mask an internal struggle of his own (depending on the role), all while maintaining a specific character path and arc. I feel there are far more complexities to this type of alternating performance, which I naturally tend to lean towards. It’s just the nature of my personality as a performing artist.
Do you plan to stay in the action genre, or would you like to explore drama or thrillers?
I enjoy the spirits of most genres, however, I do not consider myself to be eternally chained to the ‘Action Genre’, Simply because I am the son of an internationally recognized action star. It also depends on how complex a script and / or character is written. There can be magic in a single character, even if the script is written generically to the genre, etc…
Are you interested in directing your own film in the future?
Absolutely. There are a few films in the pipeline that I will be a part of as both a Director and Actor.
How did you land a role in Mexicali?
Through my good friend, Luke La Fontaine. Luke approached me with the character pitch of, “RUTHIE”. I immediately fell in love with the character, and began growing him on the spot. No reading was necessary, as I am at a place in my career where I now receive offers, opposed to reading for the roles I’m interested in. I am very grateful to have finally reached this level of acceptance within this industry.
What can audiences expect from Mexicali and from your character in the film?
This is a big and highly important question. Unfortunately, there was more to my character that was filmed, but not used in the final edit. Sometimes that’s just how these projects unfold. Sometimes an actor’s performance is far too powerful for that very specific moment (or scene) within the story, and just stands out too adamantly on its own.
Regardless, and for the fans, “RUTHIE” had more to him than what currently meets the eye. It is always difficult to accept, since method actors like myself indulge within the energy of their characters so vastly. That when the truth they’ve built for these characters are taken away from them (to a certain degree), are now left with even more mystery. This change fits them into a different light, or version of what was originally performed.
Sometimes a very talented editor can make this process even more appealing, while at other times, a not so talented editor (one who doesn’t understand story and how acting can transcend story) can actually butcher a particularly important and / or imposing character feel like just another “bad guy”.
Either way, and like my father told me years ago, an actor must always do their best to capture the “relatability in believability”, in order to always make their character’s presence / importance remembered for the greater “good” of story being told.
What are your three favorite martial arts films of all time?
Believe it or not, I’ve never given this any thought. Surprisingly enough, I don’t have an immediate answer apart films like, ‘ROCKY’, ‘BLOODSPORT’, ‘WARRIOR’, etc… because they carried heart (universally relatable).
What are your two favorite fight scenes in film history?
Another technical question to answer. For now, I’ll say:
- the duel between Luke Skywalker & Darth Vader in, ‘Star Wars Episode IV’,
- aboard Cloud City on Bespin, the final battle in, ‘Brave Heart’,
- the face off between The Hound & The Mountain in, ‘Game Of Thrones’,
- the final duel in Akira Kurosawa’s, ‘Seven Samurai’,
- and of course my father’s iconic choreography and editorial of the final fight between he and Bolo Yeung in, ‘Bloodsport’.
I know that’s 5 mentioned scenes, and there are probably more, but it beats 2.
Which three recent action movies would you recommend watching?
Mexicali (lots of action in there…), My father’s film, Lucas (also known as, The Bouncer), and Children Of Men.
