10 Famous People You Forgot Were In Jean-Claude Van Damme Movies

What do James Bond, a WCW champion, an NBA all-star and an Oscar winner all have in common?

Replicant Movie
Lionsgate

Throughout his long career, Jean-Claude Van Damme has shared the screen with many acting greats - and some not-so-greats. Although his movies were never likely to rake in any oscars, that has never stopped famous people from willingly - often eagerly- sharing the billing with him (usually with Van Damme's name on top).

From the highs- 'Bloodsport', 'Hard Target', to the lows- 'Double Team', 'Knock Off' JCVD has consistently worked with a plethora talented people.

This is a list of 10 of those famous people that you many have forgotten were actually in JCVD movies. Some names on this list may even come as a suprise to many people: you have everyone from BAFTA and Oscar winning actors to an NBA all-star, from James Bond to a WCW Heavyweight Champion.

Despite this list of recognisable names, the high-kicking tough guy may be his own greatest co-star, having played dual roles on at least four occasions.

10. Bill Goldberg- Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)

Replicant Movie
TriStar Pictures

Goldberg was a legend in WCW. His famous undefeated streak, usually dispatching opponents in minutes, made him a crowd favourite. Goldberg even beat Hulk Hogan to become champion. In WWE he was… something else.

In 1999 though he was Uni-Sol Romeo in Universal Soldier: The Return, which is the fourth of six in the franchise. This addition to the series actually got a cinematic release, unlike ‘Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms’ and Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business’ both coming in 1998. The previous two instalments did not feature Jean-Claude Van Damme, who would rarely appear in sequels.

Although he didn’t play a large part in the film, Goldberg did feature in the music video for the theme song, ‘Crush ‘Em’ by Megadeth. 'Crush 'Em' would also briefly be Goldberg's walk-out music in WCW.

Universal Soldier: The Return was a failure both financially and critically but next to Goldberg’s next movie Ready to Rumble (2000), it’s a masterpiece. Goldberg's performance wasn't going to blow anyone away here, but his intense charisma does elevate the film overall.

Contributor
Contributor

Cat Gentleman and bookworm. Huge fan of martial arts action movies, sci-fi and especially horror, from Bela Lugosi to the Walking Dead. Love heavy music, retro gaming and pro wrestling.