EXCLUSIVE: Jean-Claude Van Damme, 63, reveals how he REALLY feels about his ‘feud’ with Steven Seagal, 71, – and explains why he’s braver than Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone
Jean-Claude Van Damme famously feuded with Steven Seagal in the 90s and addressed his feelings for him in an interview with MailOnline.
Both actors were considered two of the best action heroes of the golden age of martial arts in Hollywood films of the time, leading to a level of competition and public sparring.
And when Jean-Claude heard Seagal, 71, belittling him in interviews, he said he challenged him to ‘find himself outside’ at a party at Sylvester Stallone’s house in Miami in 1991 – but Stephen refused to take him up on his offer. .
Jean-Claude spoke to MailOnline about the situation from his hotel room in Hong Kong and said: “If Stephen doesn’t like me, that’s fine. If someone likes Beethoven or Einstein didn’t like me, maybe that would concern me.
“But Seagal, I don’t mind if he doesn’t love me. I really don’t mind. I don’t think there is any problem.’
EXCLUSIVE: Jean-Claude Van Damme, 63, tells MailOnline how he REALLY feels about his ‘feud’ with actor Steven Seagal, 71 – and explains why he’s braver than Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone
Jean-Claude said: “If Steven doesn’t love me, that’s fine. If someone like Beethoven or Einstein didn’t like me, it might worry me – Steven famously belittled Jean-Claude in interviews in the 90s, but turned down his offer of a fight (pictured in 2018)
Hardworking people: The actor said he still makes two films a year and said he is much braver than Arnold Schwarzenegger (second from right) and Sly Stallone (second from left) when it comes to taking on work because he claims they are afraid of travel
Jean-Claude, aka Brussels Muscles, said he still makes two films a year and said he is much braver than Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone when it comes to taking on work.
He said: “It is impossible for a guy like me not to work. I speak French, a little English. I’m shooting two French films next.
‘Arnie and Sly, they’re afraid to go international, but I’m a world traveler. I’ve been to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan… everywhere. I suppose they can be considered dangerous countries, but I was welcomed there.’
While Jean-Claude is still in demand in the film world, he has decided to embark on a new venture and is now co-owner of a new Irish whiskey called Old Oak.
A reformed party boy, Jean-Claude said memories of his grandfather inspired his love of bourbon.
He said: “I used to live in a country house in Brussels, my grandfather would take me on his thigh and dip his cigar in whiskey before smoking while I was sitting.
“This was the 70s, of course. Now people say it’s not good to smoke around children, but I liked the smell of the wood and I’ve never forgotten it.’
“I’m not an expert on alcohol and obviously it’s had some ups and downs for me over the years. But whiskey is the liquid of life, but I’m relaxed about how my new venture is going. If people like it, they like it. We’ll see.
“It’s like when you’re shooting a movie.” Sometimes you shoot big budget stuff and it fails. Other times something costs 2-3 million and earns 70 million.’
Jean Claude Van DRAM! While Jean-Claude is still in demand in the film world, he has decided to embark on a new venture and is now co-owner of a new Irish whiskey called Old Oak.
Nostalgia: Jean-Claude said memories of his grandfather inspired his love of bourbon. He said: “I lived in a country house in Brussels, my grandfather would take me on his thigh and dip his cigar in whiskey before smoking while I was sitting down”
She goes everywhere with me: The Kickboxer star introduced her beloved chihuahua Lola during an interview, (pic)
Jean-Claude said he was never too drunk on whiskey, saying: “I don’t drink it every night, it’s more like 1-2 shots a week.”
“You can still write a script, talk to your friends.” It relaxes you. And this is a boutique type of whiskey that is made in limited numbers.
“Vodka, however, was a different story.” I had a few drinks with Ukrainians and Russians before all the trouble.
“Caviar was completely new to me then, so I ate a lot, drank a lot. I walked out of my body on Guinness. Wow!’
Jean-Claude impressed fans with his dance moves in the movie Kickboxer, which was released in 1989, and said he can still pull off those wild moves more than 30 years later.
“Yes, I can still do those flexible movements after three or four glasses of wine.” he smiled. “But the problem is that now I have cramps in the morning.”
“And when I drink, I always smile.” I’m a happy camper when I drink, not a fighter. And I do everything in moderation. I’m wild 70% of the time these days.’
With that, he brings his beloved chihuahua to say hello and gives her a big kiss.
Wow! Jean-Claude impressed fans with his dance moves in the movie Kickboxer, which was released in 1989, and said he can still pull off those wild moves more than 30 years later
Throwback: ‘Yeah, I can still do those flex movements after three or four glasses of wine.’ he smiled. ‘But the problem is I have cramps in the morning now’
“This is Lola,” he said.
“She comes everywhere with me.” I love animals. I love primates too. I met Jane Goodall once.’
Jean-Claude celebrates his birthday on Wednesday and said: “I might spend it doing a split between two whiskey barrels.
“I’ll have to get some stretchy jeans to do that or wear shorts.” Once you get to a certain age, you lose flexibility.
“First come your legs, then your butt, then your abs, so it’s important to do stretching exercises, train your midsection and do blood tests to determine what type of diet you should be on.”
Jean-Claude’s Old Oak features a signature 3-year-old blended whiskey finished in a select blend of bourbon and new oak barrels and a 5-year-old blended whiskey finished in a rum reserve barrel.
Old Oak Whisky’s award-winning three and five year old whiskeys cost £34.95 and £39.95 and are available to buy online at www.oldoakirishvhiskei.com.