Jean-Claude Van Damme recently honored the late Chuck Norris, an iconic actor, after his passing at the age of 86. Van Damme took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, reminiscing about their friendship that started in his early days in the industry.
In an interview with Mirror, the Belgian actor revealed how he first crossed paths with Norris in his late teens while trying to establish himself in acting. Despite facing language barriers, their meeting marked a turning point for Van Damme when Bob Wall, a star from “Enter the Dragon,” recommended Norris to mentor and train him.
Following Wall’s introduction, Van Damme and Norris began rigorous training sessions early in the mornings, with Van Damme even going the extra mile to ensure he was always on time, sometimes sleeping in his car outside Norris’ residence. These sessions included intense sparring with various opponents, including world champions like Joe Jackson.
Their collaboration eventually led to Van Damme’s breakthrough in the film industry, with Norris casting him in “Missing in Action” in the Philippines in 1984, followed by the renowned “Bloodsport” in later years.
Decades later, the bond between the two actors remained strong, as evidenced by Van Damme’s touching Instagram tribute to Norris, accompanied by photos of them together over the years. Van Damme expressed his deepest condolences for his friend’s passing, emphasizing the respect and admiration he held for Norris.
Reports indicated that Norris suffered a medical emergency on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, leading to his sudden passing. A statement on Norris’ Instagram account highlighted his influence as a martial artist, actor, and symbol of strength to the world, while emphasizing his role as a devoted family man who left a lasting impact on countless lives.